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.

Friday, December 25, 2020
Drive thru Christmas Lights with the Town of Fletcher
Dec 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bill Moore Community Park
Shadrack’s Christmas lights show
Dec 25 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tryon Resort

The light show is also synchronized to music that plays on the radio station indicated at the entrance to the show.

The drive-thru light show is about 30 minutes long, and there are two ticket options for purchase which covers vehicles of up to eight people

  • Dec. 10-13: Rudolph
  • Dec. 17-20: The Grinch
  • Dec. 21-24: The Nativity
Saturday, December 26, 2020
A Ghost of Christmas Past Radio Drama
Dec 26 all-day
Online w/ WCU

Join the School of Stage and Screen for a unique radio drama experience of “A Ghost of Christmas Past” where Fan – Scrooge’s often forgotten younger sister – takes center stage as the feminine and ethereal guide to restore balance in the unbalanced world and heart of Ebenezer Scrooge.

The radio drama was written and adapted for the stage by assistant professor Ashlee Wasmund with original music and lyrics by assistant professor Kristen Hedberg.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Dec 26 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.

Asheville Regional Airport: Special “virtual” surprise with Santa Selfie Station
Dec 26 all-day
Asheville Regional Airport
Asheville Regional Airport — Art Gallery (Media is invited at any time to visit the display – the Art Gallery is located in the main lobby of the public area of the terminal.)
A “magic” TV, in the Art Gallery window, brings passengers special messages (and safety reminders) from Santa and an invitation to come into the gallery to take a selfie. Travelers are able to stand with a virtual Santa who poses for pictures in a “COVID-friendly” way.
The holidays look much different this year because of COVID-19, especially during air travel. The airport team wanted to offer some holiday cheer and something unique for its guests. This festive, virtual display is a way to bring a smile to passengers’ faces (behind their masks) to help brighten their travel experience, in a safe and responsible manner.
VISUALS:
  • Virtual Santa, asking travelers to pose for a “selfie”
  • Virtual Santa, offering different poses: Masked Santa; Santa in sunglasses; Santa with arms outstretched; Santa posing for a back-to-back photo
  • Travelers interacting with the display
Blue Ridge Orchestra Revels 2020
Dec 26 all-day
Online

BRO REVELS! 2020

String Orchestra in the Diana Wortham Theatre (Wortham Center for the Performing Arts)

The holidays are a precious time of connection: a time to share joy among friends, family, and community. Where the coronavirus pandemic imposes barriers to physical reunion, music allows us to gather in spirit wherever we are. In October 2020, a small subset of musicians from the Blue Ridge Orchestra spaced out their stands, put on their masks, and gathered at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts to record holiday favorites for a concert that can unite loved ones near and far.

Programmed by John Gordon Ross, this unique concert will feature secular and sacred favorites performed by a variety of musical ensembles: a woodwind quintet, a brass octet, a 13-piece string orchestra, a solo soprano with piano, and a string quartet.

The final recording will be available here from December 11-31!

Keep the Cheer Contest Shop and Dine
Dec 26 all-day
Hendersonville

 COC Shop and Dine

Enter the KEEP THE CHEER HERE Contest hosted with WTZQ!

WTZQ ShopDine Slider

 

What is Shop & Dine HC?

Shop & Dine HC is a collaborative movement designed to remind the public of the benefits and importance of spending their dollars with our local businesses. Local businesses lay the framework for a strong community and we want Henderson County to shop local, spend local, save local.

Why does shopping locally matter?

When you shop locally:

  • $0.02 of every $1 stays in the community through the Sales Tax. These dollars support county and municipal budgets for schools, law enforcement, infrastructure, and more.
  • you help create and retain jobs for existing businesses as they succeed and grow, and create a successful business community that attracts other businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • those same businesses you are supporting will give back to our community through donations to non-profits, civic clubs, youth programs, and more.

Simply put – our local businesses make our community better.

Want to get involved?

Be part of the conversation!

Join the Shop & Dine Facebook Group

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Businesses – Take the #SafeHendo Pledge! 

We celebrate businesses that are committed to the safety of our community in these extraordinary times. Check out the #SafeHendo pledge and let your customers know their safety is your focus.

