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.

Sunday, December 20, 2020
Gallerie Bazaar: a gift show
Dec 20 @ 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
Last Minute Holiday Market
Dec 20 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Regeneration Station

We are ecstatic to invite you to our third annual Last Minute Holiday Market!
An early bird might get the worm; but if you’re looking for unique locally made gifts and quality vintage finds for everyone on your nice and naughty lists we saved all the best for last! Due to, you know…unprecedented circumstances, things might look a little different this year. Yet, we made it our priority to facilitate safe and fun holiday shopping experience y’all know and love.
What to expect?
• Free admission!
• The market will take place indoors. We’ve got the heaters and fans for constant airflow.
• In addition to our 70+ permanent vendors we are bringing 15 carefully selected local makers and artisans! Line up TBA.
• We will stagger our visiting vendors all throughout the store to prevent overcrowding.
• All attendees must wear a facial covering (except children under 3 years old) and keep at least 6 ft distance apart from other shoppers and vendors.
• Sanitizer stations throughout the store and antibacterial soap in the restrooms .
• Mystery gifts and discounts.
• Parking in the main parking lot behind our store (access from Simpson St) and consider carpooling with folks from your pod.
• Gift wrapping station at your services.
• We welcome all well-behaved pets and humans!
• We won’t play Mariah Carey ;D
Things you’ll find at the market:
Handcrafted Jewelry
Holiday Décor
Natural Beauty Products
Knitted Goods
Records
Books
House Plants
Postcards
& much more!
There are still couple vendor spots available with $25 vendor fee. Email your inquiry to [email protected] attn. Holiday Market.
We can’t wait to have you at the market! Happy Holidays!
Last Minute Holiday Market
Dec 20 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Regeneration Station

We are ecstatic to invite you to our third annual Last Minute Holiday Market!
An early bird might get the worm; but if you’re looking for unique locally made gifts and quality vintage finds for everyone on your nice and naughty lists we saved all the best for last! Due to, you know…unprecedented circumstances, things might look a little different this year. Yet, we made it our priority to facilitate safe and fun holiday shopping experience y’all know and love.
What to expect?
• Free admission!
• The market will take place indoors. We’ve got the heaters and fans for constant airflow.
• In addition to our 70+ permanent vendors we are bringing 15 carefully selected local makers and artisans! Line up TBA.
• We will stagger our visiting vendors all throughout the store to prevent overcrowding.
• All attendees must wear a facial covering (except children under 3 years old) and keep at least 6 ft distance apart from other shoppers and vendors.
• Sanitizer stations throughout the store and antibacterial soap in the restrooms .
• Mystery gifts and discounts.
• Parking in the main parking lot behind our store (access from Simpson St) and consider carpooling with folks from your pod.
• Gift wrapping station at your services.
• We welcome all well-behaved pets and humans!
• We won’t play Mariah Carey ;D
Things you’ll find at the market:
Handcrafted Jewelry
Holiday Décor
Natural Beauty Products
Knitted Goods
Records
Books
House Plants
Postcards
& much more!
We can’t wait to have you at the market! Happy Holidays!
Burlesque Brunch
Dec 20 @ 12:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Burlesque Brunch

Join us on the third Sunday of every month for Burlesque Brunch!
  • 18 +
  • SEATED SHOW
  • 11 AM DOORS/ 12 PM 

Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and belly dance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join us every month and relax and enjoy our dancing dames and dandies in an up close and intimate setting. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!

In person or Virtual: Visit Santa at the Asheville Mall
Dec 20 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Mall (near Barnes and Noble)

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We are excited to continue the tradition of hosting Santa to meet and greet all kids and kids-at-heart. Santa is doing many things differently this year, and because of that we are providing multiple options for you and your loved ones to see Santa.

