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.

INTERNATIONAL BALLET THE NUTCRACKER

Dec 10 @ 7:30 pm

Peace Concert Hall

The Nutcracker

The beloved holiday classic returns to the Peace Concert Hall featuring principal guest artists Cara Marie Gary and Lucas Segovia, accompanied by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. Join Clara and her prince as they encounter dancing snowflakes, spirited sword fights and a visit to the Kingdom of Sweets.

Categories: Dance Family Fun Holiday

IT’S THE MOST _____ TIME OF THE YEAR: OIL ON CANVAS

Dec 10 @ 7:30 pm

Magnetic Theatre

It’s Thanksgiving Eve, and Jean and Doug couldn’t be more excited about the holiday season. The halls are decked, the trees are up, and the kids, Rosemary and Bing, will be arriving any minute. Son-in-law Mike and new grandbaby Suzie round out the family gathering, and loving tolerance and charity abounds. But Jean has arranged a surprise for them all that makes them question her sanity, and as Thanksgiving Day dawns, the family must decide: How far will they go to make Jean’s ultimate Christmas wish come true?

Categories: Holiday Theatre

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas

Dec 10 @ 8:00 pm

Flat Rock Playhouse

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas

Please note: Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test and masks will be required at the performance. For more information on our COVID-19 safety protocols, please click here.

The tradition continues on the Rock after going virtual! Bring the whole family to this dazzling holiday celebration, Playhouse-style! An all-new show with the same great spirit and quality, A Playhouse Christmas 2021 will feature many seasonal classics along with several new adaptations and medleys. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, this song and dance revue is sure to bring you great holiday joy!

Categories: Family Fun Holiday Music Theatre

Saturday, December 11, 2021

A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains: The Perfect Holiday Stocking Stuffer

Dec 11 all-day

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County.

Created by Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener^SM (BCEMG) volunteers, the guide provides a complete month-by-month description of what to do (and not to do), along with tips on invasive species, mulching, composting, and creating bird- and pollinator-friendly habitats.

This quick reference makes the perfect holiday gift for the gardeners in your life, whether they are old hands, new to gardening, or new to gardening in the mountains. A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains will get them off to the right start and keep their gardens growing all year long. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that funds raised through this publication go to support the many educational and outreach programs provided by BCEMG volunteers.

How to order: Send $12 (checks payable to Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener) to Cooperative Extension Office, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, N.C. 28806, ATTN: Buncombe County Master Gardener. Include mailing address for shipping and a phone number, in case we have a question about your order.

Copies are available at the office for pick up for $10. Please note that due to COVID-19 the office may not be fully staffed at all times. So please call in advance. 828-255-5522.

Categories: Garden Holiday

Bullington Gardens Virtual Holiday Sale

Dec 11 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.

Categories: Holiday Market

Buncombe County Extends Indoor Mask Mandate to Jan. 4, 2022

Dec 11 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.”

Categories: Community Health & Wellness

Elida Homes: Sponsor A Child for the Holidays

Dec 11 all-day

online

Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. This year, due to the ongoing pandemic and job insecurity, our children and youth need support more than ever.

Many children who are living at Eliada may be restricted to campus and won’t have the opportunity to go home for the holidays. Families in our child development center face financial hardship. Our older youth transitioning to adulthood have children of their own, and are struggling to find work and safe housing during this time.

With community support, Eliada can help parents and guardians provide a bright and joy-filled Christmas to their kids. For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.

How to sponsor a child:

When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a wish list. Wish lists include information that help you get to know the child such as their favorite sports team, color, and movie. Wish lists also include their top three most need and most wanted items. Needed items include winter clothing, shoes, and hygiene products. Wanted items often include things like music, art supplies, and developmentally appropriate toys and games.

The value of a wish list is around $150. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.

To sign up to sponsor, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected].

Sponsor multiple children with a program wish list:

We also have wish lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada throughout 2022.

Cottage wish lists are for youth living at Eliada. They include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases, and kitchen utensils. Many children will arrive at Eliada in 2021 with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can ensure they feel at home at Eliada.

Other wish lists are for our Child Development, Day Treatment, Campus Farm and Equine Therapy programs with needed classroom and playground supplies.

Sponsor a last minute wish:

Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until late November-early December. If you can shop at the last minute, we can use your support.

If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.”

To sign up to sponsor multiple children or a teen at the last minute, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected] or by phone at (828) 254-5356, ext. 306.

Categories: Community Donations Holiday

Give the Gift of Theatre!

Dec 11 all-day

online

If you are looking for a great stocking stuffer or Hanukkah gift, why not give the gift of live theatre? The 2022 season will be announced soon and an experience is an unforgettable gift. Contact the Box Office at 828.693.0731 to purchase.