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LEAF 2021 announces a few key dates
Dec 26 all-day
LEAF

Spring LEAF Retreat May 13-16 at Lake Eden
LEAF Downtown/ Reimagine August 27-28
Fall LEAF Festival October 14-17 at Lake Eden 
(Size TBD*)

These events will be limited in size but will retain all the LEAF Love. LEAF Members will have priority and at times exclusive access to these events. Please note that Spring LEAF Retreat will be members-only and tickets will be made available on January 4th, 2021. Members have kept LEAF Mission alive and at work in this wild year of 2020! Your membership empowered LEAF to maintain our support of LEAF International Culture Keepers in the 10 countries and local LEAF Schools & Streets Artists. When you support culture, artists and teachers you are investing in the community and young people’s future. Interested in becoming a member? Join membership today!

All $250+ memberships will receive the 2021 LEAF Calendar hot off the press and its going to be a great year!

The Big Crafty Online
Dec 26 all-day
Online

Our weekend.

For the first time in more than a decade, we won’t be sharing hugs with you all, and we’re really missing it.
But we’ll still be admiring the year’s creative harvest and we hope you will, too!
Our artists have responded to the extraordinary circumstances of this year with creative zeal, and we hope you’ll enjoy checking in with them via our list of artists.
We will also be sharing some of our favorite work and gift ideas via Instagram and Facebook this weekend and throughout the holidays.
Treat yourself. Treat your fam. Know that your support is needed and appreciated.
Also…know that next year we will be hugging you extra tight.
Til then, stay well, keep your fires burning, and take extra good care of one another ❉❊❤❊❉

Virtual Field Trips: Science for Kids
Dec 26 all-day
Online

Buncombe County Public Libraries have partnered with Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) to provide a series of virtual field trips that target NC Curriculum standards this fall and winter. These free virtual programs will be available on BiblioBoard from the library for two weeks at a time through January 2021.

Join our virtual field trips anytime here.

Forces and Motion: Using the Force!
Nov. 15- 30; Jan. 1- 15

We will be discussing the forces that exist around us and take a look at what forces are manipulated to make DRONES work! Students can then utilize the scientific method to test new designs for some of our challenges seen in the video. Challenges include making poppers, designing helicopters, testing airplane velocities, and more! Join us to become masters of using the force. This virtual field trip is designed for 3rd graders, but all are invited to check it out!

Rocky Roads!
Nov. 15- 30; Jan. 1- 15

Have you ever thought about how we use the rocks around us??? Why do we use different sized rocks for different things? Take the rocky road and learn all about rocks. We will be discussing the physical properties of soil and rocks. We will also discuss ability for different soil types to have different characteristics or properties, including: water retention, structural support, etc . We will also demo a fun activity on particle size and water movement. This virtual field trip is designed for 1st graders, but all are invited to check it out!

Weather Makers!
Dec. 1-15; Jan. 16-31

How do we study the weather?? Why do we study the weather?? Become a weather maker and shaker when you learn all about weather. We will be discussing the Weather! We will look at why it’s important to collect information about the weather, and describe the different types of weather tools. We will conduct a short demo and game. This virtual field trip is designed for 2nd graders, but all are invited to check it out!

Mineral Detectives!
Dec. 1-15; Jan. 16-31

How do we classify rocks? Become a rock star when you understand the rock cycle. Determine characteristics of certain minerals using our scientific detective work! We will be discussing the rock cycle, the different types of rocks, and some physical properties of rocks and minerals (including hardness). We will demo the Moh’s Hardness Scale and the rock cycle. This virtual field trip is designed for 4th graders, but all are invited to check it out!

Winter Reading Challenge
Dec 26 all-day
Online with Buncombe County Libraries

Photo of typewriter

Looking for ways to optimize coziness this winter? Check out the Library’s Winter Reading Challenge! Starting Dec. 1, pick up a Winter Reading Activity Sheet from any Buncombe County Public Library during public service hours or download a PDF below. The activity sheet includes multiple ways kids and their families can enjoy the winter season together in a screen-free, socially distanced way. This free activity sheet is designed with kids in mind, but all are invited to participate. The focal challenge is to Build A Blizzard, in which kids are invited to make paper snowflakes to help decorate their local branch. Libraries will be offering the craft supplies needed to Build a Blizzard while supplies last, so plan to stop by your library soon!

AHNA Annual Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Dec 26 @ 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Animal Hospital of North Asheville

“Warm Hearts * Full Bellies” Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Join us this Holiday Season to help pets in need in our community. During “Warm Hearts * Full Bellies,” AHNA will be collecting donations of wet or dry pet food, much-needed supplies, and monetary donations for the Asheville Humane Society (AHS) and Meals on Wheels of Buncombe County.
Starting Friday, November 27th, and lasting through Saturday, January 2nd, we will be offering several different ways to donate to help these amazing organizations. Due to how the threat of COVID-19 has affected our community, we have made some changes to our annual holiday food drive. We have kept safety in mind.
Donations Accepted:
We will be collecting wet or dry cat or dog food, small animal/rabbit food, cockatiel/parakeet bird food, cleaning supplies, pet supplies (toys, blankets, and more), along with monetary donations at AHNA.
DROP OFF:
We will have a donation bin on our patio at AHNA for donated items. Items can be dropped off during regular business hours (M-F 7:30am-6:00pm, and Sat 8am-5pm).
ONLINE:
Starting in December, we will be offering online donation collections through Amazon wishlist and direct donations to the organizations. Supplies can be ordered online and delivered to AHNA. We will distribute the donations after the first of the year to the Asheville Humane Society and Meals on Wheels.
Direct Donations:
Asheville Humane Society: https://www.ashevillehumane.org/donation-drive
To show our appreciation, Animal Hospital of North Asheville has partnered with Science Diet Pet Food to donate an extra pound of food for every pound (up to 2,000 pounds) of pet food donated during our Holiday Pet Food Drive.
Please, if you want to donate by check, it must be written to the organization of your choice (not to Animal Hospital of North Asheville).
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for fun weekly events, information about these wonderful organizations, and photos of animals your donations will be helping.
Library ZOOM Passes Return
Dec 26 @ 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
Online

The Perfect Turkey

Buncombe County Libraries have teamed up with local attractions and museums to offer free admission for library card holders with a ZOOM pass!

How does it work?

  • Have your library card handy and log into the Tixkeeper database.
  • You can make 1 reservation per library card. Check the pass details to see how many adults and children gain entry with each pass. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance and you may visit each attraction once every 30 days. Reservations are made online only.
  • You will get an email confirmation of your reservation and a reminder email the day before your visit.
  • Pick up your tickets at any library anytime the week before your visit. Please bring the library card used for reservations with you.
  • The pass will be good for YOUR RESERVATION DAY ONLY. The pass will have your name on it and cannot be used by anyone else. ZOOM passes cannot be renewed.
  • Take your ZOOM pass to the museum for admission. You are responsible for knowing the schedule of the museum with regards to opening and closing times. Admission guidelines may vary and pass users must follow the rules of the museum
Proud Mary Theatre Presents: The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever!
Dec 26 @ 8:00 am – 11:45 pm
Online w/ Proud Mary Theatre

Life imitates art imitating life in Proud Mary Theatre Company’s first-ever holiday production, The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever!, streaming over the Christmas holiday weekend December 23-27.

Written by playwright Joe Marshall, this South Carolina (and Virtual) premiere is about a struggling gay theatre company and their efforts to produce a great holiday play with a crazy, drama-addicted team that has just a few weeks to produce…the gayest Christmas pageant ever! This holiday camp-fest is a fast-paced comedy packed with hilarious dialogue and 40 over-the-top characters meant for non-conservative adults of all ages!

Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade
Dec 26 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Grove Arcade

Grove Arcade is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Winter Wonderland holiday celebration.

The Arcade has transformed into a wreath-bedecked showcase for Asheville’s finest local craftspeople and retailers. Smells of pine and holly will greet visitors as they tour—at a proper social distance!—Asheville’s stunning art deco gem to discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted local gifts, enjoy holiday-themed beverages and dining specials, and winter-y feels within the warm Grove Arcade halls. Specially curated Christmas standards and the most extravagant holiday decorations in town will transport visitors to a truly unforgettable winter paradise.

We will be hosting a local MANNA Food Bank Drive! Drop-off barrels will be placed around several areas of the Arcade to be collected and distributed by MANNA to help during these uncertain times.

For the enjoyment and safety of everyone, Grove Arcade will be taking appropriate COVID-19 precautions during Winter Wonderland. All visitors and employees will be required to follow the CDC’s health recommendations, including social distancing and mask wearing.

Enjoy a safe and jolly visit to Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland! And from all of us at Grove Arcade, Happy Holidays!

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration
Dec 26 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Buy tickets online to save up to $8 per admission. Check website for hours of operation.
Treat yourself to the beloved estate tradition known as Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are at their most enchanting.
A daytime visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses, featuring wreaths, garlands, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments, from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village!
Christmas at Connemara Thanksgiving to January 6
Dec 26 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Carl Sandburg House

The house will be decorated in the simple style of the Sandburg’s with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree throughout December until January 6th, 2021.

Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar!
Dec 26 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

2021 year calendar with photo of the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage covered in snow.

Start the year off right with a Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar! This beautiful image of our Mainstage was taken by longtime Vagabond and Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Scott Treadway. Enjoy the view of the Rock all year round in your office, on the kitchen wall, or above your desk. This quality printed calendar is 20″x16″ and supports the arts in North Carolina.

 

Monte Vista Hotel: Deck The Trees
Dec 26 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monte Vista Hotel

Deck The Trees is a fun and festive December Holiday Happening in Black Mountain. This event is a fundraiser for the Fuel Fund of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries. Trees decorated in the theme And A Star Appeared will be displayed in the Monte Vista Hotel and many businesses throughout Black Mountain. Trees may be voted on by placing cash/check in the box corresponding to your favorite tree. All money collected goes directly to the Fuel Fund. For more information about Deck The Trees and to support your favorite tree(s) contact svcmblackmountain.org.

ACT Rewind: Snowbound 2016
Dec 26 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Available for a 48 hour rental as Video on Demand
Rewind back in time! Experience the songs and stories from Snowbound, a holiday show from ACT’s 2016-17 season filmed in front of a large, live audience. This archival video was filmed as a keepsake that captures the look of the full stage – shared now with the permission of the playwright.
Gallerie Bazaar: a gift show
Dec 26 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Art Garden AVL

We’re turning the gallery into a bazaar for the holidays! The gallery will be filled with affordable and giftable original art and prints from a wide array of local artist and craftspeople. We’ll be donating 10% of gallery bazaar sales to MANNA food bank in Asheville. It’s been a rough year; come find a sweet little piece of art to brighten someone’s holiday, and support local artists when you do.
Show Dates: Nov 14 – Jan 4.
Gallery Hours: 11-5 pm.
(closed Wednesdays)
Featured artists tba very soon ~ there’s still time to participate if you’d like to submit some artwork~ send us a message!
cover art: “Earth Rhythm” by @Annie Kyla Bennett Art
Chimney Rock State Park Winter Break Family Animal Encounters
Dec 26 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

We are lucky to have incredible Animal Ambassadors to help us spread the word on the important roles they play in the Park. Join one of our Park Naturalists for an informal program where your family will love meeting some of our wilder teammates! Kids of all ages are sure to take home some fun facts and special memories.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm Holiday Sale
Dec 26 @ 4:04 pm – 5:04 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

HICKORY NUT GAP WILL DONATE A POUND OF OUR PASTURE RAISED MEATS TO FAMILIES IN NEED FOR EVERY SAMPLER BOX PURCHASED BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2020.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore
Dec 26 @ 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Candlelight, firelight and live music bring holiday warmth to Biltmore House’s extravagant holiday décor during these nighttime tours. Candlelight Christmas Evenings include a self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings.

Tickets may be purchased at www.biltmore.com or by phone (800-411-3812).

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Dec 26 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2019 and we hope to see you in 2020! 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 13, 2020, and operates through December 31, 2020.

 

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
Dec 26 @ 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
The N.C. Arboretum

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum

November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021

5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.

Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.

Drive thru Christmas Lights with the Town of Fletcher
Dec 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bill Moore Community Park
Shadrack’s Christmas lights show
Dec 26 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tryon Resort

The light show is also synchronized to music that plays on the radio station indicated at the entrance to the show.

The drive-thru light show is about 30 minutes long, and there are two ticket options for purchase which covers vehicles of up to eight people

  • Dec. 10-13: Rudolph
  • Dec. 17-20: The Grinch
  • Dec. 21-24: The Nativity
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Dec 26 @ 6:40 pm – 7:40 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2019 and we hope to see you in 2020! 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 13, 2020, and operates through December 31, 2020.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Dec 26 @ 8:20 pm – 9:20 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2019 and we hope to see you in 2020! 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 13, 2020, and operates through December 31, 2020.