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 22, 2021
Asheville Parks and Rec Afterschool Programs: Afternoon Adventures
Dec 22 @ 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 2:45-6pm
K-6th graders.
Does your child enjoy having fun and making new friends? Offering
arts, crafts, special events, homework assistance and more!
Families currently enrolled in the school system’s reduced or free
meal program, please contact your recreation center for discount
fee information.
Locations: Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
Dec 22 @ 3:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

cirquedreams

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE illuminates the stage in this awe-inspiring and eye-popping family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family!

As lights dim and music plays, the fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life in an elaborate wonderland, invoking the stories behind a child’s eye as they dream on the most magical of nights. Ballerinas, nutcrackers, snowmen, penguins, reindeer, ethereal aerialists, gingerbread people, carolers and colossal ornaments fly, balance, juggle and stretch imaginations.

Hailed by the New York Daily News as “a delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load,” the one and only Cirque Dreams Holidaze is “a show everyone will enjoy” (Broadway World). Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with 20 of the world’s critically acclaimed and accomplished artists and circus acts all gift-wrapped in over 300 imaginative and one-of-a-kind costume designs. Broadway singers perform original music along with new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Deck the Halls,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”

Official Website

Get your photo with Blanta
Dec 22 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Dec 22 @ 3:00 pm
Asheville Pizza Brewing Co

Visual search query image

BE ONE OF THE FIRST IN WNC TO SEE IT!

THE MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIE OF THE YEAR!

For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a Superhero. When he asks for help from Doctor Strange, the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.  (Running Time = 2 hours 30 minutes)

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Dec 22 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Montford Community Center

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021 – June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
5th-6th graders.
New program designed to meet the needs of your pre-teen.
Providing time dedicated to school assignments, life skills, arts,
communication, leadership, fitness, nutrition, and loads of fun.
Location: Montford

Teen Leadership Program
Dec 22 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

ELF
Dec 22 @ 4:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit
Wednesday Kid’s Night! Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall
Dec 22 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall

Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!

Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park
Dec 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Image result for Festival of Light lake julian

Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.

  • $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
  • $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
  • $50 for buses and motorcoaches
  • 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.

Trivia Night at Bold Rock Mills River Cidery
Dec 22 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bold Rock Hard Cider

Dust off your thinking caps, grab your friends, and join us for Trivia Night at the taproom every Wednesday at 6pm!

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 22 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Jus’ Running Pub Run
Dec 22 @ 6:15 pm – 8:00 pm
Archetype Brewing
Join us every Wednesday, rain or shine, for the best Pub Run in Asheville! All ages and experience levels welcome! We ❤️ you all!
Come for the run and stay for the beer at Archetype Brewing! The perfect way to make new connections or keep current ones fresh.
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Dec 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 Bones Brewing

Totally Rad Trivia invades 12 Bones South every Wednesday evening for two hours of Pop Culture Trivia. Grab a beer, some BBQ and buckle in for some fun and challenging Trivia.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Dec 22 @ 7:00 pm
Asheville Pizza Brewing Co

Visual search query image

BE ONE OF THE FIRST IN WNC TO SEE IT!

THE MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIE OF THE YEAR!

For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a Superhero. When he asks for help from Doctor Strange, the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.  (Running Time = 2 hours 30 minutes)

 

The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
Dec 22 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Departs From: Olde World Christmas Shoppe

  • FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED ONBOARD AT ALL TIMES.

    Highlights

    • Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring the sights and sounds of the holidays!
    • This seasonal favorite features an entertaining blend of holiday storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling.  Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions, then join-in with our on-board musician singing classic carols and songs of Christmas. And all the while the Holly Jolly Trolley is rolling past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.
    • This has all the makings of a jolly good family tradition!

    Good to Know

    • Haven’t been caroling in a while?  Not to worry! Songbooks will be provided for use during the tour.
    • Please note, you will see Christmas lights on this tour, however, it is not a “lights tour.” Caroling and storytelling take center stage on the Holly Jolly Trolley.
    • Trolleys are heated and enclosed with clear vinyl roll-down curtains.

    Exclusions

     

    • Gratuities
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
Dec 22 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

cirquedreams

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE illuminates the stage in this awe-inspiring and eye-popping family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family!

As lights dim and music plays, the fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life in an elaborate wonderland, invoking the stories behind a child’s eye as they dream on the most magical of nights. Ballerinas, nutcrackers, snowmen, penguins, reindeer, ethereal aerialists, gingerbread people, carolers and colossal ornaments fly, balance, juggle and stretch imaginations.

Hailed by the New York Daily News as “a delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load,” the one and only Cirque Dreams Holidaze is “a show everyone will enjoy” (Broadway World). Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with 20 of the world’s critically acclaimed and accomplished artists and circus acts all gift-wrapped in over 300 imaginative and one-of-a-kind costume designs. Broadway singers perform original music along with new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Deck the Halls,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”

Official Website

CHRISTMAS WITH DATRIAN JOHNSON + FRIENDS, A SOULFUL MELODY
Dec 22 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Christmas with Datrian Johnson & Friends, a Soulful Melody

Members from Free Radio, The Fritz, Empire Strikes Brass, Funk’N Around, and more will come together on December 22nd to present Christmas with Datrian & Friends, a Soulful Melody. Expect to hear Holiday music with influences from Opera, Hip Hop, Gospel, Funk, Soul, and classic Christmas Tunes. With an All Star lineup, this holiday show will put you in the mood to spread love and joy during a time when we all need it the most.

Thursday, December 23, 2021
 Give!Local: Literacy Together
Dec 23 all-day
online
2022 Season Hendersonville Theatre on sale Now!
Dec 23 all-day
Hendersonville Theatre

ON SALE NOVEMBER 26, 2021

Because we know that everyone’s schedules are different, Hendersonville Theatre offers four excellent Season Ticket packages that will get you the best seats in the house and save you money.

