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.

Saturday, December 14, 2019
Handle With Care
Dec 14 @ 2:00 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

“In this bilingual romantic comedy, circumstances both hilarious and tragic bring together a young Israeli woman, who has little command of English, and a young American man, who has little command of romance. Is their inevitable love an accident … or is it destiny, generations in the making?”

“a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy” – The New York Times

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 14 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

Miracle on 34th Street
Dec 14 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Kris Kringle, an old man living in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s where he surprises employees and customers by claiming to be the real Santa Claus. Seen as deluded by Macy’s vocational counselor, he’s thrown into a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity. Especially at stake is one little girl’s belief in Santa. The whole family will enjoy this funny, poignant and faithful adaptation of the classic 1947 film.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 14 @ 2:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

Montford Park Player’s A Christmas Carol
Dec 14 @ 5:00 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

Photo of two actors dressed up as characters from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Get ready for a Moppet Holiday!
Scrooge and all of the Spirts of Christmas are back, and the Moppets got ’em!
Now that The Montford Moppets, Asheville’s ONLY Continuing Shakespeare Summer Camp, is year-round, they are returning for the second straight year to bring you their delightful take on Dickens’ holiday classic.
And, for the second-year in a row, A Christmas Carol will be a Moppet affair.
Dynamic duo Ashleigh and Skyler Goff have asked the Teens their hot takes on the famous story, and what they’ve come up with will surely delight kids and their grown-ups alike.
Shows will be presented Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5pm from December 13th through the 22nd, with a special showing on Monday the 23rd.
The Saturday performances will be preceded (starting at 3pm) by Montford Park Players’ Holiday Festival, featuring local food vendors and crafters, delicious baked goods, and many other surprises for the whole family.

Please note, that all of these festivities will be held on the grounds of the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre and are outdoors. Although MPP will provide patio heaters, we ask that you dress very warmly and bring any items or drinks that will help your entire day be filled with warmth.

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 14 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

BMCAT presents THE SANTALAND DIARIES by David Sedaris
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts Theatre

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts Theatre proudly presents…The Santaland Diaries, written by David Sedaris and adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello.

PLOT SUMMARY: When a down-on-his luck wannabe actor arrives in New York City at the end of the year, the only employment he can find is at Macy’s department store — working in Santaland for the holiday season, as a reluctant, but relentlessly cheerful, elf. Newly christened “Crumpet”, our clever anti-hero shares his observations of the mayhem in front of and behind the scenes during one chaotic December, from aggressive parents and drunken Santas, to flirtatious actors, poor hygiene, and the racially charged hazards of being a “Pointer Elf.” Will Crumpet find a moment of pure Christmas spirit? Will he end up in Santa’s cottage with Snowball the elf? Will he escape with his life on Christmas Eve before being torn apart by enraged customers?

This show contains mature content and is for adults only.

Evening performances on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and matinees on Sundays at 2:00 pm.

Cirque du Soleil AXEL
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL

Cirque du Soleil is back on ice with AXEL, a new electrifying experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Follow AXEL and his dynamic group of friends whose passion for live music and graphic arts come to life in an exhilarating adventure that reminds us that our dreams are within reach.

Discover this young artist as he falls for the fascinating Lei in a high-speed chase for love and self-realization. Sparks fly as they set out on a fast-moving quest through fun colorful fantastical worlds. Will he fulfill his destiny and find his voice?

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

Handle With Care
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

“In this bilingual romantic comedy, circumstances both hilarious and tragic bring together a young Israeli woman, who has little command of English, and a young American man, who has little command of romance. Is their inevitable love an accident … or is it destiny, generations in the making?”

“a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy” – The New York Times

The 10th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

An Asheville Holiday staple!

Special Event – Join the Bernsteins for their final year of the raucous holiday fun.

The Bernsteins have thrilled and cracked up Asheville audiences with their antics for a decade. With an all-star cast of local acting talent, the show features Best of WNC Award Winner Tracey Johnston-Crum, well-known Lazoom personality Glenn Reed, Erik Moellering, Sarah Felmet, and Darren Marshall, who has played both Santa Claus and Baby Jesus for all ten years of the Spectacular. Directed by Lucia Del Vecchio, the show is sure to be a rollicking comedy romp, that is most certainly not suitable for all audiences.

