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 9, 2023
Holiday CREATE.
Dec 9 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Collage postcards, greeting cards, AND make-your-own buttons!

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 9 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast

featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!

Elf: The Musical
Dec 9 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Get ready to embrace the spirit of Christmas with Elf: The Musical, a heartwarming and hilarious adaptation of the beloved 2003 holiday film. This enchanting musical follows the journey of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father. Through catchy, uplifting songs and zany comedic antics, Elf: The Musical serves a healthy dose of holiday cheer, laughter, and life lessons about identity, family, and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a magical, festive spectacle guaranteed to light up the holiday season for all ages!

A talkback with the cast & crew of Elf: The Musical will be held following the performances on December 3rd and 10th.

Oliver JR Musical
Dec 9 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Lionel Bart’s Oliver JR

Prep Program

December 8-9, 2023

Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Experience the enchanting world of ‘Oliver Jr.’ a timeless story of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit in Victorian London.

 

Join Oliver as he seeks love and belonging amid hardship, with catchy tunes, memorable characters, and a heartwarming message. Let ‘Oliver Jr.’ sweep you off your feet with its magic, music, and unforgettable journey.

THE ASHEVILLE BALLET PRESENTS The Nutcracker
Dec 9 @ 2:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

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.

Blue Ridge Orchestra’s Revels
Dec 9 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Charles Beall Auditorium, Haywood Community College

The Blue Ridge Orchestra welcomes the winter holidays with two performances of BRO Revels! 2023, featuring The Nutcracker Suite and introducing harpist Tori Parrish. Presented at 3:00 pm in Charles M. Beall Auditorium, Haywood Community College, on Saturday, December 9th, and in the Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 10th, the program is an eclectic mix of old and new, familiar and surprising.

 

Music Director Milton Crotts begins the program with Rigby’s Escape, a light and cheery piece for flute, clarinet, and string orchestra composed by featured composer Andre Madatian. The BRO Strings then change gears to accompany The Walker Family Band performing its original music – a unique blend of traditional, old-time, Celtic, and classical – with a familial twist. The genre shifts again as Tori Parrish takes center stage to perform Deborah Henson-Conant’s invigorating Baroque Flamenco for harp and strings, a musical tour de force that defies the stereotype of this most fascinating of instruments.

 

The full orchestra takes over for the second part of the program, presenting the lyrical second movement of the “Gaelic Symphony” composed in 1894 by Amy Beach, the “dean of women composers”. The concerts conclude with the celebrated music of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, a perennial favorite of musicians and audiences alike.

 

With performances in Clyde and Swannanoa, the Blue Ridge Orchestra furthers its mission to share fine music with audiences across Western North Carolina, and is particularly proud to continue its association with Haywood Community College. Like Revels! past, BRO Revels! 2023 will usher in the holiday season with comfort and joy.

 

BRO Revels! 2023 is generously sponsored by Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty. 

 

Details: Blue Ridge Orchestra’s Revels! 2023

Saturday, December 9th, 2023, 3:00 pm

Charles Beall Auditorium, Haywood Community College

185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC

Tickets: $25 General Admission, $15 Students, Free under age 5

Sunday, December 10th, 2023, 3:00 pm

Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church

101 Chapel Lane, Swannanoa, NC  

Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Friends, $5 Students, Free age 6 and under

Info: https://blueridgeorchestra.org/bro-revels-2023-dec-23

FacebookInstagram,

or call 828-782-3354.

Candlelight Christmas Evening Tours
Dec 9 @ 5:00 pm
Historic Johnson Farm

Tours will start at 5:00, 5:45, 6:30, and 7:15 PM each evening. Registration and advance payment is required. Tickets will go on sale November 1.

$20 adults, $15 students, $15 seniors (65+), free for 4 and under. Children are more than welcome, but please know the tour is about an hour of listening to guides talk about farm history before ending with hot chocolate and cookies.

Music upon arrival provided by local school groups. All tours will end with a visit to the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.

First Annual Village Nights
Dec 9 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Johnson Family Farm

The sisters of Johnson Family Farm invite you to their first
annual Village Nights, Saturday, December 2 and Saturday, December 9 from 5pm-9pm.
The holiday festivities will highlight the store located at 1202 Kanuga Road in
Hendersonville.
Fresh Fraser Fir trees, wreaths, garland and a bow and ribbon bar will be featured along
with tasty treats, hot cocoa and reindeer games for the kids.
The destination will also be a fun stop to take in while visiting various decorated homes
and businesses such as Johnson Family Farm in this year’s Henderson County Holiday
Light Trail.
“We’re going to decorate this place up to get everyone in the holiday spirit,” said Heather
Johnson Price, one of the sisters and owners. “We want to put this event on to connect
with the community and have an ole timey Christmas, go back to the basics.”
Get creative at the ribbon bar as you can buy various colored ribbon by the yard and
make your own bow. Local artisan crafts and gift baskets are available for purchase.
Fresh local vegetables are still available.
Normal store hours remain in effect from Tuesday- Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 9am-
1pm.
For more information visit www.johnsonfamilyfarmnc.com or call 828-484-2522.

Winterfest Village Entertainment + Performances
Dec 9 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tryon International Equestrian Center

Fridays-Sundays 5-9pm
Dec 1-17 & 19-23

The biggest holiday icons await you in the Winterfest Village! People of all ages can snap a photo, share a laugh, and make memories with famous Christmas characters. From live music to yummy treats, carousel rides to shops and more, Winterfest Village holds magic around every corner, for all ages. Parents do NOT need a wristband to accompany their children!

Kids’ Wristbands: $10 Fridays & Sundays, $12 Saturdays

Wristbands grant access to:

Smile with Santa presented by Nth Degree Orthodontics
Santa Meet-and-Greet & Photo Booth
Home with the Whos presented by Highland Design & Construction
Meet-and-Greet experience
Little Elves Playground presented by St. Luke’s Hospital
Bounce Houses – including a bouncy obstacle course!
Tryon Minis Reindeer Training Stable presented by Tryon Horse & Home
Meet-and-Greet experience
Carousel Rides presented by Tryon Cares

FREE to Access:

Holly Jolly Stage presented by Marthaler Jewelers
Live Music – Legends Plaza
Rockin’ Around the Ring with WTZQ
Live Music – Tryon Stadium Stage
Light up the Night presented by Duke Energy
Giant Ornament Photo Op in Tryon Stadium
Coffee & Cocoa presented by Van Winkle Law Firm
Concession Trailer in Tryon Stadium
Tryon Legends Christmas Tree presented by Pavillon
Photo Op in Legends Plaza
Unwrap the Holidays presented by Tryon International Promenade
Giant Present Photo Op in Tryon Stadium
Hobby Horse Play Area presented by Young Rider
Christmas Bar in Tryon Stadium
Strolling Character Performances
Shopping Booths

Lake Julian Festival of Lights drive through
Dec 9 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.

The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.

The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.

Winter Lights
Dec 9 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
NC Arboretum

 

Join us in celebrating 10 Years of Winter Lights ❅

❅ November 17 through December 31!

 

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.

Please leave your furry friends at home!

To keep both visitors and pets safe, pets are not permitted at Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Service animals are always welcome.

Winter Lights is The North Carolina Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Presented by:

Oliver JR Musical
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Lionel Bart’s Oliver JR

Prep Program

December 8-9, 2023

Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Experience the enchanting world of ‘Oliver Jr.’ a timeless story of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit in Victorian London.

 

Join Oliver as he seeks love and belonging amid hardship, with catchy tunes, memorable characters, and a heartwarming message. Let ‘Oliver Jr.’ sweep you off your feet with its magic, music, and unforgettable journey.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast

featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!

INTERNATIONAL BALLET THE NUTCRACKER
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Join International Ballet and Artistic Director Vlada Kysselova as the beloved holiday classic returns to the Peace Center stage. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and be dazzled as the angelic voices of the Greenville Youth Chorale are featured as snow falls on the Concert Hall stage. No holiday season is complete without joining Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they encounter dancing snowflakes, spirited sword fights and a visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. With glittering costumes and exquisite sets, this incredible performance is not to be missed.

South Carolina’s Governer’s School: WINTER DANCE PERFORMANCE
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
Gunter Theatre

Held at Peace Center’s Gunter Theatre, The Winter Dance Performance showcases the talented dancers from the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Repertoire ranges from classical ballet, modern/contemporary, and exciting jazz.

THE ASHEVILLE BALLET PRESENTS The Nutcracker
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

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.

Sunday, December 10, 2023
‘Deck the Trees’ Fundraiser
Dec 10 all-day
Swannanoa Valley

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Angel Tree
Dec 10 all-day
online w/ YWCA

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

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 support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

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.