In person visits will still be available, but you will have to reserve a special time to see Santa. Click here to reserve your spot now. These visits will be contactless, and hand sanitizing stations will also be available. Scroll further down the page to learn more about available dates, times, photo package pricing and more. Face masks are required to visit Santa for children age 2 and up as well as adults, so remember to bring your festive holiday mask or face covering.

For those unable to see Santa in person or who want additional memorable experiences, we are now offering several online options. You can continue to Create Holiday Magic from the comfort of your home, and celebrate Christmas throughout the season with things like Story Time with Santa, Photos with Santa (including pets), a live zoom call and more! Click here to learn more.

Santa Claus visits
Dec 20 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Mall (near Barnes and Noble)

The Asheville Mall is now offering Santa Claus visits for children this year, but it will look a bit different as the staff follows strict guidance to keep families safe. “Santa’s Workshop” is located in the traditional center of the mall, but the visits will be contactless. Instead of children sitting on Santa’s lap, families will sit 6 feet in front of Santa for photos. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
Football Sundays at The Grey Eagle
Dec 20 @ 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Mask up and join us for socially-distanced Football Sundays on the big screen in our music hall! We’ll have our taqueria and bar open on Sundays from 1:00-8:00pm all season long.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm Holiday Special Get a Box, Give a Pound to MANNA
Dec 20 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Get a Box, Give a Pound
From now until Dec. 31st, when you shop our new shippable curated sampler boxes, we’ll donate a pound of grassfed beef or pastured pork to MANNA foodbank to support a family in need.

*Order by Sunday, December 20 to ensure Christmas delivery!

NEW Holiday Hours
While the Farm Store is still closed to the general public, you can shop HNG products online and pick them up at the Farm Store.

PICKUP HOURS EXTENDED
Open: Friday (12/18) – Wednesday (12/23) 1-4 PM
Closed: Thursday (12/24) – Wednesday (12/30)
Open: Thursday (12/31)
Closed: Friday (1/1)
Open: Saturday (1/2) – Sunday (1/3) 1-4 PM

A Swannanoa Solstice Live Show
Dec 20 @ 2:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

A Swannanoa Solstice, Sunday, December 20, 2020

In 2020, A Swannanoa Solstice celebrates 18 years of delighting Western North Carolina audiences with a world-class display of folk, ushering in the winter season and drawing in more fans each and every year. A beloved local holiday tradition, A Swannanoa Solstice welcomes renowned multi-instrumentalist Robin Bullock and Grammy-winner David Holt to the stage, along with special guests Ellie Grace, Doug Orr, Phil Jamison, E.J. Jones, and — joining the lineup for the first time — renowned Madison County fiddler, Josh Goforth. These creative, charismatic musicians perform a mix of Celtic, American-roots and world-influenced music to dazzle audiences during the annual event, reflecting the heritage of the hills and spreading a peaceful, united and uplifting message perfect for the holiday season.

Featured Performers:

  • Robin Bullock, Celtic/American string wizard
  • David Holt, Grammy Award-winning musician, storyteller, historian and radio and television host
  • Josh Goforth, renowned fiddler
  • E.J. Jones, Highland bagpiper — and the Piper Jones Band
  • Phil Jamison, nationally acclaimed flatfoot dancer
  • Ellie Grace, percussive dancer, singer and instrumentalist
  • Host Doug Orr, president emeritus of Warren Wilson College and founder of The Swannanoa Gathering
It’s A Wonderful Life
Dec 20 @ 2:00 pm
Online w/ North Carolina Stage Company

*Ticket sales will end at 12 pm on the day of each performance*

What if Immediate Theatre Project had to present their annual broadcast of It’s A Wonderful Life in the middle of a pandemic that prevented the actors from getting together to rehearse? The lines between real life and live theater blur in this virtual version of this classic holiday offering. In a year unlike any other, join us for a reminder that when we believe in each other nothing is impossible.

