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.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 19 @ 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.

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 19 @ 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.

Wine Tasting
Dec 19 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Appalachian Vintner

ASHEVILLE’S BEST FREE WINE TASTING HIGH-END CALIFORNIA HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Please welcome William “Bill” O’Friel Back To The Tasting Bar For Our High-End California Holiday Spectacular

Champagne TBD (maybe Veuve, Pol Roger)

Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir

Dariush Caravan Red

Newton Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon

Honig Cabernet Sauvignon

Our Wine Wednesdays, include one *free sample from each of our hand selected fine wine features (up to four wines). New wines are chosen each week.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1966525293397203/

Bubbles Around The World: A Holiday Sparkling Dinner
Dec 19 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Henderson

Join us for a Sparkling Wine Dinner to ring in the Holidays! Chef Michael has perfectly paired sparkling wines from around the world to tantalize our taste buds! Drew Summers, of Advintage Distributing will be our tour guide on this delightful journey! He will even be wowing us with his saber technique! Merit might even give it a try! You don’t want to miss this! Come help us celebrate 2018 and get ready to ring in 2019! Cost is $50 per person. Please contact the store to reserve your spot! 828-595-2236
Menu:
Sriracha & Wasabi Devilled Eggs | Sake, Ginger, Chives
Shrimp Bisque | Sherry, Crème Fraiche, Caviar
Poached Pear Salad | Winter Leaves, Tomatoes, Champagne Vinaigrette
Mac ‘n’ Cheese| Brie, Black Truffles
Chocolate-Orange Mousse | Vanilla Whipped Cream, Raspberry

https://www.facebook.com/events/354777081774257/

Thursday, December 20, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 20 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

All new! In 2017, we broke box office records with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. In 2018, come join us for a brand new version of this holiday tradition.

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 20 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.

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 20 @ 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.

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 20 @ 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.

Sylva Wine & Art Walk, Downtown Sylva
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Who doesn’t like Art & Wine? Stroll thru the streets of Sylvatown on Dec. 20th to taste great wines and view local artists! Sponsored by The Cut Cocktail Lounge, White Moon, Noon, Pie Times, Gallery 1, The Paper Mill Lounge, Guadelupe Cafe, City Lights Cafe, Mill St Baby, and Regina Nicole!

https://www.facebook.com/events/367311450516181/

The Weepies – Holiday Acoustic Duo Tour
Dec 20 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Orange Peel

The Weepies
Holiday Acoustic Duo Tour
Show: 8pm
Doors: 7pm
$25 – $30
SEATED SHOW
Ages 18+

Tickets & Info: www.theorangepeel.net/event/the-weepies-holiday-acoustic-duo-tour/

Singer-songwriters Deb Talan & Steve Tannen began writing together the night they met, and soon formed indie band The Weepies. On the strength of their simple yet insightful songwriting and distinctive harmonies, they quietly sold more than 1.5 million records with over 54 million streams on Spotify, 25+ million views on YouTube, and over 110k social media followers. They married and had three children, rarely touring but continuing to release their music; five records over seven years.

Just before Christmas 2013, when their youngest son was 17 months old, Deb Talan was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She was in chemo by New Year’s Eve.

In 2014, Deb beat cancer, and The Weepies recorded the best album of their career. Coming back from the edge sharpened their skills and focus. At 16 songs and almost an hour long, SIRENS shows a band at the height of its powers.

The couple was unable to travel while Deb was in treatment, so they worked at home, inviting guest musicians to record remotely wherever each musician happened to be, resulting in an unlikely superstar backing band. Players from across the spectrum jumped in, including: Pete Thomas and Steve Nieve (Elvis Costello), Gerry Leonard (David Bowie), Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel), Oliver Kraus (Sia) and Matt Chamberlain (Pearl Jam), as well as veteran Weepies compatriots Frank Lenz, Eli Thomson, Jon Flaugher, Meg Toohey, and Whynot Jansveld, plus a horn section from New Orleans.

The prophetic “No Trouble” was written prior to learning Deb’s diagnosis. “I don’t need no trouble, but sometimes trouble needs me,” sings Steve; Deb’s vocals were recorded during her first weeks of chemo. The couple continued to write and record throughout treatment, with Deb providing several key vocals far into the year, including title track “Sirens,” captured in one take on a day where Deb really only had one take in her; her vulnerability is tangible. “We just kept going,” says Deb. “We also have 3 small children, and were homeschooling, and the effects of chemo blew whole days out of the water.”

The band was able to use their limited studio time as an escape, leading to some of their most joyful tracks ever, including the genre-bending “Fancy Things” and the upbeat “Early Morning Riser,” aided mightily by a fantastic rhythm section and horns. There’s plenty of heart and comfort for long time Weepies fans too – the deceptively simple “My Little Love,” the gorgeous “Brand New Pair of Wings” and the straight ahead poetry of “River From the Sky.”

After The Weepies had officially finished the album, and Deb was in recovery, they continued to record remotely with their phenomenal backing musicians for fun, eventually adding a cover of Tom Petty’s “Learning to Fly” and a version of Irish balladeer Mark Geary’s “Volunteer” to the final album.

“No one song could capture that year,” says Steve. “16 seems like a lot to release at once, but each song reflects a different angle of that long, suspended moment. They hang together like a bunch of photographs from a certain time. It was intense, but there was beauty and inspiration, too. Deb made it back. And we’re still here.”

www.theweepies.com

https://www.facebook.com/events/1072542762913143/

Friday, December 21, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 21 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

All new! In 2017, we broke box office records with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. In 2018, come join us for a brand new version of this holiday tradition.

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 21 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.

