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.
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.
Sunday, December
20, 2020
Shop Local: Consider what it means to shop Amazon
Show and Tell Holiday Pop Up Shop
The Big Crafty Online
Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade
Give the Gift of Literacy
A Brevard Music Center Gift Certificate!
Give your loved ones a gift that will last all summer long –
Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration
Christmas at Connemara Thanksgiving to January 6
Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar!
UNC Asheville’s Gift Guide
Gardener’s Cottage 12 Days Of Christmas | 5% Of Sales Donated to Eblen Charities
Monte Vista Hotel: Deck The Trees
Gallerie Bazaar: a gift show
Last Minute Holiday Market
Last Minute Holiday Market
In person or Virtual: Visit Santa at the Asheville Mall
Santa Claus visits
Hickory Nut Gap Farm Holiday Special Get a Box, Give a Pound to MANNA
COVID-19 Testing in Buncombe County
A Swannanoa Solstice Live Show
It’s A Wonderful Life
Holiday at Peace
Hickory Nut Gap Farm Holiday Sale
Serving a meal at Western Carolina Rescue Ministry: Let’s Help Feed Those in Need
Family Movie Night: ELF
Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
Christmas Lights in Asheville Area
Drive thru Christmas Lights with the Town of Fletcher
Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Did you know that Amazon’s net sales for Q4 are expected to be $121 Billion and to grow 38% compared with fourth quarter 2019 numbers? Clearly in this pandemic, they are the big winner. Y’all… there has NEVER been a more critical year to SHOP LOCAL! Please show your love and support of our amazing local business community which truly has all you could ever need- a vintage dress, wall tapestry, piece of pottery, growler of beer or endless gift cards to your favorite Asheville restaurants. Get some ideas here: shops , restaurants , breweries , and more.
Things are looking a little different this winter holiday season. Show & Tell has gone virtual, bringing the holiday pop up shop you know and love Home For the Holidays!
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Although we are going to miss decking the halls, we are so excited to reach a wider audience with our online presence and are thrilled to showcase the best in handmade, vintage, fair trade, and packaged bites from Asheville, NC and beyond.
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Grove Arcade is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Winter Wonderland holiday celebration.
The Arcade has transformed into a wreath-bedecked showcase for Asheville’s finest local craftspeople and retailers. Smells of pine and holly will greet visitors as they tour—at a proper social distance!—Asheville’s stunning art deco gem to discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted local gifts, enjoy holiday-themed beverages and dining specials, and winter-y feels within the warm Grove Arcade halls. Specially curated Christmas standards and the most extravagant holiday decorations in town will transport visitors to a truly unforgettable winter paradise.
We will be hosting a local MANNA Food Bank Drive! Drop-off barrels will be placed around several areas of the Arcade to be collected and distributed by MANNA to help during these uncertain times.
For the enjoyment and safety of everyone, Grove Arcade will be taking appropriate COVID-19 precautions during Winter Wonderland. All visitors and employees will be required to follow the CDC’s health recommendations, including social distancing and mask wearing.
Enjoy a safe and jolly visit to Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland! And from all of us at Grove Arcade, Happy Holidays!
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Give your loved ones a gift that will last all summer long –
A Brevard Music Center Gift Certificate!
Gift certificates can be purchased for a minimum of $25 and applied toward subscriptions or tickets to any event, any season. It’s a hassle-free, printable gift solution that will introduce your friends and family to one of the country’s premier summer music festivals, and a very special way to support the next generation of classical musicians.
Brevard Music Center’s 2021 Summer Music Festival will be held from June 25 through August 8. Details will be announced after the first of the year, and we plan for another captivating season of symphony, opera, chamber, pops, bluegrass, and jazz performances.
Purchase your gift certificate online at
brevardmusic.org/giftcertificates
or call (828) 862-2131 to order yours today!
Important Note: At this time, all gift certificates are delivered digitally as PDFs
and are attached to your confirmation emails. Gift certificates are not
actual concert tickets and must be redeemed for individual performances
through the box office once single tickets go on sale. All guest artists,
programs, and dates are subject to change. Give the gift of music today!
Buy tickets online to save up to $8 per admission. Check website for hours of operation.
Treat yourself to the beloved estate tradition known as Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are at their most enchanting.
A daytime visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses, featuring wreaths, garlands, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments, from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village!
The house will be decorated in the simple style of the Sandburg’s with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree throughout December until January 6th, 2021.
Start the year off right with a Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar! This beautiful image of our Mainstage was taken by longtime Vagabond and Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Scott Treadway. Enjoy the view of the Rock all year round in your office, on the kitchen wall, or above your desk. This quality printed calendar is 20″x16″ and supports the arts in North Carolina.
The holiday season is upon us, so we wanted to share a few suggestions for gift giving this year, with ways to stay cozy, look forward to summer and cheer on the Bulldogs, wherever you are.
Shop Local To Give Local
Shop with us on December 15th and 5% of total sales will go to Eblen Charities.
About Our Annual 12 Days Of Christmas Event
It’s time for our annual 12 Days of Christmas Give Back event! Help us support our community from December 13-24th. Each day we will contribute 5% of our sales to a designated charity.
This year more than ever, we’re grateful for the support of our community and eager to show our support as well.
Deck The Trees is a fun and festive December Holiday Happening in Black Mountain. This event is a fundraiser for the Fuel Fund of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries. Trees decorated in the theme And A Star Appeared will be displayed in the Monte Vista Hotel and many businesses throughout Black Mountain. Trees may be voted on by placing cash/check in the box corresponding to your favorite tree. All money collected goes directly to the Fuel Fund. For more information about Deck The Trees and to support your favorite tree(s) contact svcmblackmountain.org.
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)
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
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
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!
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!
We can’t wait to have you at the market! Happy Holidays!
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
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!
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!
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.
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)
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
Testing Site Locations in Buncombe County: Appointment required at these sites
A-B Tech, Genevieve Circle, Asheville (Allied Health Parking Lot)
Every Sunday
1:30-5:30 p.m.
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
*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.
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.
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.
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.
Show | 4:30pm // Doors | 3:30pm
$5 per person
$7 per person with table heater
$7 per person with table heater
NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS
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.
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
- $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.