December 5 – 21, 2019
Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 7:30pm & 10 p.m.

Note: Groupons are not accepted for The 10th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

The Santaland Diaries
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

When an out of work slacker takes a job as an elf in Macy’s Santaland, his hilarious observations of the shoppers and employees are much more naughty than nice. This one-man-act can only be described one way: crazy funny. It’s the 18th year in a row for this show at ACT! Starring Tom Chalmers.

Winter Dance Performance
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center-Gunter Theatre

20-gvs-2-660.jpg

The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Dance Department presents a performance of classical ballet, modern, and contemporary dance showcasing the grace and elegance as well as the passion and versatility of the Governor’s School dancers.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 14 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Image

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

 

A family tradition has come home for the holidays. An all-new production. Sure to delight and entertain.  Join us for the celebration

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 14 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Image

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

 

A family tradition has come home for the holidays. An all-new production. Sure to delight and entertain.  Join us for the celebration

The Santaland Diaries
Dec 14 @ 9:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

When an out of work slacker takes a job as an elf in Macy’s Santaland, his hilarious observations of the shoppers and employees are much more naughty than nice. This one-man-act can only be described one way: crazy funny. It’s the 18th year in a row for this show at ACT! Starring Tom Chalmers.

The 10th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular
Dec 14 @ 10:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

An Asheville Holiday staple!

Special Event – Join the Bernsteins for their final year of the raucous holiday fun.

The Bernsteins have thrilled and cracked up Asheville audiences with their antics for a decade. With an all-star cast of local acting talent, the show features Best of WNC Award Winner Tracey Johnston-Crum, well-known Lazoom personality Glenn Reed, Erik Moellering, Sarah Felmet, and Darren Marshall, who has played both Santa Claus and Baby Jesus for all ten years of the Spectacular. Directed by Lucia Del Vecchio, the show is sure to be a rollicking comedy romp, that is most certainly not suitable for all audiences.

December 5 – 21, 2019
Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 7:30pm & 10 p.m.

Note: Groupons are not accepted for The 10th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular.

Sunday, December 15, 2019
Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 15 all-day
Fringe Feast

Join us January 19 – 26, 2020, as we celebrate our 18th year as the fearless, boundary pushing performing arts festival. We are returning bigger and bolder than ever, beginning a little early, with a free preview party, 7 pm, January 11th at Fleetwood’s in West Asheville. Enjoy art installations from ZedAVL and Geneva Bierce Wilson, be delighted by everyone’s favorite site-specific dance troupe The Accidentals, and grab a newly printed guide so you can start planning your festival!

Fringe Freak Passes go on Sale December 6!

Buy a Freak Pass now to pick from 25 different ticketed shows, which run Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, January 26. The Freak Pass is only $65. Freak Passholders are given priority with reserved seats. There are a limited number available, when they are gone, they’re gone! Price goes up to $75 on January 1st.

As well as over 100 ticketed show times from local, national and international artists, we have FREE Random Acts of Fringe popping up all over town, all week long, and lots of parties!  The Kickoff party returns to the Lazy Diamond at 7 pm, co-hosted by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, from 6-9pm, on Sunday, January 19th. Check out the new Artist Wine Party, hosted by Zapow Gallery, 7 pm, Tuesday, January 21st. Free after-parties return, starting at 10 pm, Thursday at Sly Grog, Friday at Mothlight and Saturday at The Block Off Biltmore, There you can enjoy more Random Acts of Fringe, meet the artists and chat about your favorite shows! See AshevilleFringe.org for all the details.

Individual tickets for each show are $14-$19 and go on sale January 1. See www.AshevilleFringe.org individual show descriptions and ticketing links.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm
Leiman Mainstage at Flat Rock Playhouse

Image

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

2661 Greenville Hwy Flat Rock, NC 28731

A family tradition has come home for the holidays. An all-new production. Sure to delight and entertain.  Join us for the celebration

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm
Leiman Mainstage at Flat Rock Playhouse
BMCAT presents THE SANTALAND DIARIES by David Sedaris
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts Theatre proudly presents…The Santaland Diaries, written by David Sedaris and adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello.

PLOT SUMMARY: When a down-on-his luck wannabe actor arrives in New York City at the end of the year, the only employment he can find is at Macy’s department store — working in Santaland for the holiday season, as a reluctant, but relentlessly cheerful, elf. Newly christened “Crumpet”, our clever anti-hero shares his observations of the mayhem in front of and behind the scenes during one chaotic December, from aggressive parents and drunken Santas, to flirtatious actors, poor hygiene, and the racially charged hazards of being a “Pointer Elf.” Will Crumpet find a moment of pure Christmas spirit? Will he end up in Santa’s cottage with Snowball the elf? Will he escape with his life on Christmas Eve before being torn apart by enraged customers?

This show contains mature content and is for adults only.

 

Handle With Care
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

“In this bilingual romantic comedy, circumstances both hilarious and tragic bring together a young Israeli woman, who has little command of English, and a young American man, who has little command of romance. Is their inevitable love an accident … or is it destiny, generations in the making?”

“a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy” – The New York Times

Kids at Hart presents Holly Jolly Christmas
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm
Haywood Arts Regional Theater

Directed and Conceived by Shelia Sumpter

The Performing Arts Main Stage

Join us as our KIDS AT HART celebrate the holidays in this festive musical review.

Winter Dance Performance
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center-Gunter Theatre

20-gvs-2-660.jpg

The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Dance Department presents a performance of classical ballet, modern, and contemporary dance showcasing the grace and elegance as well as the passion and versatility of the Governor’s School dancers.

Let it be, Christmas
Dec 15 @ 2:30 pm
Event Center at Biltmore United Methodist Church

All proceeds benefit Eliada Homes, a local non-profit supporting the children of WNC.

Experience this contemporary rendition of the beloved Nativity story beautifully told through the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo. Travel with Mary and Joseph down the “Long and Winding Road” to Bethlehem while savoring dozens of classic Beatles hits. This entertaining Christmas event profoundly reminds us – “All you need is Love”.

Miracle on 34th Street
Dec 15 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Kris Kringle, an old man living in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s where he surprises employees and customers by claiming to be the real Santa Claus. Seen as deluded by Macy’s vocational counselor, he’s thrown into a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity. Especially at stake is one little girl’s belief in Santa. The whole family will enjoy this funny, poignant and faithful adaptation of the classic 1947 film.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 15 @ 2:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

The Santaland Diaries
Dec 15 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

When an out of work slacker takes a job as an elf in Macy’s Santaland, his hilarious observations of the shoppers and employees are much more naughty than nice. This one-man-act can only be described one way: crazy funny. It’s the 18th year in a row for this show at ACT! Starring Tom Chalmers.

Montford Park Player’s A Christmas Carol
Dec 15 @ 5:00 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

Photo of two actors dressed up as characters from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Get ready for a Moppet Holiday!
Scrooge and all of the Spirts of Christmas are back, and the Moppets got ’em!
Now that The Montford Moppets, Asheville’s ONLY Continuing Shakespeare Summer Camp, is year-round, they are returning for the second straight year to bring you their delightful take on Dickens’ holiday classic.
And, for the second-year in a row, A Christmas Carol will be a Moppet affair.
Dynamic duo Ashleigh and Skyler Goff have asked the Teens their hot takes on the famous story, and what they’ve come up with will surely delight kids and their grown-ups alike.
Shows will be presented Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5pm from December 13th through the 22nd, with a special showing on Monday the 23rd.
The Saturday performances will be preceded (starting at 3pm) by Montford Park Players’ Holiday Festival, featuring local food vendors and crafters, delicious baked goods, and many other surprises for the whole family.

Please note, that all of these festivities will be held on the grounds of the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre and are outdoors. Although MPP will provide patio heaters, we ask that you dress very warmly and bring any items or drinks that will help your entire day be filled with warmth.

Cirque du Soleil AXEL
Dec 15 @ 7:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL

Cirque du Soleil is back on ice with AXEL, a new electrifying experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Follow AXEL and his dynamic group of friends whose passion for live music and graphic arts come to life in an exhilarating adventure that reminds us that our dreams are within reach.

Discover this young artist as he falls for the fascinating Lei in a high-speed chase for love and self-realization. Sparks fly as they set out on a fast-moving quest through fun colorful fantastical worlds. Will he fulfill his destiny and find his voice?

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.