Winter Solstice Celebration – Dark Prong Coffee Release
Dec 21 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ecusta Brewing Company

Come and celebrate the Winter Solstice with the release of our Dark Prong Coffee Porter. Roasted barley, chocolate malt and smooth pecan coffee (from local Pisgah Coffee Roasters) intertwine for a bold, flavorful porter.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1422759147855974/

Natural Wine Tasting with Drew Summers
Dec 21 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tasty Beverage Company

Come try some fantastic natural wines that will pair perfectly with your holiday! We will be pouring the following wines:

Teutonic Riesling – Williamette Valley
Martha Stoumen Post Flirtation – 55% Del Barba Zinfandel, 45% Redwood Valley Carignan
Idlewild The Bird – Mendocino County – 60% Dolcetto, 35% Barbera, 5% Nebbiolo

Each of these wines is bright and high acid, drinkable enough to stand alone but is extremely food friendly. We love these wines and are excited to share them with you!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1471390979659282/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 21 @ 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.

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 21 @ 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.

A Bluegrass Christmas with Sierra Hull
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
A Bluegrass Christmas with Sierra Hull @ Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts |  |  |

Sierra Hull is a singer, mandolinist and former child prodigy who signed with Rounder at age 13 and distinguished herself by becoming the first bluegrass musician to receive a Presidential Scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Though she is best known for her work as a mandolin player, Hull is also respected as a composer and lyricist, having worked closely with 15-time Grammy Award-Winner, Bela Fleck. And now, Sierra invites everyone to enjoy the musical sounds of a Bluegrass Christmas celebration.

Saint Paul Holiday Wine & Food Pairing
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sweet Sippin'

Sweet Sippin’ will be Merry & Bright tonight as we collaborate with a local catering partner and Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard out of Hendersonville, NC. 5 wines, 5 course samples and the beautiful sounds of The Quatrophonics, a quartet of wily saxophonists…even Santa will want a ticket! A great early Christmas gift for yourself or others – join us as we celebrate what this season is all about – spending time with those you love, and celebrating the local talents around us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/207106746860707/

A Rocky Mountain Christmas by Jim Curry featuring the Music of John Denver
Dec 21 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
A Rocky Mountain Christmas by Jim Curry featuring the Music of John Denver @ Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

A family holiday tradition comes to life in “A Rocky Mountain Christmas” as Jim Curry performs the music from John Denver’s many Christmas Television specials and Christmas Music collections. Memorable melodies that speak to the heart of the holidays like “Silver Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “O Holy Night,” along with John’s own “Christmas for Cowboys,” “Noel, Christmas Eve,” “Aspenglow,” and “The Peace Carol.” Enjoy these songs along with John’s all-time hits like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” and “Back Home Again,” as Jim Curry and his band “fill up your senses” in this heart-felt seasonal show.

Special Christmas Event, 2umbao’s Debut Performance
Dec 21 @ 8:00 pm – Dec 22 @ 1:00 am
Urban Orchard Cider Co. South Slope

Hello Everyone! Hope you are all looking forward to this New location! 2umbao will be hosting this special Christmas event for the Debut Performance of 2umbao’s Ladies Team!!
Thanks to #RitmoKultural and 103.3 Asheville FM for their support!

*Cover $10 ( This includes Class , Social, & Performance ?)

** Sensual Bachata Class at 8pm with Jennifer & Mary from 2umbao!

***Sharing the Decks at 9pm
1st DJ Malinalli, Asheville NC
2nd Special guest DJ Sens3 , Knoxville TN

****Special Performance at 11:15pm

This is a gorgeous new location for Urban Orchard Downtown , large open space and a bar that provides Beer, Cider, & Wine!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1946343472337577/

Saturday, December 22, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 22 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

All new! In 2017, we broke box office records with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. In 2018, come join us for a brand new version of this holiday tradition.

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 22 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.

Holiday Party & New Wine Release
Dec 22 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Join us for a fun, relaxed holiday party to decompress and rejuvenate for the final days of this holiday season!

*NEW WINE RELEASE*
2018 Chardonnay Pet Nat – Hand harvested in Hendersonville, NC on September 2, this sparkling Chardonnay was produced by the Pétillant Naturel method.

12 – 5pm: Cookie Swap – bake a cookie and pack a to-go of delicious treats.

12 – 10pm: Ping Pong by Pong AVL

7 – 9pm: Holiday Decoration with Jillian Stewart – make something festive for yourself, or a last minute gift!

Rock your favorite ugly sweaters all day.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1976619585784785/

Michael Wilson Knowles at Silver Fork
Dec 22 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Silver Fork Winery

Fans of great blues and classic rock will love the eclectic range and vocal stylings of Michael Wilson Knowles in his first solo appearance at Silver Fork! Come out for excellent wine, celebration, and even a few seasonal tunes to round out the afternoon!

https://www.facebook.com/events/186857532246126/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 22 @ 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.

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 22 @ 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.

Michelle Leigh @ Mack Kells
Dec 22 @ 9:00 pm – Dec 23 @ 1:00 am
Mack Kells

Mack Kell’s Christmas party

https://www.facebook.com/events/1681764688607584/

Sunday, December 23, 2018
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 23 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.

AshevilleFairyHair.com at Maisie Twenty Kids Boutique
Dec 23 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Maisie Twenty Kids Boutique

Come get your Fairy Hair Sparkles!
Sing up below!

Chimney Rockin’ with Daniel Sage!
Dec 23 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro

Come out to Chimney Rock to enjoy the Fabulous Food, Wonderful Wines and Rockin’ talent of Daniel Sage!

https://www.facebook.com/events/563829534058941/