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.

Thursday, November 24, 2022
Santa Claus at Carolina Ace Hardware
Nov 24 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Carolina Ace Hardware

Immerse yourself in a Winter Wonderland with Santa and his elves and of course, Santa’s reindeer at Carolina Ace Hardware. Bring the whole family and take your Christmas pictures in the magical Christmas display in the Garden Center. Free to the public. Bring your cameras.

front of carolina ace hardware store

Hendersonville Turkey Trot
Nov 24 @ 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Hendersonville City Hall

graphic running turkey

The City of Hendersonville’s Wellness Committee will host its annual Turkey Trot 5k Thanksgiving morning on November 24, 2022. This year marks the Turkey Trot’s 10th Anniversary, alongside the City of Hendersonville’s 175th Anniversary. The 5k is a run/walk event open to all ages, all fitness levels, and all family members!
The Hendersonville Turkey Trot starts at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall at Fifth Avenue East and King Street. The course travels through downtown and ends back at City Hall. Walkers and runners should plan to be off the course by 10:30 a.m. The event will take place rain or shine, sleet, or snow! The entry fee is $13 which includes a short sleeve t-shirt. Event organizers have highlighted a different Hendersonville building with each year’s t-shirt design, increasing the number of turkeys each Thanksgiving. The 10th Anniversary shirt will be a throwback to the inaugural year.
The Turkey Trot is a non-sanctioned event – we’re here for fun and exercise and costumes are encouraged. Four prizes will be awarded for those pre-registered: farthest traveled, first male, first female, and a mystery time prize.
Before sitting down to your Thanksgiving meal bring the family, bring the kids, and bring the dog to the 10th Annual Hendersonville Turkey Trot!
South Asheville Turkey Trot
Nov 24 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Biltmore Park Town Square

Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday with families all over the country! Turkey Trots are a great way to start the day. Join us at Biltmore Park Town Square and enjoy some fresh air and exercise before gathering around the table for your Thanksgiving feast! You’ll share miles and smiles with your family and friends as part of this fun, annual tradition.

The race is located in Biltmore Park Town Square in South Asheville, North Carolina. The entire race is run throughout the Town Square and the surrounding neighborhoods within Biltmore Park.

Bring your entire family and celebrate Thanksgiving with us for this holiday, annual tradition.

Share the Warmth in Your Hometown this November
Nov 24 @ 10:00 am
Mast General Store

The Mast General Store welcomes Columbia Sportswear’s partnership for this year’s Share the Warmth campaign. During the month of November, Mast General Store is collecting gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, and blankets to share with our neighbors
who need them. Columbia will make their own donation of coats and jackets to be shared with
our community organizations.

Chef Terri Terrell’s Thanksgiving Supper
Nov 24 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Sovereign Remedies

Chef Terri Terrell’s Thanksgiving Supper
at Sovereign Remedies

thanks giving tt 2.png
Make a Reservation

We are excited to announce that we have partnered up with Terri Terrell to host a Traditional, sit at your grandmother’s table, Southern Thanksgiving Supper.

Be greeted with an opening cocktail in the downstairs bar and then make your way to your personally curated table upstairs in the picturesque elevated dining room. There you will enjoy a family style meal with your chosen guest.

Please note that Sovereign Remedies will not be open to the public on Thanksgiving day,  only guests with pre-purchased reservations will be served. Limited seating, purchase your tickets today.

Other things to know:

  • The upstairs dining room is not wheelchair accessible.

  • Tables can accommodate up to 6 guests.

  • Menu can accommodate a vegetarian diet. Please indicate on your reservation if you are vegetarian.

  • Menu is not Gluten Free, Dairy Free or Vegan.

