Calendar of Events
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.
Women of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Through the execution of disparate media from bronze, steel, glass, tin, plaster, mylar, printmaking, hair nets, cloth, rubber, wax to paint, these artists have achieved inventive, creative practices originating from critical, generative, inquisition of natural, social or subliminal forces. This exhibition highlights a group of female artists working in diverse media creating art that explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works inspiring greater, pluralistic understanding, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.
Featured artists:
Victoria Adams, Drie Chapek, Jaq Chartier, Susan Dory, Betsy Ebys, Ann Gardner, Emily Gherard, Estuko Ichikawa, Lisa Jarrett, Brenda Mallory, Wendy Red Star, Katy Stone, Susan Zoccola, Marie Watt, and Julie Speidel.
The December exhibit in the Art Place Gallery features “Wonder,” an exhibition of work by sculptor Susan Smith Perry, a South Carolina-based artist. For this exhibition, Perry will transform bamboo and handmade paper into a kinetic sculptural installation. In addition, artwork from local artists, representing a variety of media will be exhibited.
The Art Place Gallery in downtown Hendersonville holds an opening reception for its monthly exhibits on the first Friday of every month. The gallery is a dynamic visual arts center managed by members of the Art League of Henderson County.
Join us for an olde fashioned open house with all downtown Hendersonville’s wonderful assortment of destination shops, family friendly entertainment and fabulous eateries!
Take a magical ride through Historic Downtown Hendersonville among its twinkling lights and festive decorations. The serpentine street adds to the leisurely pace of the horse, so you can slow down and savor the moment
Holiday events are supported by a grant from the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority.
Winter Lights is excited to provide an all-new premium trolley experience, in partnership with Biltmore Park Town Square and Gray Line Trolley Tours! Skip the lines and ride the Winter Lights Trolley!
Enjoy dinner and shopping at Biltmore Park Town Square before hopping on the Winter Lights Trolley to experience Winter Lights!
Ride the Winter Lights Trolley Friday November 28 and select Fridays and Saturdays in December. Trolleys depart from Biltmore Park Town Square every half hour, beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 per-person and available select dates only.
Celebrate the magic of the season at the 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk—an enchanting outdoor story experience where live theater meets a whimsical walk through the woods! Created by Asheville Plays and hosted by the Adventure Center of Asheville, this immersive journey guides guests through the Kingdom of Winterland, where each page of the story comes to life with delightful characters and heartwarming surprises. This family-friendly event has been created with everyone in minde, no matter your age or what you may celebrate during the winter holiday season. Winter Wonder Walk includes the outdoor storywalk, a heated holiday tent featuring a local vendor market, a kids’ play area, and several tasty concession and beverage options. Guests ages 4+ can also enjoy the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail, aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. Every ticket purchased helps spread joy even further—each one supports MANNA FoodBank and their mission to feed our community.Kids 12 and younger can earn a free general admission ticket by participating in our “S’Mitten With Books” reading program! Bundle up and bring the whole family—it’s the perfect way to make magical memories and give back this holiday season!
2025 Dates: November 29 & 30 and December 6, 7, 13, 14
Festivities begin at 6 PM | Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 PM
Tickets & FAQs at www.winterwonderwalk.com
Asheville Drag Bingo is snuggling into December with “Pajama Party Bingo”-a cozy night of laughter and lounging for a cause! The festivities kick off at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5th at the Hilltop Event Center. Tickets start at $20, include bingo cards, and are available now at https://BeardedLadyProductions.org. Ages 21+. https://buytickets.at/beardedladyproductions/1734283
Date and Time: On Fri, 05 Dec 2025 19:00 – 21:00
Venue details: Hilltop Event Center, 21 Restaurant Court, Asheville, North Carolina, 28805, United States
Price: General Admission: USD 20.00
Join for the annual Holiday concert featuring the sounds of the season. Kick off the holiday season with us – a great family tradition! We will be joined by very special guests from the Hendersonville Ballet!
Join GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Anne Wilson for “I Still Believe in Christmas, An Evening with Anne Wilson,” a limited run of Christmas shows this December. Come hear the music of the Christmas season, and new music from Anne’s highly anticipated upcoming album STARS. Don’t miss a festive and merry night of music and worship, this December!
Wortham Presents The Comedy Zone: Helen Hong
Fri & Sat, Dec 5 & 6 • 8 pm
Helen Hong, a fan favorite on NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me and host of Go Fact Yourself, has acted on Never Have I Ever, Silicon Valley, and The Thundermans. Her stand-up special Well Hong streams on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.