Holiday at Peace
Dec 20 @ 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Peace Center

Celebrate the Christmas season with the Upstate’s premier holiday pops performance, Holiday at Peace. For nearly thirty years,  Holiday at peace has been entertaining the entire family with dazzling performances that feature classic standards with modern-day favorites. Making her Greenville Debut, is America’s Songbird,  Myrna Clayton. You and your family will be swept into the seasonal spirit and mesmerized by Myrna’s heartfelt vocals. Returning to the stage with the GSO is International Ballet! Music and merriment abound in our holiday pops concert, perfect for the entire family. What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with the GSO’s annual, musical Christmas present to Greenville.

Shakedown Sundays
Dec 20 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

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Every Sunday Except First of Month.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm Holiday Sale
Dec 20 @ 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.

Serving a meal at Western Carolina Rescue Ministry: Let’s Help Feed Those in Need
Dec 20 @ 4:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Western Carolina Rescue Ministry

Will be serving food at WNC Ministry

Let’s Help Feed Those in Need

To put action steps to the desire to help others. Anyone who is interested in helping those who are food insecure. We will organize a way to offer a meal once weekly to those in need.

Family Movie Night: ELF
Dec 20 @ 4:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Show | 4:30pm // Doors | 3:30pm
$5 per person
$7 per person with table heater

NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore
Dec 20 @ 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).

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
Dec 20 @ 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.

Christmas Lights in Asheville Area
Dec 20 @ 5:45 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville NC

Gas up the car and heat up your hot chocolate – here are our readers’ recommendations for the best spots to catch Christmas Lights! Holiday Lights (2020) – Google My Maps provided by Avl Today

Drive thru Christmas Lights with the Town of Fletcher
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bill Moore Community Park
Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Ranger Station holiday light display

  • $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
  • $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
  • $50 for buses and motorcoaches
  • 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and to turn on Rewind 100.3, the local station playing holiday hits from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.

Shadrack’s Christmas lights show
Dec 20 @ 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
A Swannanoa Solstice Virtual Show
Dec 20 @ 7:00 pm
Online with Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

A Swannanoa Solstice, Sunday, December 20, 2020

In 2020, A Swannanoa Solstice celebrates 18 years of delighting Western North Carolina audiences with a world-class display of folk, ushering in the winter season and drawing in more fans each and every year. A beloved local holiday tradition, A Swannanoa Solstice welcomes renowned multi-instrumentalist Robin Bullock and Grammy-winner David Holt to the stage, along with special guests Ellie Grace, Doug Orr, Phil Jamison, E.J. Jones, and — joining the lineup for the first time — renowned Madison County fiddler, Josh Goforth. These creative, charismatic musicians perform a mix of Celtic, American-roots and world-influenced music to dazzle audiences during the annual event, reflecting the heritage of the hills and spreading a peaceful, united and uplifting message perfect for the holiday season.

Featured Performers:

  • Robin Bullock, Celtic/American string wizard
  • David Holt, Grammy Award-winning musician, storyteller, historian and radio and television host
  • Josh Goforth, renowned fiddler
  • E.J. Jones, Highland bagpiper — and the Piper Jones Band
  • Phil Jamison, nationally acclaimed flatfoot dancer
  • Ellie Grace, percussive dancer, singer and instrumentalist
  • Host Doug Orr, president emeritus of Warren Wilson College and founder of The Swannanoa Gathering
Russ Wilson Presents “Have Yourself a Swingin’ Little Christmas!”
Dec 20 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall--The Main Stage

Main Hall Seated – Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: Please Call Venue for Dinner Reservations at 828-575-2737

TIS THE SEASON TO BE SWINGIN! And Russ Wilson, his orchestra and all the gang will be doing just that on December 20th at the Isis Music Hall.

If you grew up with those Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams & Perry Como Christmas shows like Russ did then you are certainly going to enjoy this! Russ will be getting in the Christmas spirit with an evening of wonderful music. You’ll find yourself humming your favorite holiday tunes while tapping your feet to the swinging beat. But that’s not all! Along with Russ and the band will be Wendy Jones, Hank Bones, Nathan Hefner and Justin Ray to trim the musical Christmas tree.