SHOWS INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE:

Nunsense Jamboree
Red, White & Tuna
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
The Haunting of Hill House
Five Carols for Christmas & JingleJacks

Asheville Art Museum From Home
Dec 23 all-day
online
WORK OF THE WEEK
Jeff Koons’s One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (Spalding Dr. J Silver Series) is currently on view in the Museum’s Artistic Tribute: Representation of the Athlete exhibition. Keira Ezzo, summer 2021 communications – multimedia storytelling intern, shares her take on this work for our Work of the Week. Read more about this work on the blog.

ENGAGE WITH THE MUSEUM FROM HOME

Check back often for new content that provides inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

Asheville Art Museum Holiday Gift Guide 2021
Dec 23 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

The holiday shopping season has begun and we’re here to help with gift ideas! From kids and students, to teachers, art lovers, bookworms, and that person who has everything, you’re sure to find something unique at the Museum for those on your list. Scroll down for a selection of our favorite ideas!

 

Asheville Gallery of Art’s December Exhibit, Joyful Light
Dec 23 all-day
Asheville Gallery of Art

Asheville Gallery of Art

December 2021 Exhibit

“Joyful Light”

Each of us would benefit by having more joy and light into our lives and our world, after the last two difficult years. The December exhibit at the Asheville Gallery of Art focuses on visual images that remind us to welcome the joy and light of the season into our hearts and homes.

“Joyful Light” runs from December 1-31 during gallery hours, 11am-6pm, and features works by numerous artists in a variety of mediums. A gathering to meet the artists will be held on First Friday, December 3 from 5-8pm at the gallery at 82 Patton Avenue. Please join us during this special time of year to view the wonderful medley of offerings!

Patricia Veatch – “Merry Berry”, Oil
“Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I love Christmas most of all for the opportunity to be with family and share our traditions. After a very isolated zoom Christmas last year, our family is going to celebrate with gusto!”

Sally Lordeon – “Sunlight Thru the Trees”, Acrylic

“As the days shorten, we are reminded of nature’s eternal gift of gleaming sunlight that shines through the thickest forest and brings us the joy of another beautiful day.”

Raquel Egosi – “Terpsichore”, Acrylic

“While mostly abstract, this painting is inspired by the dynamic flow of the joy of dance, the exuberance of life, and the creativity of performance and stage lights.”

Robin Altman – “Mountain Sunflower”, Acrylic
“This little painting is a reminder to get up each day with the intent to shine a light on the world in some way. Just as nothing stops nature, we must stand up and be counted.”

The Asheville Gallery of Art is open 7 days a week. For more information about this show, contact the gallery at (828) 251-5796, visit the gallery website at www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com, or go to the gallery’s Facebook page.

Be an Arts Ally Raffle
Dec 23 all-day
online

Be an Arts Ally

Join or renew your arts council membership between now and December 31st for your chance to win this raffle package, including a Wheel Thrown Shape vase from East Fork, truffles from Chocolate Fetish, a card set from Noir Collective, and two bottles wine from Marked Tree vineyard.

Bullington Gardens Virtual Holiday Sale
Dec 23 all-day
online

Join us for our virtual holiday sale. Trees, wreaths, holiday decor, ornaments and so much more! Easy ordering and contactless pick up.

Buncombe County Extends Indoor Mask Mandate to Jan. 4, 2022
Dec 23 all-day
Buncombe County
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the county-wide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Jan. 3, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin.
In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category.

“Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases continue to increase after a high level plateau. The percent positivity is now consistently above 5% again, and we are likely to see a further increase after the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “Transitioning to living with COVID-19 means doing what we can now to reduce transmission and burden of new infections. Our goal is to dampen as much as possible any surge we may see during this holiday season with the hope of achieving decreasing case rate and spread as we enter the new year.”

Businesses Get in the Local Food Guide!
Dec 23 all-day
online w/ ASAP
Get in the Local Food Guide!
2021 Local Food Guide and Full Share: A CSA GuideEvery year, ASAP calls more than 1,400 businesses to update our Local Food Guide and CSA guide so that we get the most accurate information about connecting with local food and farms. We’ve started making calls for 2022!
Want to get a head start on updating your listing? You can give us a call (828-236-1282) or do it yourself online (click login in the upper right of appalachiangrown.org). The deadline to be included in the print Local Food Guide is Jan. 31 (or Dec. 31 for CSA farms).⁣
Have a new farm, restaurant, retail outlet, or other locally sourcing food business that you want to be listed? Go to appalachiangrown.org and click Get in the Guide.⁣ An online listing is completely free.
Christmas at Biltmore
Dec 23 all-day
Biltmore

November 5, 2021 – January 9, 2022: 47th Annual Christmas at Biltmore

Holidays arrive at America’s largest home in style. More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt chose the holiday season as the time to unveil his new home to family and friends. This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights. Festive menus in estate restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

Curatorial Fellowship
Dec 23 all-day
online with Center for Craft

Fellowship program supporting emerging craft curators to explore and test new ideas about craft.

Details

  • Award Amount:
  • Up to $5,000
  • Grant Period:
  • Through 2023

Timeline

  • Applications Open:
  • Nov 16, 2021
  • Orientation:
  • January 14, 2022
  • Deadline:
  • Feb 14, 2022
  • Notification:
  • Apr 2022
  • Grant Period begins:
  • May 2022
  • Grant Period ends:
  • Through 2023
Deck The Trees
Dec 23 all-day
Monte Vista Hotel

Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dec 23 all-day
online