  • Thanksgiving Supper Menu

    Appetizers

    Classic Deviled Eggs

    Crab Toast

    Soup

    Winter Squash Soup

    Salad

    Seasonal Winter Greens & Vegetables – Blue Cheese Vinaigrette – Toasted Walnuts

    Main

    Brined and Slow Roasted Turkey

    Maple Glazed Spiral Ham

    Mashed Potatoes

    Turkey Gravy

    Cranberry Sauce

    Herbed Dressing

    Roasted Carrots & Brussels Sprouts

    Collard Greens

    Green Bean Casserole

    Savory Sweet Potatoes

    Corn Pudding

    Dinner Rolls

    Dessert

    Pecan and Pumpkin Pie

Meadowlark Motel Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov 24 @ 5:00 pm
Meadowlark Motel

Book now for the Meadowlark Annual Thanksgiving dinner 5pm Nov 24th. Turkey, Ham, Boyd’s Elk Chili and all the traditional sides as well as Joseph’s pineapple upside down cake and Barber Orchard fruit pies. Dinner is $20 for hotel guests and $30 for non guests and includes a glass of wine or a beer of your choice. Mike Ogletree will be playing Scottish and Irish folk songs. The Speakeasy will have the football games on during the day and music later that night. Last year was a special party with guests, family and friends.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Nov 24 @ 5:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.

The North Carolina Arboretum Winter Lights
Nov 24 @ 6:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.

alternatetext  The Lights!

This year’s show features over a million lights and mixes enchanting new displays with old favorites like the 50ft tree and Quilt Garden. Winter Lights is a walk-through light show with countless opportunities for photos. Use our hashtag #NCWinterLights22 to share the magic!

View the photo gallery here

   Live performances

Live performances are scheduled nightly at the Education Center, near Bent Creek Bistro. View the music schedule here.

  Rocky Cove Railroad*

During Winter Lights, our beloved g-scale model train offers nightly service to the North Pole. All aboard!

  Storytime at Woodland Cove

Visit the Education Center for a whimsical window display that follows a young bear’s journey to discover new habitats. This is an educational exhibit that will delight the whole family.

  Gift Shops

Still have a bit of shopping to do for the holidays? our Connections Gallery Gift Shop in the Baker Visitor Center and Winter Lights Shop in the Education Center are open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily, and from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. nightly, during Winter Lights.

  S’mores and Firepits*

If the winter nights turn a bit chilly, cozy up to the fire pits and heaters throughout the gardens.

S’mores kits are available for purchase at the Bent Creek Bistro, where there’s an especially large fire pit for all your marshmallow-roasting needs!

 Wishing Trees

A favorite Winter Lights tradition, the Wishing Trees return this year in a new location! Look for them near Rocky Cove Railroad, and make sure to leave a wish for the coming year.

  Eat and Drink**

Looking for something to warm you up while you stroll? Cocoa, beer, and wine are available at both the Cocoa Shack and Bent Creek Bistro.

View the menu for Bent Creek Bistro

Bent Creek Bistro Hours: Full menu: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Snacks: 9:30-10:00 p.m.

 

*The Rocky Cove Railroad and the fire pits cannot run in certain weather conditions, and may be closed without notice.

**Alcohol purchased on-site may only be consumed in the event area and is not permitted in the parking lot or on the trails. Outside alcohol is prohibited at all times, on all parts of the property. This includes the parking lot and trails.

Claxton Giving Tree
Nov 24 @ 6:46 pm – 7:46 pm
online
If you’re looking for a way to give back this season, look no further! Each year, we team up with Claxton Elementary to find folks who’d love to provide gifts for students who would otherwise go without.

Once you sign up, we will match you with a child and email you their information, wish lists, and preferences. Start getting into the Christmas spirit! Sign up by December 1st. Learn more here! 

The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
Nov 24 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour

  • Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring live music!

 

  • This seasonal favorite features an entertaining blend of holiday storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling. Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions, then join-in with our on-board musician singing classic carols and songs of Christmas. And all the while the Holly Jolly Trolley is rolling past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.

 

This has all the makings of a jolly good family tradition!

  • Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
  • Admission: Adults $29; Children (5-11) $13
  • Phone: 
  • Email:
Friday, November 25, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Nov 25 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

Asheville Express Employment Professionals’ Annual Pay It Forward Hiring Drive
Nov 25 all-day
Asheville Express Employment Professional
  • In the spirit of PAY IT FORWARD, we’ve partnered with Buncombe County’s Extended Foster Care 18-21 Program. This program supports the transition from foster care to positive adulthood. Program participants demonstrate their commitment by being enrolled in school and or working in our community. We’ll be building laundry baskets that contain everyday living items such as towels, kitchen items, and hygiene products. Each basket holds around $90 worth of items and makes a priceless impact on their lives. Please join us!

     

    WITH YOUR HELP WE WERE ABLE TO PUT 102 ASSOCIATES TO WORK SINCE NOV 1ST AND CREATE AND DELIVER 51 BASKETS TO BUNCOMBE COUNTY EXTENDED FOSTER CARE PROGRAM.

     

     

     

  • Here’s How You Can Help

    1. Hire an Express employee for at least one week between November 1 and December 15.  Not only will you gain a qualified worker to help meet your needs, but that worker will earn a paycheck before the holidays.

    2. For each Express employee hired, we will make a donation to Foster Care 18-21.  Our goal is to fill over 20 laundry baskets with essential items young adults need to be independent and successful.

    3. Join us and have your organization work together to collect items for 1 laundry basket! OR 10! OR MORE* We will pick it up from you.

    4. Share our campaign with other area businesses to assist us with our vision of employing and providing a paycheck for 100 unemployed people and supporting the extended foster care program during this holiday season.

    5. Know that your donation of money or items is tax deductible.

    Make a Difference

    Buncombe County’s Extended Foster Care Program Wish List – Building Hope 1 Laundry Basket at a Time! Target is to have around $90 of items in a basket.

     

    (Be sure to review the notes before purchasing)

     

    o   Laundry Basket

     

    o   Laundry Detergent

     

    o   Towels (bathroom and kitchen)

     

    o   Cleaning Supplies

     

    o   Hygiene products

     

    o   Toothpaste

     

    o   Shampoo/Conditioner

     

    o   Body Wash

     

    o   Soap

     

    o   Deodorant

     

    o   Shaving Cream

     

    o   Shower Line and Hooks

     

    o   Light Bulbs

     

    o   Kitchen Items

     

    o   Silverware

     

    o   Bowls, Plates, Cups

     

    o   Sponges

     

    o   Dish drying rack

     

    o   Potholders

     

    o   Toilet Brush

     

    o   Cell phone charge

     

    o   Paper towels

     

    o   Toilet Paper

     

    o   Blanket

     

    o   Candles

     

    o   Journal or a Book

     

    We are looking to fill each basket with approximately $90 worth of items. You can go shopping on your own and build a basket or shop using the link below and the items will come to our office. We’ll build the basket for you and in your name!

     

    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1M2W9OLNZG9YV?ref_=wl_share

     

    Please have baskets ready for pick up no later than December 15th, 2021. 

     

Give!Local fundraiser! Nature Center and Weiler Woods for Wildlife
Nov 25 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

From November 1 to December 31, you can support the WNC Nature Center through Mountain Xpress’ Give!Local fundraiser!
Your donation gives you great incentives from the Nature Center and Mountain Xpress, and your gift will be matched by Weiler Woods for Wildlife up to $2,500, with the entire donation coming to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center!
This is a powerful way to support local nonprofits and your community during the holiday season!
Here are a few of the awesome perks of supporting the Friends:
  • Donate $25+ and get a day pass to the WNC Nature Center.
  • Donate $50+ and get an animal sticker and a day pass.
  • Donate $100+ and get an animal tracks necklace, animal sticker, and a day pass.
  • Donate $250+ and get a a guided tour of the Nature Center with animal enrichment for two people, plus the necklace, sticker, and day pass. PLUS, you’ll be entered to win a chance to go on habitat with red pandas Leafa and Phoenix in 2023!
Henderson County Merchant Holiday Decoration Contest
Nov 25 all-day
Throughout Henderson County

Merchants all over Henderson County vie for the honor of best holiday window displays and lighting, Take a drive around the county then vote for your favorite store front online, All displays will be available to view by November 26, but voting is only open December 6 – 17, Find the list of participants and information for online voting.