A wonderful evening of all your holiday favorites that will surely make you smile.

Monday, December 21, 2020
A Ghost of Christmas Past Radio Drama
Dec 21 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.

Asheville Independent Restaurant Holiday Hours
Dec 21 all-day
Online

Make your holidays merry, bright and a culinary delight with the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association. Before you go out or order in for your special holiday evenings, make sure that your favorite restaurant is open for business! Check the AIR Holiday Hours – a complete list of AIR restaurant’s special holiday hours from Thanksgiving to ringing in the New Year! These will be updated often, so please check in throughout the season! View Holiday Hours here –

Asheville Regional Airport: Special “virtual” surprise with Santa Selfie Station
Dec 21 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 21 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!

Buy a brick or granite brick Be part of the Swannanoa Valley’s geography and history!
Dec 21 all-day
Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center

Buy a brick or granite paver to honor a friend or family member, and make their name a part of the Swannanoa Valley’s geography and history! The pavers will form a mosaic which will show the north and south ridgelines of the Swannanoa Valley and the locations within the Valley which trace the settlement and the evolution of the Valley to the vibrant community it is today.

The Valley in the Alley exhibit is located, fittingly, in the alley owned by the Museum between the Museum and the Dripolator Coffee House, just off West State Street in Black Mountain.

The exhibit is based on the sale of engraved brick pavers, but with an approach distinct from the usual random placement of pavers. Purchasers of all engraved bricks within the alley will have the same opportunity to honor or memorialize friends and recognize special achievements as in other paver programs. However, through the purchase of a variety of special granite pavers, individuals, families and businesses will be owning “a piece of history” by forming the geographic outline of the Valley and locating major points of special interest in the Valley, such as communities, dwellings, or landscape features.

The result will be a mosaic which will show the north and south ridgelines of the Swannanoa Valley, the major geographic features on, and within, the ridgelines and the locations within the Valley which trace the settlement and the evolution of the Valley to the vibrant community it is today.

When the Valley in the Alley is complete, it will be a primer for children, acquainting them with the geography and history of the Swannanoa Valley; it will quickly orient visitors to what they are seeing around them; it will allow generations of families to recall and tell of their place in the Valley’s history; and it will be an aesthetically pleasing walkway, complimenting both the Museum building and Black Mountain’s Historic Downtown. The Museum will also provide permanent seating in the alleyway for use by the community.


Pricing

Regular 4″x8″ brick pavers holding three lines of text are $100. Engraved granite pavers will form the special features of the mosaic. They start at $200 for one 4″x8″ paver with three lines of text and increase in cost and available text depending on the size of paver chosen. Approximately 4,000 pavers make up the Alley, of which nearly 600 will form the outline of the Valley. Along the outline and within the Valley, over 100 sites are available for special recognitions or dedications.

Once the initial cost for acquiring and placing pavers is recovered, all proceeds from the Valley in the Alley purchases will be devoted to completion of the renovation and the operations of the Swannanoa Valley Museum including exhibits, on-and off-site programming, outreach to schools, preservation, and research.

Participants in the Valley in the Alley program will be contributing their own piece of history to our community.
For more information:

Brick Locations

Buy friends and family a tile to our Wall of History at the Swannanoa Valley Museum!
Dec 21 all-day
Online with Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center
Buy friends and family a tile to our Wall of History at the Swannanoa Valley Museum! This special exhibit is comprised of 4 x 4 inch tiles with photographs of families, homes, fond memories, and other heritage images from the Swannanoa Valley. You can contribute your own photograph, or choose one from our museum’s extensive archives. Cost for the tiles is $100 for the first one, $75 for others placed in the same order.
Ella Fitzgerald: Frosty the Snowman
Dec 21 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

Ella Fitzgerald:
Frosty the Snowman

Enjoy this animated retelling of Frosty the Snowman, sung by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald.