Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, December 23, 2018
A Kind, Clean Christmas
Dec 23 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Oskar Blues Brewery North Carolina

Come hang out for an evening of rock, soul, blues, and funk + some Christmas favorites from the members of Kind, Clean Gentlemen-Andrew Scotchie and Keith Harry- joined by Dave Desmelik and John Trufant – Music. Benefiting The Bread of Life and Grateful Bread. Don’t forget to dig through your closet and wear your ugliest sweater for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2173724049316237/

Holiday Gathering
Dec 23 @ 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The Ten Acre Garden

Come celebrate the season at our inaugural high tunnel event! We miss our farm family. We’ll have the new heaters and I’m decorating with the hemlocks downed during the snowstorm and some holly I sourced up in the woods. So much hemlock:).
Matt came up with a festive menu we can’t wait to share, and we have so much to be grateful for this season. We want to talk about the plans for the new year and get your ideas for going forward.
Seating limited to 24, so reserve soon. Message us on messenger or email [email protected]. Or you can text Garth at 828-356-4783. Can’t wait to see you all!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1156677954496067/

Christmas Eve Eve Church Service at Ridgeline Church
Dec 23 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ridgeline Church

Hot cocoa bar, Christmas music, and a heart-warming message. Bring the whole family to Ridgeline for Christmas in Asheville and have a holiday experience you’ll never forget. Meet Buddy the Elf and Santa! 35 Airport Rd. Arden, NC 28704. 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 23 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Riveroak Legend Holiday Cocktail Party
Dec 23 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Riveroak Fitness

As our community grows, we feel it’s important to stay connected as a community & family! Come spread some Holiday love – we’ll take care of the fresh squeezed holiday themed juices & cocktails- you just bring some good vibes.

https://www.facebook.com/events/275663466638913/

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 23 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings (December)
Dec 23 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Biltmore

Candlelight Christmas Evenings*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019 (Select Dates)

*Check website for availability/dates
*By reservation only.
*Pricing varies by date.

Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring holiday warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House, creating an evening to remember. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings. Advance reservations are required for evening visits.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/1524627331014393/?event_time_id=1524627424347717

Holiday Swing with Queen Bee and the Honeylovers
Dec 23 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Isis Music Hall

$12 Advance / $15 Day of Show

Come get your Christmas music fix with Queen Bee and the Honeylovers in the lounge followed by Russ Wilson’s Swingin Christmas on the main stage! A sweet evening of classic holiday standards with a few original Asheville-inspired tunes thrown in.

Seated Lounge Show:: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner (Table) Reservations

https://www.facebook.com/events/526387881222975/

Jah Humbug
Dec 23 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Local 604 Bottle Shop

Holiday weirdness at its finest
Come have a good time with us :)

https://jahhumbug.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/events/568979590232337/

Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Dec 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. The driving-only tour includes thousands of dazzling lights and displays placed along a magical journey on the road circling Lake Julian Park.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 2-23. Want to experience the show by foot? Lights by the Lake Stroll Night is on Saturday, December 1. Please check our Facebook event page for information on any closings due to winter weather.

Tickets are $10 at the gate ($8 in advance) for a standard passenger car or van. A portion of the proceeds benefit Buncombe County Special Olympics.

https://www.facebook.com/events/260293307959881/?event_time_id=260293374626541

Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Dec 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. The driving-only tour includes thousands of dazzling lights and displays placed along a magical journey on the road circling Lake Julian Park.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 2-23. Want to experience the show by foot? Lights by the Lake Stroll Night is on Saturday, December 1. Please check our Facebook event page for information on any closings due to winter weather.

Tickets are $10 at the gate ($8 in advance) for a standard passenger car or van. A portion of the proceeds benefit Buncombe County Special Olympics.

https://www.facebook.com/events/260293307959881/

Winter Lights
Dec 23 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Experience Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland and see the Arboretum’s gardens dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Roast s’mores by the fire, listen to your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, cider or beer. Proceeds from the event will support the Arboretum’s educational programs, exhibit and facilities year-round.