Also, consider making a donation designated to underwrite the cost of tickets which will be offered to first responders in the area. For the person who doesn’t need anything, but loves the arts, this could be a very special gift you give in their honor. Contact the Development Office for more information. 828.693.0403 x220.

Categories: Holiday Market Theatre

Help Make a Child Smile this Holiday Season!

Dec 11 all-day

Eliada Homes

Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. You can help bring a smile to their face by fulfilling their holiday wishes!

Sponsor a Child:

When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a Wish List that a young person created. Wish Lists include their favorite things, clothing sizes, and most needed and wanted items. The value of a Wish List is around $150. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.

For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.

Sponsor Multiple Children:

We also have Wish Lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada depending on what program they are in.

Cottage wish lists for youth living at Eliada, for example, include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases and kitchen utensils. Many children come to Eliada with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can provide them things that every home should have!

Other wish lists are for our Child Development programs, Foster Care program, Farm program, Summer Camp program, and Recreation programs. Our Equine Therapy program also has some needs this holiday season! We never know when we’ll get a call for a child in Foster Care who needs a home immediately. Let’s help Foster Parents provide these children everything they deserve!

Sponsor a last minute wish:

Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until mid-late November. Can you sign up to help one of these teens at the last minute?

Categories: Community Donations Holiday

Make the Holidays Brighter for a Senior, Adult with a Disability, or a Child in Foster Care

Dec 11 all-day

online

Your favorite giving opportunity is back! Help make this holiday special for a child in Foster Care or a Senior in Buncombe County by becoming a Holiday Sponsor.

Foster Care Wish List

Each year, the Buncombe County Foster Care Team organizes a gift drive for children in foster care in Buncombe County. Bringing a smile to a child’s face this year is easier than ever. Just follow the link below, select the child you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your child would like this holiday season, and drop-off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow-up email in its entirety.

Click here to sponsor a child.

Senior Wish Tree

There are a lot of seniors and adults with disabilities in Buncombe County who look forward to the sense of community the holiday season brings. Spread the love this year by supporting one of our adults or seniors. Signing up to sponsor an adult is easy. Just follow the link below, select the adult you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your adult would like this holiday season, and drop-off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow-up email in its entirety.

Click here to sponsor a Senior or Adult with a Disability.

Give the gift of community this year by becoming a Holiday Sponsor for a child in foster care or a senior in Buncombe County. Nearly 2 years of limited social opportunity has left many feeling isolated this holiday season. Your sponsorship is more than a few gifts under the tree, it’s a sense of belonging for those in our community who need it the most. Thank you for your generosity and for bringing the spirit of the season to our community.

Categories: Community Donations Holiday

Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays

Dec 11 @ 7:00 am – 11:00 pm

various Food Lions in the area

From November 10th to December 14th, Food Lion is hosting their Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays campaign.

Customers have the opportunity to participate in the in-store food drive at Food Lion stores by purchasing and donating a Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays box of food, which will then be donated to MANNA.

When you are next at Food Lion be on the lookout for their Food Lion Feeds For the Holidays food boxes.

Categories: Donations Food & Drink Holiday

Breakfast with the Elves at Old Rock Cafe

Dec 11 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Chimney Rock State Park

Join Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves for morning breakfast and a special Christmas story at 10 a.m. You’ll not only enjoy festive breakfast foods, but you’ll also get to share your wish list with Mrs. Claus and learn a little more about Jolly Old St. Nick.

Categories: Family Fun Food & Drink Holiday Parks & Recreation

HOLIDAY POP UP SHOP AT CITIZEN VINYL

Dec 11 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Citizen Vinyl

May be an image of text that says 'S U P P o SIZEN Holiday POP-ÚP SHOP መመ0N S c A L DECEMBER 8TH THROUGH NEW YEARS EVE 9aM- 7PM EVERY WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY AT CITIZEN VINYL 14 O'HENRY AVENUE'

Join Citizen Vinyl for a Holiday Pop Up shop with local vendors including:

@loomimports (home goods/decor)
@hummingbirdcandles (candles)
@twindenimco (apparel)
@jennypickens616 (art)
@codaavl (vinyl records + art)
+ more!

Food and beverages from @sessionavl

Categories: Holiday Market Music

Deck The Trees

Dec 11 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Monte Vista Hotel

Deck The Trees presents: A Black Mountain Christmas, December 2, 2021 – January 3, 2022 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.

Categories: Family Fun Holiday

Handmade Holiday Sale at Grovewood Gallery

Dec 11 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Grovewood Gallery

‘Tis the season to give handmade gifts! On December 10-12 from 10 am – 5 pm, Grovewood Gallery will be offering a refreshing alternative to big-box retail chains during their annual Handmade Holiday Sale. Shoppers can enjoy three days of artist demonstrations and 10% off American-made gifts and merchandise (excluding artwork by Lyman Whitaker).

Dancing Rabbi Menorah by Scott Nelles.

Categories: Art & Craft Holiday Market

North Asheville Tailgate Market/The Holiday Bazaar

Dec 11 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

North Asheville Tailgate Market

Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers tailgate markets. Several markets in Buncombe County will offer holiday markets or extended seasons in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and bread, these markets feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Categories: Farmers Market Holiday

Winter Wonderland

Dec 11 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

North Carolina Glass Center

Come celebrate the season at our first Winter Wonderland! Our D Space Gallery, will be adorned with glass ornaments, snowflakes, snowmen, candy canes, and whatever else Asheville area glassblowers dream up. Shop for holiday gifts or festive decor for your home while watching live glassblowing in our studio. Winter Wonderland will be open during our normal gallery hours. The opening of this show coincides with River Arts District Studio Stroll, so there will be plenty to do and see in the area. NCGC is a non-profit glassblowing studio and gallery. Your purchases help to support local artists and our mission of education, exploration, and collaboration in all forms of glass.

Categories: Art & Craft Holiday Market

Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade

Dec 11 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Grove Arcade

You can find our beautiful holiday decorations all over the Grove Arcade; from swinging lights to hanging snowflakes, your eyes will never have a dull moment! Nostalgic holiday music will be resonating through our halls, bouncing off the walls of our merchant’s stores and all of their holiday specials. The holiday season is here at the Grove Arcade! Come by to enjoy the timeless feelings of the holidays, family and home.

Join us any day this season for the most beautiful holiday decorations in Asheville. Featuring weekly events, indoor snow, seasonal promotions, and a percentage of all sales donated to local non-profits.

Categories: Holiday Market

Live Holiday Glassblowing Demo

Dec 11 @ 10:30 am – 4:00 pm

Mountain Made Gallery

Here at Mountain Made, we are proud that since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments here at Mountain Made until December 20th, or until his gas tanks run dry!

Categories: Art & Craft Holiday

“Sounds of the Holidays” at the Airport with The Walton-Welch Duo

Dec 11 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Asheville Regional Airport

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is pleased to welcome local musicians to the airport during the holidays. These instrumentalists will play original and traditional festive music for the enjoyment of passengers, visitors and employees. From classical pianists and a jazz duo to a harp/cello duo, there will be a variety of styles and genres to enjoy.

“Every year, we look forward to inviting the community to participate in our Sounds of the Holidays program,” said Alexandra Ingle, brand and experience designer. “There is so much talent to showcase in our region, and these stellar musicians will do an amazing job of bringing holiday cheer to the airport.”

Sounds of the Holidays performance schedule:

Sundays throughout December — Jenna Jaffe 11:30am-1:30pm

Tuesdays throughout December — Mr. Jimmy 10:30am-12:30pm

Mondays, December 6, 13, 20 — Mike Andersen 10:30am-12:30pm

Thursdays, December 2, 9, 16 and 30 — Phil Okrend 11:00am-1:00pm

Saturday, December 11 — The Walton-Welch Duo 11:00am-1:00pm

Thursday, December 16 — The Walton-Welch Duo 6:00pm-8:00pm

Friday, December 24 — Mr. Jimmy 10:30am-12:30pm

Categories: Holiday Music

24th Annual Santa on the Chimney

Dec 11 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock has become Santa’s favorite place to train for his big night of deliveries. There’s no way he could make it down so many chimneys without practice. What better place to prepare and stay in shape than on one of the world’s largest chimneys at Chimney Rock State Park? Make your list and bring it to Santa, enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies and meet live Park animal ambassadors.

Categories: Family Fun Holiday Parks & Recreation

Bringing Black back to the Block: Noir Collective AVL

Dec 11 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Noir Collective AVL LLC

Noir Collective AVL located in the historic Black business district, referred to as The Block, is a Black-owned boutique shop and art gallery featuring Black entrepreneurs. Noir Collective AVL is a community network of wellness warriors, creative activists, and social justice visionaries, cultural keepers and peace makers. We believe that in order to achieve collective liberation, our community needs to focus on opening greater opportunities for access, especially economically, that has been historically denied to African Americans and other people of color. Noir Collective AVL supports Black Liberation through Arts, Culture, and Kinship by featuring the wares of local and regional artists, designers and craftspeople. Our mission is simple, Bringing Black back to the Block.

Entrepreneurs will have products and information on hand:

Jewelry. Original Art. Tea. Shea Butter. Prints. Black Soap. Cards. Books.

& Featured services:

Realty. Exercise & Fitness. Landscaping. Catering. Heritage Tours and more.

We have open spots for Makers and Creatives!

Categories: Community Holiday Market

Western Women’s Business Center First Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Dec 11 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Asheville Mall

WWBC Holiday Pop-up Event.png

The holiday shop will feature the talents of small businesses specializing in baked goods, beauty products, books, fashion and clothing, home decor, pet-friendly goods, and more. Confirmed businesses include Sea of Sweets, From the Ashes Cultural Arts, Healed Skin & Candle Co., Sweet Abode Soap, Pumpkin Dog, and Winter Magnolia Designs.

Categories: Holiday Market

Winter Solstice Pre-Party with the Sophia Dragons

Dec 11 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

online

Join our Winter Solstice☀️ pre-party with the Sophia Dragons as we complete and close our powerful circle for the year 2021. Choose PEACE and feel the joy of being on this amazing planet today! Breathe deeply and see the diamond white light of your ✨Sovereign Divinity✨ completely saturate every cell of your body, emanating LOVE out into the world, soothing and connecting with all the other bright lights holding space for global transformation.

Our circle will resume on January 22, 2022.

Ana Estrada is a Quantum Light Practitioner with more than 25 years’ experience of working consciously with Beings of Light and Ascended Masters. Her graduate degrees in Transformative Art and Spirituality took her to the Amazon jungles and the temples of India where she studied shamanic cultures and visionary art making processes. She is certified as an Intuitive Energy Healer in various healing modalities and serves as a channel for the Divine Mother and her sacred Light Language. Ana offers Quantum Light Alignment Sessions privately and at sacred sites around the world.

Donations appreciated and accepted via Paypal at:
[email protected]

To schedule a private Quantum Light Channeling and Alignment Session visit: http://www.QuantumLightPractice.com/private-practice

Categories: Holiday Spiritual

Holly Jolly Market

Dec 11 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Rabbit Rabbit

Show & Tell returns to Rabbit Rabbit in Downtown Asheville for the holiday shopping season with an outdoor winter pop up shop and market! Celebrate and shop local + indie craft, design, and vintage in a great outdoor venue.

WHEN:
Saturdays + Sundays from 12-5pm
Pop Up Shop & Market Vendors

Tuesday – Thursdays from 4-8pm
Pop Up Shop only

Be sure to check our website, facebook, and instagram for any potential closures due to weather.

WHERE:
Rabbit Rabbit
75 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

FREE! No admission

Featuring the the best in handmade, vintage and fair trade with 50+ vendors in our curated pop up shop or the market area featuring a selection of in-person vendors. Shop vintage clothes, housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel and more.

Grab some tacos from AVL Tacos and a brew from Asheville Pizza & Brewing while you’re there!

Categories: Art & Craft Family Fun Holiday

FREE Photos with Santa at Asheville Outlets

Dec 11 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Asheville Outlets

Visit Asheville Outlets for FREE photos with Santa by TapSnap Phototainment from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 28, 2021 and Saturdays & Sundays, December 4 & 5, December 11 & 12 and December 18 & 19, 2021. Located in the center circle in front of Nike Factory Store. Visitors will receive one FREE 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image (while supplies last). For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

Categories: Holiday

FREE SANTA PHOTOS

Dec 11 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Asheville Outlets

FREE SANTA PHOTOS

Visit Asheville Outlets for FREE photos with Santa by TapSnap Phototainment from on Saturdays and Sundays, November 27 & 28, December 4 & 5, December 11 &12, and December 18 & 19, located in the center circle in front of Nike Factory Store.

Visitors receive one FREE 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image (while supplies last).

Categories: Community Family Fun Holiday

Pawliday Party

Dec 11 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Pawliday Party

-Holiday photobooth designed by Picnic Pop-Up AVL

-Professional photos of pups & families for holiday cards by Hannah Krowka

-Dog & human charcuterie boxes by Urban Graze Co.

-Special treats from Botanical Bones

-Hot cocoa, coffee, & holiday puppuccinos

Categories: Holiday Pets

Welcome to The YMI Cultural Center’s Winter Wonderland!

Dec 11 @ 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

YMI Cultural Center

wonderland .jpg

Categories: Community Family Fun Holiday

‘HOLIDAY’ HEY ASHEVILLE TOUR

Dec 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

LaZoom

Start your new holiday tradition with LaZoom! Our top rated Hey Asheville Tour gets an extra dose of holiday cheer for the season. We’ll laugh all the way as the purple bus roams the historical streets of Asheville as you learn new holiday traditions, and meet colorful characters that are sure to bring joy to the world.

Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!

Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.

Categories: Comedy Food & Drink Holiday Tours

December 2021 Dec 2021

Calendar of Events

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas

Please note: Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test and masks will be required at the performance. For more information on our COVID-19 safety protocols, please click here.

Foster Care Wish List

Senior Wish Tree

FREE SANTA PHOTOS