Holiday Home Decoration Contest
Nov 25 all-day
Throughout Henderson County

Homeowners all over Henderson County vie for the honor of having the best holiday decorations, as voted on by you. You are invited to take a drive around the county to look at all the festive holiday displays and then vote online for your favorite. An interactive online Google map with all locations and a printable PDF will be available by Nov. 25, 2022.

Printed copies of maps will also be at the Hendersonville Welcome Center at that time. Online voting opens in December.

MANNA Foodbank Round Up Campaigns: Food Lions Feeds
Nov 25 all-day
Food Lions throughout community
  • Help Us Meet the Need This Holiday Season

    Round Up Campaigns & Community Events

    We are so grateful to all of our partners who are helping us during this critical time by providing various ways for people to get involved and help provide meals for neighbors this holiday season. Read through the list below to find out ways you can get involved.
  • Food Lions Feeds (11/9 – 12/12): Food Lion stores will be hosting Food Lion Feeds, which is an in-store food drive program where customers have the opportunity to purchase and donate a Food Lion Feeds for the Holidays box of food that will be donated to MANNA FoodBank.
Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt
Nov 25 all-day
Downtown Hendersonville

Downtown Hendersonville
Peppermint Bear takes you on a fun-filled bear hunt in downtown Hendersonville in search of her lost cubs. Hint: the cubs are hiding in downtown businesses.

Once you have found a lost cub in at least 12 of 26 participating businesses and the shopkeeper has punched your brochure, you are eligible to win scavenger hunt prizes. Complete the entry form in the brochure and drop it in Peppermint’s mailbox in front of the Welcome Center, by Dec. 23.

For more details about the Scavenger Hunt, watch this video or stop by the Welcome Center at 201 South Main Street. Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt brochures are available at the Hendersonville Welcome Center.

The Wish Tree- Older Adults + Adults w/ Disabilities and Foster Care Wish Tree
Nov 25 all-day
online

Make A Wish Come True This Holiday Season

Wishes

Ready the hot cocoa and pull out your decorations; it’s time for another holiday season.  As you begin your holiday preparation traditions, remember to visit the Buncombe County Wish Trees! This year we are offering two opportunities to spread cheer throughout the community:

Foster Care Wish Tree

Each year children in foster care and young adults participating in Extended Foster Care in Buncombe County submit a list of wishes they would like for the holidays. Signing up to sponsor a child or young adult is easy! Just follow the link below and select the child or young adult you would like to sponsor. After signing up, you will receive email confirmation that provides a copy of the wish list and all the instructions for drop off. 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

Direct Questions to Amber Cook

 [email protected]
(828) 250-5824

The Wish Tree- Fulfilling Wishes of Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

There are a lot of Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities in Buncombe County in need of connection this holiday season. Show a  Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities how much you care by sponsoring them this holiday season. Signing up to sponsor a Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities  is easy. Just follow the link below, select the  Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities 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 AN OLDER ADULT OR AN ADULT WITH DISABILITIES

A note from HHS

The holidays can be hard for a lot of people, children in foster care, older adults, and adults with disabilities in particular. Holidays are a time when family and friends gather together, show support for one another, and shower each other with love, kindness, and generosity. Each year, we have an opportunity to deliver the holiday spirit to children in foster care, older adults, and adults with disabilities through our wish tree gift drives. The expressions of joy and excitement on our clients faces as we deliver their gifts reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday season, connection. Yes, the gifts are nice. But the real gift is knowing that someone loves and cares. That is what we deliver to our clients. Thank you in advance for your generous sponsorship.

Virtual Angel Giving Tree
Nov 25 all-day
online

Our Virtual Angel tree is up for this holiday season. This gift tree provides our broader YWCA community a path to join us as we aim to support our program participants and their families with a holiday season full of love and support.

If you would like to adopt a family this holiday season please click here or email Taleese Morrill in our Programs team to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

If you prefer please select a gift from our Amazon wish list by December 1st, 2022. Gifts from the list will be mailed directly to our building and will be sorted and distributed by our YWCA elves. All items on the list have been selected by the families and are items they are wishing for or are in need of this holiday season.

All gifts must be ordered by December 1.

Programs Served by the Angel Tree

MotherLove
YWCA’s MotherLove program supports pregnant and parenting teens throughout Buncombe County. Our goals are to help young parents to stay in school and graduate, access higher education and vocational training, develop the skills and knowledge needed to become strong parents, and delay another teen pregnancy.

Getting Ahead In a Just Getting By World
YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families, and their community.

Early Learning Program
YWCA’s Early Learning Program provides 5-star childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Our experienced and compassionate teachers not only provide exceptional care for little ones, but also prepare young children to succeed cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. We prioritize families using childcare vouchers or caring for children in the foster care system.

Empowerment Childcare
The YWCA provides up to 12 hours of free childcare per week for parents who are in transition, continuing their education, accessing social services, or looking for employment. ECC works closely with the Family Justice Center, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, A-B Tech, Green Opportunities, and Mary Benson House.

It’s the Season of Giving w/ The Blood Connection + Feeding the Carolinas
Nov 25 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Blood Connection--Asheville

One in five people in the Carolinas don’t have enough food to eat.  As we enter the holiday season, November is historically one of the hardest months for food banks across the country.  Many North and South Carolinians are either looking for ways to help those in need or looking for help themselves. The Blood Connection (TBC), the non-profit community blood center serving these two states, is dedicating the month of November to addressing the issue of food insecurity in the region by offering blood donors a way to help those in need.

 

In the month of November, TBC will partner with Feeding the Carolinas – a network of food banks across North and South Carolina that works to provide a healthy, adequate, and consistent food supply – to promote blood donation and food donation.  Each year, Feeding the Carolinas estimates they supply food to more than 2.3 million Carolinians facing hunger.  Feeding the Carolinas also supports the Augusta, Georgia region, which TBC has recently begun operations in.

 

TBC needs around 1,000 blood donations per day to supply blood to more than 100 hospitals across the Carolinas, and TBC must ensure the shelves are stocked with life-saving blood products when hospital partners call. TBC has set a goal of raising $5,000 for food banks in November, with the hopes of helping neighboring non-profits stock their shelves, as well. Like the need for blood, the need for charitable food does not go away: people in this community will always need food – especially now with inflation at never-before-seen levels.  With one blood donation, a donor can save three lives and help a family in their own community have enough food on the table for Thanksgiving.

Throughout the month of November, blood donors will have the option to donate their TBC reward points in
the TBC Store to Feeding the Carolinas. At TBC centers, food collection boxes will also be placed out for
donors to give non-perishable food items. TBC is also looking for organizations to host blood drives
benefiting Feeding the Carolinas. Blood drive hosts have the option to donate $10 or $20 per blood donor to
Feeding the Carolinas. For more information about hosting a blood drive in November, go to
thebloodconnection.org/host.

 

Photos with The Grinch at Asheville Outlets
Nov 25 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Come enjoy selfies with The Grinch at Asheville Outlets on Friday, November 25, and Saturdays, December 3 and 17, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located in the Food Court. The event is free, but we ask that you donate a new, unwrapped toy to Western North Carolina Toys for Tots.

Share the Warmth in Your Hometown this November
Nov 25 @ 10:00 am
Mast General Store

The Mast General Store welcomes Columbia Sportswear’s partnership for this year’s Share the Warmth campaign. During the month of November, Mast General Store is collecting gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, and blankets to share with our neighbors
who need them. Columbia will make their own donation of coats and jackets to be shared with
our community organizations.

Disney on Ice
Nov 25 @ 1:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

 

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate!  This monumental ice-skating spectacular returns to Bon Secours Wellness Arena from November 23-27.  

