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.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 4 @ 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 4 @ 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=1524627367681056

Wednesday, December 5, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 5 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 5 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.

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration (December)
Dec 5 @ 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=104655780469966

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 5 @ 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 5 @ 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 5 @ 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=1524627361014390

Thursday, December 6, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 6 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

Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells!
Dec 6 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown

Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.

Showtimes are Thursdays at 3:00PM, Fridays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, Saturdays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, and Sundays at 3:00PM.

 

Playhouse Downtown 125 S. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 6 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 In The Weave
Dec 6 all-day
Creperie & Cafe

One stop holiday shopping featuring over 15 local artists and small business owners. Food samples provided by the Creperie & Cafe

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration (December)
Dec 6 @ 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=104655790469965

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 6 @ 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 6 @ 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.

Appalachian Christmas Carol
Dec 6 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Vance Birthplace State Historic Site

UPDATE: TONIGHT’S SHOW (FRIDAY) IS ALMOST SOLD OUT. WE HAVE A FEW SPOTS AVAILABLE AT 5:30, 7:30, AND 8:00. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN COMING PLEASE BE SURE TO CALL THE SITE IN ADVANCE! 828-645-6706.

*We are monitoring the weather for Saturday, as of right now we are still moving forward as planned. We will notify visitors of any changes.

This Christmas season we will again partner with the American Myth Center to present one of the greatest Christmas stories ever told, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but with the Vance family and enslaved people smack dab in the middle. Through the theatrical magic of toy and shadow theater, the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future will explore the life of Venus, an enslaved woman that live on the Vance property. Visitors will go on an extraordinary and illuminating journey through the entire site, from the Birthplace to the 1790s slave cabin.

The American Myth Center is a non-profit organization in Asheville whose mission is to create new American Myths to serve as familiar points of reference in the urgent, yet enduring, investigation of our home. For more information visit www.americanmythcenter.org.

This is a ticketed event. Tours will run every 30 minutes starting at 5:30 pm with the last tour at 8:00 pm. Adults: $5.00, 18-and-under: $2.00, 5-and-under: free. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Call the site at 828-645-6706 (9a-5p, Tues-Sat) to purchase tickets for your group. Please note, that tickets must be picked up *at least 10 minutes prior to the ticketed time or the reservation will be forfeited. Tickets are non-refundable.

Visitors can get in the Christmas spirit with holiday entertainment in our visitor center, or purchase apple cider and make a free take-away craft.

https://www.facebook.com/events/288835915045782/?event_time_id=288835935045780

Candlelight Christmas Evenings (December)
Dec 6 @ 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=1524627371014389

Annual Chamber Christmas FUNDRaiser
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa

Sure, there is the Olympiad and the Dirty Dancing Festival. There’s even the awesome Arts Festival. But everyone knows that THE event of the year is the Chamber Christmas FUNDaiser. So, mark your calendar for Dec. 6th and make plans to join us for this FAB holiday event.

https://www.facebook.com/events/227361981459953/

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Dec 6 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, say things they shouldn’t, and hit little kids. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant. None of the Herdmans has ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation of the tale, the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies and Herod needs a good beating–has a lot of people up in arms. But it will make this year’s pageant the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a powerful story of misunderstanding, faith and redemption. Through most of the play, the audience can’t stop laughing, but by the end most will be watching the show through tears. A great, fun holiday experience for any age and sure to become a modern Christmas classic. A one-act production, approximately one hour in length.

Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company

Tim Shelton’s A Very Vintage Christmas
Dec 6 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

“Recreating the Christmas music and style of a bygone era- some of the most beloved Christmas music was written and performed from the 1940’s thru the 1960’s. That’s what this show recreates.” Tim Shelton

https://www.facebook.com/events/1091119501035150/

Friday, December 7, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 7 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

Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells!
Dec 7 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown

Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.

Showtimes are Thursdays at 3:00PM, Fridays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, Saturdays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, and Sundays at 3:00PM.

 

Playhouse Downtown 125 S. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 7 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.

Bethlehem Toy Store 2018
Dec 7 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Carolina Baptist Association

The Bethlehem Toy Store is an annual ministry of the Carolina Baptist Association to children of families that are not able to provide Christmas gifts due to financial difficulties.
Families are screened by Interfaith Assistance Ministry.

Bring NEW toys (birth-16yrs) or money to the Carolina Baptist Association Monday- Thursday, 9:00am-4:00pm.
Please have all toys and money in by Monday, December 3, 2018.

Set-up for the toy store will be Monday, December 3-6, 2018.
Distribution: December 7, 2018 from 8:00am-8:00pm.
We need your help with set-up, distribution, and witnessing to families. Please call us to sign up to help!

If you have any questions, please call the Carolina Baptist Association at
828-693-4274.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2155844367968886/

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration (December)
Dec 7 @ 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=104655787136632

Greer Station Vintage Christmas Marketplace
Dec 7 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Grace Hall

Thursday, December 6th. 5-8pm,
Indoor Boutique – Happy Hour Ladies Night (Benefiting Saved by the Heart) $5 Donation Entry for Attendees

Friday, December 7th.
-Indoor Boutique – 10am-Noon – Community Brunch (Benefiting Greer Relief) – $5 Donation Entry for Attendees –
-Indoor Boutique & Outdoor Village – Regular Hours Noon-8pm (Until Santa Leaves)
Santa visit 7:30pm

Saturday, December 8th
Indoor Boutique & Outdoor Village – Regular hours 9am-2pm

Mark your calendars for this year’s Greer Station Vintage Christmas Friday and Saturday, Dec 7-8 with a fun preview event on Thursday evening Dec 6th. We are back at Grace Hall. Our charity partners this year are Saved by the Heart Companion Animal Services and Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc. TELL YOUR FRIENDS! #vintagechristmasgreer

We are extremely excited about our 2018 addition of the Marketplace Village on Victoria St in Downtown Greer. Located conveniently between Greer City Park and Trade St we are able to add lots more vendors and entertainment to our already extensive lineup. Marketplace Village hours are Friday Dec 7th Noon-8pm and Saturday Dec 8th, 9am-2pm. Each day, we are giving away shopping bags to the first 50 attendees.
Our Christmas Marketplace creates an enjoyable experience that includes shopping for giftables, decor ideas, and tasty treats throughout! Don’t miss this!

Interested in being a vendor?! Check out our website vintagechristmasgreer.com

https://www.facebook.com/events/303841557040272/?event_time_id=303841563706938

9th Annual Warm Clothing Drive at The Christmas Jam
Dec 7 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
U.S. Cellular Center

We will be outside collecting warm clothing donations for Asheville’s Homeless men, women, and children

https://www.facebook.com/events/293202474625059/

Christmas in Greer Tree Lighting
Dec 7 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Greer City Park

One of the Upstate’s premier Christmas events takes place in Greer City Park when Santa comes to visit!

5:00pm-7:00pm
Holiday Craft Stations
Inflatables
Greer Relief S’mores
Plate 108 Cookie Decorating

Performances will take place on the amphitheater from 5:00pm-7:15pm.

Santa will arrive at the park at 7:15pm.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Pets are not permitted.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, activity or public meeting of the Events Division at 864-968-7008 as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled event.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1883835975245690/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 7 @ 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 7 @ 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.