The Comedy Zone: Back with a fresh lineup of powerhouse talent, this hit comedy series features comics seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, The Tonight Show, and more. Smart, fast, and fiercely funny—get ready to laugh out loud and leave smiling.
VIP table upgrades available.
Fri & Sat, Dec 5 & 6 • 8 pm
Helen Hong, a fan favorite on NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me and host of Go Fact Yourself, has acted on Never Have I Ever, Silicon Valley, and The Thundermans. Her stand-up special Well Hong streams on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.
The Comedy Zone: Back with a fresh lineup of powerhouse talent, this hit comedy series features comics seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, The Tonight Show, and more. Smart, fast, and fiercely funny—get ready to laugh out loud and leave smiling.
VIP table upgrades available.
November 28 – December 21
It’s like a big, warm holiday HUG! The tradition everyone loves continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,’ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright!
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $60 / $70 / $80
Child Pricing Available (17 & under)

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
December 5 – 21, 2025
Thursdays, Fridays, & Select Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM
December 5 – 21, 2025
Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM
Based on the animated television special – Adapted by Robert Penola, Music & Lyrics by Johnny Marks
Sponsored by: Mast General Store
The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage! Join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and all your favorite characters as they come to life in this heartwarming holiday musical. Featuring iconic songs like “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year,” this show celebrates the 61st anniversary of the cherished Christmas special. Perfect for the whole family!
Run Time: 90 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
Accessibility: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating and Listening Devices are available for all Mainstage performances.
Content Awareness: This show is suitable for all audiences.
Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.
Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.
Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.
Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.
Bullington Gardens will host its beloved Annual Holiday Greenery and Craft Sale on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville. This festive fundraiser offers visitors the opportunity to shop for fresh, locally sourced holiday greenery and unique handcrafted gifts while supporting Bullington Gardens’ mission of education, horticultural therapy, and community enrichment.
Fresh Fraser Firs & Wreaths. Fraser fir trees, freshly cut in the mountains of North Carolina, will be available in three sizes. Orders may be placed online through November 24 for convenient pickup on December 5 or 6. Visit www.bullingtongardens.org or call 828-698-6104 to order.
Holiday Shopping, Local Flair
The in-person sale will feature decorated wreaths and swags, locally grown holiday plants such as cyclamen, amaryllis, and poinsettias, plus an array of handcrafted, nature-inspired gifts made by Bullington’s own talented “elves.” Shoppers can choose from ornaments, textiles, botanical beauty products, and more — perfect for holiday giving.
A Celebration with Purpose
Come immerse yourself in the sights, scents, and sounds of the season at Bullington Gardens. Every purchase supports educational programs for children and adults, as well as horticultural therapy for individuals with special needs.
For more information, to place greenery orders, or to enter the raffle, visit www.bullingtongardens.org or call 828-698-6104.
This is a great opportunity for shoppers to look locally for unique gifts and holiday decorations, as well as to stock their pantries with feast-worthy baked goods and seasonal food items.
Join us on Saturday, December 6, from 9am to 3pm, for the 32nd Annual Rugby Middle School Craft Fair. A favorite every year, this fair boasts many vendors and activities for the children. Parking and admission is free.
9:00 am-3:00 pm, 221 S. Church Street, Hendersonville
The Christmas Bazaar packs J&D Produce with a dazzling array of gifts and décor. A highlight are handmade wreaths that can be embellished with multiple options at the “wreath bar.” Also popular are fresh yule logs adorned with local greenery and the garden club’s signature paperwhites and amaryllis bulbs in festive pots from rustic to sophisticated. New this year are a limited number of fresh greenery-made reindeer suitable for indoors or outdoors. As always, the bazaar provides delicious baked goods, jams and homemade treats. This rain-or-shine event is a long-time favorite for holiday shoppers.
Grovewood Gallery proudly presents Artful Living: The Spirit of the Craftsman Style, a group exhibition celebrating the enduring influence of the American Arts and Crafts movement. On view from October 18 through December 31, 2025, this curated showcase brings together the work of four contemporary makers who honor traditional craftsmanship while offering fresh perspectives on timeless forms.
Featured artists include ceramicist Leslie Green Guilbault, a Roycroft Artisan whose pottery blends nature, myth, and metallic luster; blacksmith Paul Garrett, known for his handcrafted metalwork and luminous mica lamps inspired by early 20th-century design; furniture maker Timothy Livingston, whose heirloom-quality pieces reflect a deep reverence for honest materials and joinery; and painter Shawn Krueger, a Roycroft Master Artisan whose landscapes echo the quiet mood and tonal beauty of historic plein air work.
Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre presents
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Friday, Dec 5 2025 • 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec 6 2025 • 2 pm & 7:30 pm
School Show! – Friday, Dec 5 • 10:00 am
Call the box office for tickets: 828-257-4530, ext. 1.
A wonderful way to kick off the holiday season!
Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s 13th annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. ACDT has surprised audiences over the years with their original production of the Nutcracker. Though the Nutcracker is one of the world’s most famous ballets, when performed by ACDT you can guarantee it is something you haven’t seen before. Their version couldn’t be further from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. It is based on the the original story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffman.
“I always want to go back to the original story,” artistic co-director Collard says. “The characters and the story are always so much more interesting. Take, for example the King and Queen of Sausages, who have surprised and delighted audiences with their humor, and the party guests wrapped in gorgeous costumes dancing a wild and wonderful polka. And then there is the famous Mouse King with his lovely wife and their numerous children creating havoc all over the ballet, and the wild, psychedelic ride that is the World of Sweets.”
PLEASE NOTE: Wortham Center for the Performing Arts’ Box Office is the ONLY official ticketing provider for events at the Wortham Center’s venues: Diana Wortham Theatre, Tina McGuire Theatre and Henry LaBrun Studio. Beware of third-party ticketing scams.
28th Annual Santa on the Chimney
Santa has a big job climbing down all the chimneys in the world on Christmas Eve. But where better to practice than one of the world’s largest natural chimneys? Santa will be back in the park this year for his Christmas trial run rappelling down Chimney Rock. Attendees can watch Santa rappel, pose for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, make holiday crafts, listen to live music, meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and more.
Celebrate the season in style at our annual Holiday Sip & Shop event at Grovewood Gallery! Enjoy 10% off gallery items (excludes wind sculptures), live artist demonstrations, and festive beverages courtesy of Metro Wines (Charlotte St.)—all in a warm, art-filled setting.
Skip the big-box bustle and explore a thoughtfully curated collection of American-made art and fine craft. From hand-thrown pottery and artisan jewelry to wooden utensils, blown glass, and cozy woven goods, every item in our 9,000-square-foot gallery is crafted with care in small studios across the U.S.
Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, this event offers a relaxed and meaningful way to find the perfect gift.
Blue Ridge Mall is thrilled to bring back Jingle Jamboree; a festive day filled with holiday cheer and community spirit! This December, we’re inviting local choirs, musicians, dance teams, karate groups, and community organizations to take the stage and help make this celebration one to remember.
Get ready to shine at the Jingle Jamboree ! Enjoy a day of live entertainment, festive performances, and plenty of holiday magic for the whole family. Come be part of the joy as we kick off the most wonderful time of the year together!
The Elves Have Been Busy!
They’ve transformed Carolina Ace Hardware into a breathtaking Winter Wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a touch of North Pole magic! Come meet Santa Claus himself and take your own holiday photos in the magical Christmas display in the Garden Center.
While you’re here, warm up with hot cocoa and spiced cider, nibble on a Christmas cookie, and treat yourself to a candy cane and other sweet surprises — all courtesy of the Ace elves!
Bring the whole family, pets included, and step into the spirit of the season — laughter, lights, and holiday cheer are waiting for you!
Carolina Ace Hardware — 911 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC
• Free Treats • Holiday Magic
Women of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Through the execution of disparate media from bronze, steel, glass, tin, plaster, mylar, printmaking, hair nets, cloth, rubber, wax to paint, these artists have achieved inventive, creative practices originating from critical, generative, inquisition of natural, social or subliminal forces. This exhibition highlights a group of female artists working in diverse media creating art that explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works inspiring greater, pluralistic understanding, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.
Featured artists:
Victoria Adams, Drie Chapek, Jaq Chartier, Susan Dory, Betsy Ebys, Ann Gardner, Emily Gherard, Estuko Ichikawa, Lisa Jarrett, Brenda Mallory, Wendy Red Star, Katy Stone, Susan Zoccola, Marie Watt, and Julie Speidel.
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center revives its visual art program with a new open exhibition series, featuring 25 local artists showing multiple perspectives & styles. Art media for this show includes stained glass, painting, drawing, photography, collage, printmaking, ceramic, enamel, quilt making, digital media, and mixed media. Featured artists are: CY AMRICH, JOHN BAUMANN, HAROLD BLACK, CONNIE BOSTIC, TAYLOR BRANDENBURG, MARGARET CURTIS, ALBERT DE LORENZO, OĞUZ ERDUR, BRADLEE HICKS, TOM JOHANSON, TL LANGE, MARK LIDKE, JANET LINK, RANDALL MARKS, HELEN MCCARTHY, CHRISTINE MERRICK, CYNTHIA POTTER, ADAM ROSE, CARLOS STEWARD, ZEN SUTHERLAND, TACH, TEKLA, MELISSA TERREZZA, JOSH TRIPOLI, and YANG YU. “Raw + Unfiltered” runs from October 4 to December 6, 2025.
Flood Gallery is open daily 12 – 4pm
Located off I-240 Exit 8, River Ridge Business Ctr, Suite 1200, 802 Fairview Rd, Asheville 28803 (behind Sun Soo Martial Arts, next to Hot Yoga Asheville / Asheville Dance Theater)
Check out our weekly events: Poetry Mondays 6:30pm • Open Mic Thursdays 6pm • Foreign Film Fridays 7pm
Included with admission
Capture that classic Christmas moment you and your children will never outgrow. Afterward, explore all that Antler Hill Village has to offer: ice cream at The Creamery, friendly animals at our Farmyard, plus Pisgah Playground, shops, restaurants, and an award-winning Winery.
Dates available:
November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 28-30
December 6-7, 13-14, 17-24
The Blue Ridge Orchestra rings in the winter season with BRO Revels! 2025: A British Holiday—two festive performances featuring chamber and orchestral works by British composers Handel, Walton, Coleridge-Taylor, Holst, and more, followed by beloved holiday favorites performed by our full orchestra!
While our home at UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Hall undergoes its 2-year renovation, we’re grateful to continue our partnership with UNCA students and the surrounding community. This temporary displacement gives us an exciting opportunity to expand our reach—bringing live orchestral music directly to audiences in Weaverville, Swannanoa, and communities across Western North Carolina. This season of giving, please consider supporting our mission to keep great orchestral performances accessible to all.
Details:
Saturday, December 6th, 2025, 3:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Weaverville
63 N Main St.
Weaverville, NC 28787
Sunday, December 7th, 2025, 3:00 pm
Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church
101 Chapel Ln.
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Students, Free 6 and under
Gather your family and friends Saturday, December 6, 2025, for a magical day in the heart of South Asheville where the holiday spirit truly comes alive. Biltmore Park Town Square can’t wait to welcome the community to this very special holiday tradition.
At the Town Square Green right in front of Reuter Family YMCA, children will have the unforgettable opportunity to meet Santa Claus, share their Christmas wishes, and pose for keepsake photos that will be treasured for years to come. Santa will be joined by Mrs. Claus and merry elves, all excited to greet families and spread holiday cheer. Children can even stop by the North Pole Express Station to write and send their very own letter to Santa, adding even more magic to magic to the day.
Visits with Santa will be surrounded by an array of family-friendly entertainment as the Town Square transforms into a holiday wonderland with whimsical stilt walkers, face painting, carolers, hot cocoa, festive treats, and so much more.
Along Town Square Boulevard, explore the Holiday Market with a vibrant selection of local vendors offering everything from artisan and crafts products to delicious seasonal foods and baked goods, jewelry, and handcrafted wooden toys. Whether you’re shopping for unique presents, savoring holiday flavors, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the market is the perfect place to celebrate local makers and traditions among the warm glow of holiday lights. You can even take home a fresh-cut locally grown Christmas Tree – just in time for the season!
This cherished tradition brings the entire community together for a day of wonder, joy, and connection. Come be part of the magic at Biltmore Park Town Square and celebrate the holidays in true festive style!
Market Hours: 3-7PM
Where: Town Square Blvd
Visits with Santa: 3-6PM
Where: Town Square Green in front of Reuter Family YMCA
Join us at the Winter Wonder Walk where the season is brought to life like never before. Wander an outdoor trail and literally step inside the pages of a magical winter story. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter adventure you won’t want to miss being a part of.
Come support young entrepreneurs (ages 5–17) as they showcase their talents, sell their products, and learn the ropes of business firsthand at the Winter Wonder Walk! As part of the Winter Wonder Walk you will be transported into the magical world of Winterland, where the pages will come to life with live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail.
📣 Interested in participating?
Young entrepreneurs can register at: https://kidsmarkets.com/
Follow us on Facebook @ChildrenEntrepreneursNorthCarolina for updates, sneak peeks, and more!
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
💡 Educational & Inspiring – Kids learn valuable skills in leadership, creativity, money management, and marketing.
🎨 Hands-On Fun –Family-Friendly Fun
🛍️ One-of-a-Kind Shopping – Support the next generation of business leaders and take home unique, kid-made treasures.
🛡️ Safe & Supervised – A welcoming, secure environment for kids and families.