 

Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana.  The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all.  Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.

 

The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set.  With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience.  Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience in your hometown!

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 25 @ 3:59 pm – 4:59 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2022! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger 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.

Weather

We encourage guests to plan ahead and stay apprised of the latest weather developments. Cancellations of a POLAR EXPRESS departure because of inclement weather are very rare. If you’re staying in the Gatlinburg/Sevierville, Tennessee area, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service announces road closures and openings on Twitter, or call (865) 436-1200 extension 631 for a recorded message. In such case Highway 441 is closed through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Interstate 40 typically remains open. Use 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713 as your destination to find an alternate route.

Disney on Ice
Nov 25 @ 5:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

 

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate!  This monumental ice-skating spectacular returns to Bon Secours Wellness Arena from November 23-27.  

 

Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana.  The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all.  Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.

 

The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set.  With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience.  Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience in your hometown!

Holiday Tree Lighting
Nov 25 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Historic Courthouse on Main Street, Hendersonville

Downtown’s Holiday Street Lighting kicks off the season with Christmas songs, hot drinks and delicious treats from Black Bear Coffee, shopping and a countdown as Santa arrives to light up Main Street at 6pm, followed by visits with Santa and carriage rides.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Nov 25 @ 5:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.

The North Carolina Arboretum Winter Lights
Nov 25 @ 6:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.

alternatetext  The Lights!

This year’s show features over a million lights and mixes enchanting new displays with old favorites like the 50ft tree and Quilt Garden. Winter Lights is a walk-through light show with countless opportunities for photos. Use our hashtag #NCWinterLights22 to share the magic!

View the photo gallery here

   Live performances

Live performances are scheduled nightly at the Education Center, near Bent Creek Bistro. View the music schedule here.

  Rocky Cove Railroad*

During Winter Lights, our beloved g-scale model train offers nightly service to the North Pole. All aboard!

  Storytime at Woodland Cove

Visit the Education Center for a whimsical window display that follows a young bear’s journey to discover new habitats. This is an educational exhibit that will delight the whole family.

  Gift Shops

Still have a bit of shopping to do for the holidays? our Connections Gallery Gift Shop in the Baker Visitor Center and Winter Lights Shop in the Education Center are open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily, and from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. nightly, during Winter Lights.

  S’mores and Firepits*

If the winter nights turn a bit chilly, cozy up to the fire pits and heaters throughout the gardens.

S’mores kits are available for purchase at the Bent Creek Bistro, where there’s an especially large fire pit for all your marshmallow-roasting needs!

 Wishing Trees

A favorite Winter Lights tradition, the Wishing Trees return this year in a new location! Look for them near Rocky Cove Railroad, and make sure to leave a wish for the coming year.

  Eat and Drink**

Looking for something to warm you up while you stroll? Cocoa, beer, and wine are available at both the Cocoa Shack and Bent Creek Bistro.

View the menu for Bent Creek Bistro

Bent Creek Bistro Hours: Full menu: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Snacks: 9:30-10:00 p.m.

 

*The Rocky Cove Railroad and the fire pits cannot run in certain weather conditions, and may be closed without notice.

**Alcohol purchased on-site may only be consumed in the event area and is not permitted in the parking lot or on the trails. Outside alcohol is prohibited at all times, on all parts of the property. This includes the parking lot and trails.

Claxton Giving Tree
Nov 25 @ 6:46 pm – 7:46 pm
online
If you’re looking for a way to give back this season, look no further! Each year, we team up with Claxton Elementary to find folks who’d love to provide gifts for students who would otherwise go without.

Once you sign up, we will match you with a child and email you their information, wish lists, and preferences. Start getting into the Christmas spirit! Sign up by December 1st. Learn more here! 

David Wilcox Annual Thanksgiving Homecoming Concert
Nov 25 @ 7:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3371988/david-wilcox-annual-thanksgiving-homecoming-concert-asheville-grey-eagle-music-hall