Tickets range from $8-18 and must be purchased in advance online at www.ncwinterlights.com.

https://www.facebook.com/events/183329605927836/?event_time_id=183329659261164

Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights
Dec 23 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Visit Gatlinburg

Tour Gatlinburg’s most dazzling light displays by hopping aboard the Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights! This popular winter tradition is the perfect way to see our mountain town in all its Winter Magic splendor. Get your tickets today!

https://www.facebook.com/events/726348577700947/?event_time_id=726348631034275

A Centerpiece Jazz Christmas
Dec 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
The Grind Cafe

The Annual Centerpiece Jazz Christmas Shows at the Grind Cafe will be on Dec. 21st & 23rd. The Friday Dec. 21 show will feature: Richard Shulman on piano and Adam Booker on bass – along with regulars Dave Reep on trumpet and Joseph Hasty on guitar/vocals with special guest Geoff Clapp on drums.
The Sunday Dec. 23rd show will feature the Page Brothers – Andy and Zack Page on guitar and bass. They will join Clapp, Hasty and Reep to round out the Quintet.
Holiday Jazz at it’s finest in the most intimate and festive atmosphere in Western North Carolina. Dinner specials along with fine wines and bottled craft beers will help ring in the Holidays!
$14 cover charge and reservations are a must!
These shows sell out in a hurry folks…

https://www.facebook.com/events/581339808972501/

Russ Wilson “Have Yourself a Swinging Little Christmas”
Dec 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Isis Music Hall

$15 Advance / $15 Day of Show

An evening of swinging Christmas classics from Russ Wilson And His Famous Orchestra and Guest Stars.

Remember the days when TV was actually GOOD? And remember all those great Christmas music spectaculars hosted by Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and so many others?

RUSS WILSON AND HIS FAMOUS ORCHESTRA are presenting that same great musical entertainment at the Isis Restaurant and Music Hall on December 23RD in their 6th Annual Holiday Extravaganza.

“HAVE YOURSELF A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS!”

Along with Russ and His All Star Orchestra will be an array of special guests: WENDY JONES, JESSE EARL JUNIOR, HANK BONES, RICHARD SHULMAN bringing a healthy dose of holiday cheer to you. AND SANTA CLAUS WILL BE THERE!

Fun for the entire family. This is THE musical event of the season. Make your reservations now. This is one show you DO NOT want to miss!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Main Stage Seated :: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner (Table) Reservations

https://www.facebook.com/events/496126840899619/

Sold Out! Free Theatre! A Christmas Carol.
Dec 23 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Montford Park Players Presents ALL-TEEN version of A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

Produced by Montford Park Players at Land of the Sky UCC

Show Dates:
December 14-23
Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:30pm; Sundays @ 7:30pm

Montford Park Players, an Asheville theatrical tradition, is overjoyed to present the local holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol! All performances will be held at Land of the Sky UCC, 15 Overbrook Place, off Tunnel Road in Asheville, from December 14th through the 23rd on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30pm. This performance like ALL of Montford Park Players’ shows will be absolutely FREE to attend. (No performance on Saturday, Dec. 15, due to the church’s schedule).

This year, the Montford Park Players’ Education Division takes over, with all of the acting, designing and even the technical elements being run by the Montford Moppets, MPP’s squad of talented tweens and teens. Under the guidance of longtime Moppets instructors, Ashleigh Goff and Skyler Goff, this year’s version promises a youthful vibrancy for this family-friendly classic.

Almost everyone knows this story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his visit from four spirits, some ghastly, some benevolent, on Christmas Eve. Through a magical journey through Scrooge’s past, present and future Christmases, they show him the true meaning of the holiday season, and allow him the opportunity to connect with his own generosity and goodness. In this version, adapted by co-director Skyler Goff, the Cratchit spend their own Christmas Eve hearing the story of how Uncle Scrooge became the kind benefactor he is today.

Montford Park Players, has been presenting Shakespeare and other classical works to the Asheville community since 1973, and has since grown to be one of Western North Carolina’s most beloved and well-known cultural attractions.

For more information or to reserve seats, go to montfordparkplayers.org, or call at (828) 254-5146.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2267828916772371/

Soul Jam (Open Jam) with Special Affair
Dec 23 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
One World Brewing

Open Jam With Members of Special Affair & Rachel Waterhouse of Sister Ivy at One World Brewing Downtown.

Bring your instruments and lets play some tunes!
Starts at 8 PM.

10 Patton Ave, Asheville NC

https://www.facebook.com/events/781902705497766/

Liberation Holiday Cast Party
Dec 23 @ 9:30 pm – Dec 24 @ 12:00 am
THE BLOCK off biltmore

After 6 shows in 5 different locations all in one week, it’s time to party! Join the cast and crew of Black Nativity: Liberation Holiday for a celebration at the end of the last performance. With music by Twan’DjTwan Bryant!

https://www.facebook.com/events/277829013082403/

Monday, December 24, 2018
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 24 all-day

All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!

Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.

Reclaimed Creations
Dec 24 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Reclaimed Creations is a unique sculpture exhibit created by renowned artist Sayaka Ganz. Utilizing reclaimed plastic objects, such as discarded utensils, Ganz creates amazing sculptures that visually appear unified at a distance, but are in fact separated when examined up close. Described as using a “3D impressionistic” style, Ganz’s exhibit includes installations of animals in motion, which are in rich in color and energy, to create an illusion of form.

About the Artist

Born in Yokohama, Japan, Sayaka Ganz grew up living in Japan, Brazil and Hong Kong. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. A lecturer and teacher, Ganz’s work has been displayed at various institutions around the globe, including the Hermann Geiger Foundation in Cecina, Italy, the Isle Gallery in Isle of Man, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.

My work is about perceiving harmony, even in situations that appear chaotic from the inside. When observing my sculptures up close, one might see gaps, holes and items being held on only by small points; step away, however, and the sculptures reveal the harmony created when the objects are aligned to the same general (but not identical) direction. Similarly, it is important to gain perspective by stepping back from current problems and look at the larger picture. Then one can perceive the beauty and patterns that exist.”

Christmas Eve Class
Dec 24 @ 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center

Are you ready to burn lots of calories? Jennifer and Lisa are bringing an energetic class on Christmas Eve!

45 minutes of CARDIO & STRENGTH
45 minutes of PIYO (both formats in one class)

Location: Multipurpose room!

https://www.facebook.com/events/382137745860442/

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration (December)
Dec 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019 (daily)

*Included with estate admission.
*Does not include “Candlelight Christmas Evenings”

Experience the holidays wreathed with the wonder of Biltmore. Our celebration presents Christmas on a grand scale with more than 55 trees decorated by our talented staff, accented with miles of ribbon, garlands, and lights. Festive menus in our restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/104655743803303/?event_time_id=104655833803294

Holiday Hours
Dec 24 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Check our Holiday Hours to plan your shopping trips to Asheville Outlets! *Store hours may vary.

SPECIAL DATES:
Thursday, November 22 (Thanksgiving Day) | 6pm-2am
Friday, November 23 (Black Friday) | 9am-9pm
Saturday, November 24 | 9am-9pm
Saturday, December 22 | 9am-9pm
Sunday, December 23 | 9am-6pm
Monday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) | 9am – 6pm
Tuesday, December 25 (Christmas) | CLOSED
Monday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve) | 10am – 6pm
Tuesday, January 1, 2018 (New Year’s Day) | 10am – 9pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/2207665626141222/?event_time_id=2207665652807886

Rise & Shine: Pre-Holiday Flow w/ Sue Ann
Dec 24 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
West Asheville Yoga Studio

Rise & Shine: Pre-Holiday Vinyasa Flow
with Sue Ann
December 24th, 9:30-10:30am
Sliding Scale: $8-$15

On the day before Christmas, a little yoga can go a long way! Join us for a special vinyasa yoga class. During this busy time of year, we will focus on being balanced, centered and grounded. Take a little time for yourself to find a place of peace and calm.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2222892101320898/

Christmas Eve Brunch
Dec 24 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Fork and Plough

We will be open from 10-2 on Christmas Eve for brunch. Come see us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/272139630326042/

Free Santa Photos (Nov 17-Dec 24)
Dec 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

FREE Santa Photos will be available at the center through December 24 at the The North Carolina Arboretum sponsored Santa Set. Every family who visits Santa at Asheville Outlets will receive two FREE 4” x 6” Santa photo prints and a digital download of a single image. Free Santa Photos is hosted by Great Beginnings Lead To Great Smiles.

(Additional photos and Christmas merchandise are available for purchase. One giveaway per family, per Christmas season. Some restrictions may apply. Valid only through December 24, 2018.)

https://www.facebook.com/events/337462147058287/?event_time_id=337462200391615

In Times of Seismic Sorrows
Dec 24 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Center for Craft

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Interweaving Southern Baskets
Dec 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Bascom - A Center For The Visual Arts

The South has always been home to a blend of cultures — from Native Americans here by 14,000 years ago to Europeans 500 years ago, followed by Africans forced to migrate. By 1500, cultures in the South included Creek, Cherokee, Catawba, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Coushatta, from Europe English, Scottish, Irish, and German, and Africans from Senegal to Congo. Baskets were integral in daily life, as agricultural equipment for gathering, sifting, storing, and serving the finished product or as receptacles for tools, clothes, sacred objects, and even infants.

Initially each culture had its own preferred basket material and method of manufacture — twilled rivercane for Native Americans, plaited oak for Europeans, and coiled grasses for Africans. Interaction between groups spurred adaptations to changing circumstances, such as the use of white oak by the Cherokee in the 1800s, as rivercane stands were decimated by European settlements. Native Americans also adopted the European picnic, flower, egg, and market baskets to sell in the 20th-century art market. Native and European Americans wove honeysuckle into baskets after 1854, when introduced from Japan. By the 17th century African Americans discovered bulrush along the coasts, coiling it into large, round “fanners” to winnow rice. Later bulrush was one medium among sweetgrass, pine needles, and palmetto, giving rise to the name “sweetgrass baskets” along the coast.

Baskets were woven not only for use in the fields and homes or for sale in art galleries but also as a connection to ancestors and spirits, as designs were said to come from inside one’s head, from memories of one’s mother’s motifs, or from the Creator. Indeed, working with one’s hands in nature to gather materials and to form them into a basket was considered spiritually and physically healthy, becoming a part of the practice of occupational therapy around World War I.

Today, basketweavers in the South from all three traditions are teaching the next generation to continue this art. Artists from across the region work with old and new materials in old and new forms, innovating for their legacy, for art’s sake, and for political causes, as embodied in the varied vessels in this gallery and epitomized in the virtuosic miniature examples in the case at right.

Storytime with Santa!
Dec 24 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Wall Street Books LLC

Come join us for our annual storytime with Santa event! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be still stopping by the book shop Christmas Eve morning, Dec. 24 at 10:00 and we would love for your family to join us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/122643481994347/

FREE Santa Photos at Asheville Outlets
Dec 24 @ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

FREE Santa Photos are back at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com)! From November 17th through December 24th, every family who visits Santa will receive two FREE 4”x6” Santa photo prints and a digital download of a single image. Additional photos and Christmas merchandise are available for purchase. FREE Santa photo is sponsored by Great Beginnings Great Smiles; the FREE Santa photo set is sponsored by North Carolina Arboretum Winter Lights.

Santa’s Photo Hours are:
11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday, Sundays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Christmas Eve, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Santa takes a break to feed his reindeer weekdays and Saturdays: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. + 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sundays, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Located at food court. One giveaway per family, per Christmas season. Some restrictions may apply, valid only through December 24, 2018.