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

• Not a member, you should be! Membership is a great source of renewing revenue that helps us grow our programming year after year.
• If you are already a member, consider making an additional donation. Donations can be program specific (i.e. Preservation Grants or the Baxter Award) or general to support for unexpected projects and administrative costs.
• Become a Business Member! Or support a business that is already a member!

The tradition continues with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. For the past four years, we have been able to celebrate the holidays with our community and beloved patrons through our Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas productions. This year, we are all celebrating the holidays a little differently, so we’re bringing the Christmas show to your home! Experience the magic and merriment with your favorite Vagabonds on stage and around town. This year’s one-of-a-kind production was filmed on the Rock and in Hendersonville and captures the spirit of the holidays like never before with dancing on Main Street, fireside singing, stunning performances on stage, and a virtually connected chorus. Featuring favorites old and new like “White Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” “This Christmas,” and many more.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas, A Virtual Production was filmed on location at Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, Flat Rock Playhouse, Kanuga Conference Center, and Main Street in Hendersonville. Filming adhered to all state and county guidelines regarding Covid-19.

Best of all, Porch Portraits by Suzanne will donate $15 of every session to our great friends at Flat Rock Playhouse. My goal is to raise $15,000 for the Playhouse by the end of the year so any money over and above the price of $65 will go straight to them.

Perhaps most exciting, an extremely generous Playhouse donor has agreed to a MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN up to $36,000.18! This incredibly generous donation draws on the magic of Chai, the Jewish belief that multiples of 18 bring good luck. Meaning that every session booked will result in at least $30 for the wonderful folks at Flat Rock Playhouse.

For decades, Flat Rock Playhouse has been opening their collective hearts and sharing their fabulous talents to bring joy and entertainment to western North Carolina. This is an opportunity to show our gratitude at a time when they really need our support.

Together, let’s make magic happen! Help us kick off this campaign by contributing today.

Even Santa has to social distance this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t capture that special family photo. Join the Asheville Downtown Association at Rabbit Rabbit located at 75 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Three sessions will be offered including Saturday, November 21 from 11:30am-1:30pm; Saturday, November 21 from 3-5pm; and Sunday, November 22 from 12-2pm.

Note: For both Saturday sessions, we will have professional photographer Max Ganly. Photos from Saturday will be posted to the Asheville Downtown Association website the following week, and you can download your image for free. We will not have professional photography on Sunday, November 22, but you’re welcome to snap your own pictures.

To ensure social distancing, families are asked to RSVP for a FREE time slot and table for their group size. Groups will be asked to stay at their assigned table and be called up in the order they arrived. Face coverings or masks are required for all participants (even Santa and Mrs. Claus!).

Session 1: To register for Saturday, Nov. 21 from 11:30am-1:30pm, click here. Doors will open at 10:30am.

Session 2: To register for Saturday, Nov. 21 from 3-5pm, click here. Doors will open at 2pm.

Session 3: To register for Sunday, Nov. 22 from 12-2pm, click here. Doors will open at 11:30am.

Guests do not need to arrive right as doors open. We will seat groups throughout the sessions.

Even Santa has to social distance this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t capture that special family photo. Join the Asheville Downtown Association at Rabbit Rabbit located at 75 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Three sessions will be offered including Saturday, November 21 from 11:30am-1:30pm; Saturday, November 21 from 3-5pm; and Sunday, November 22 from 12-2pm.

Note: For both Saturday sessions, we will have professional photographer Max Ganly. Photos from Saturday will be posted to the Asheville Downtown Association website the following week, and you can download your image for free. We will not have professional photography on Sunday, November 22, but you’re welcome to snap your own pictures.

To ensure social distancing, families are asked to RSVP for a FREE time slot and table for their group size. Groups will be asked to stay at their assigned table and be called up in the order they arrived. Face coverings or masks are required for all participants (even Santa and Mrs. Claus!).

Session 1: To register for Saturday, Nov. 21 from 11:30am-1:30pm, click here. Doors will open at 10:30am.

Session 2: To register for Saturday, Nov. 21 from 3-5pm, click here. Doors will open at 2pm.

Session 3: To register for Sunday, Nov. 22 from 12-2pm, click here. Doors will open at 11:30am.

Guests do not need to arrive right as doors open. We will seat groups throughout the sessions.

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).

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.

• Not a member, you should be! Membership is a great source of renewing revenue that helps us grow our programming year after year.
• If you are already a member, consider making an additional donation. Donations can be program specific (i.e. Preservation Grants or the Baxter Award) or general to support for unexpected projects and administrative costs.
• Become a Business Member! Or support a business that is already a member!

Our local area Harris Teeter stores will be doing a “Harvest Feast Round-up Campaign” to benefit MANNA, November 18 – December 29. Shoppers will be able to round up to the next dollar at checkout, and the difference will go to MANNA.

Best of all, Porch Portraits by Suzanne will donate $15 of every session to our great friends at Flat Rock Playhouse. My goal is to raise $15,000 for the Playhouse by the end of the year so any money over and above the price of $65 will go straight to them.

Perhaps most exciting, an extremely generous Playhouse donor has agreed to a MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN up to $36,000.18! This incredibly generous donation draws on the magic of Chai, the Jewish belief that multiples of 18 bring good luck. Meaning that every session booked will result in at least $30 for the wonderful folks at Flat Rock Playhouse.

For decades, Flat Rock Playhouse has been opening their collective hearts and sharing their fabulous talents to bring joy and entertainment to western North Carolina. This is an opportunity to show our gratitude at a time when they really need our support.

Together, let’s make magic happen! Help us kick off this campaign by contributing today.

Even Santa has to social distance this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t capture that special family photo. Join the Asheville Downtown Association at Rabbit Rabbit located at 75 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Three sessions will be offered including Saturday, November 21 from 11:30am-1:30pm; Saturday, November 21 from 3-5pm; and Sunday, November 22 from 12-2pm.

Note: For both Saturday sessions, we will have professional photographer Max Ganly. Photos from Saturday will be posted to the Asheville Downtown Association website the following week, and you can download your image for free. We will not have professional photography on Sunday, November 22, but you’re welcome to snap your own pictures.

To ensure social distancing, families are asked to RSVP for a FREE time slot and table for their group size. Groups will be asked to stay at their assigned table and be called up in the order they arrived. Face coverings or masks are required for all participants (even Santa and Mrs. Claus!).

Session 1: To register for Saturday, Nov. 21 from 11:30am-1:30pm, click here. Doors will open at 10:30am.

Session 2: To register for Saturday, Nov. 21 from 3-5pm, click here. Doors will open at 2pm.

Session 3: To register for Sunday, Nov. 22 from 12-2pm, click here. Doors will open at 11:30am.

Guests do not need to arrive right as doors open. We will seat groups throughout the sessions.

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).

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.