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime and Evening
Dec 10 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Immerse Yourself in the Magic

Experience Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are beautifully bedecked for the holidays.

NEW THIS YEAR: all Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access. Because more time to explore means more memories made. Select ticket types also include Italian Renaissance Alive.

Antler Hill Village Illumination

Included with admission—Bask in the glow of a glittering cascade of lights illuminating trees, buildings, and the pathways that connect the unique shops, restaurants, and Winery in Antler Hill Village. Experience this must-see part of the Christmas at Biltmore tradition, which includes festive displays adorning Ciao! From Italy and our relaxing Winery, where complimentary tastings await.

Christmas Daytime Celebration

November 3, 2023–January 7, 2024

A daytime visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses, featuring fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village! Wrap yourself in the magic of this most beloved of holiday traditions: Christmas at Biltmore.

NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.

BUY ONLINE & SAVERight Arrow

Plan now for Christmas at Biltmore 2024! View Ticket Options.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings

An Unforgettable Holiday Evening

November 3, 2023–January 6, 2024

A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcome you to America’s Largest Home®. Inside, thousands of ornaments reflect the soft glow of candles, fireplaces, and twinkle lights. The magic continues in Antler Hill Village, which is festooned with glittering lights, ornaments, and displays.

NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.

BUY TICKETSRight Arrow

Plan now for Candlelight Christmas Evenings 2024! View Ticket Options.

Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 10 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Ice Skating
Dec 10 all-day
Tryon International Equestrian Center

Twirl and glide into the holidays with the Ice Skating Rink in the renowned Tryon Stadium! Whether you’re holding hands with a special someone, skating side by side with friends, or helping a child take their first wobbly steps on the ice, the experience is sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Twirl and glide into the holidays with the Ice Skating Rink in the renowned Tryon Stadium! Themed skates, live music and more will make each experience special.

Reservations include one hour of skating time, with skate rentals included. Outside skates are permitted as well. Open to ages 4 and up. Reserve skating time slots in advance online, or purchase at the gate as available.

M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Gem Show
Dec 10 all-day
Land of Sky Shrine Club

Come see over 22 vendors with everything from affordable treasures to the finest gems, minerals, and jewelry in the Southeast! The Mountain Area Gem & Mineral Association (MAGMA) will host our Christmas & Holiday gem show from December 8-10.

Our shows are open to the public, with free admission and food and drink available daily. The show is only a 10-minute drive from Asheville in Swannanoa, NC.

Christmas & Holiday Show hours:
Friday, December 8: 9AM- 6PM
Saturday, December 9: 9AM- 6PM
Sunday, December 10: 10AM- 5PM

This gem show is a fun family event where you can shop for minerals, crystals, and handcrafted jewelry from locally and nationally known vendors. Our vendors enjoy sharing their expert knowledge and you’re sure to learn new things and find some great gifts.

Entering the show is always free and once there, you’ll find prices range from affordable to very expensive. There’s truly a wide variety of treasures to see, from great deals to museum quality specimens! We have something for everyone, from seasoned rockhounds to new collectors and jewelry lovers.
The MAGMA Land of Sky Gem Show happens 4 times a year, with shows in March, June, September, and December, so this is an event that you can keep coming back to!

New Zoom Pass Partner: Experience Sim Racing at The Track
Dec 10 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries

Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a racecar? Buncombe County Public Libraries has added The Track at Asheville as a new ZOOM partner. Each ZOOM pass will give up to four drivers 30 minutes of hot laps in a standard rig (race simulator) at The Track. Utilizing state-of-the-art hardware and software, you can choose your car, track, and conditions to experience the thrill of driving racecars around simulated tracks all over the world. No experience is necessary.

ZOOM passes at The Track require two things:

  1. You need to book a ZOOM pass on the Library’s website.
  2. You will also need to visit The Track’s website and use the reservation code provided to reserve your seat.

You are responsible for booking your timed reservation and you will need to bring your ZOOM pass to The Track to use your reservation. You can only drive if you have a ZOOM pass and a reservation. ZOOM passes for The Track are for ages 8 and up.

 

If you have any questions or need a library card to start ZOOMing, just let us know.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Drive-Thru Light Show
Dec 10 all-day
Tryon International Equestrian Center

Daily | November 17-January 1

Load up your vehicle with friends and family and take a cruise through the fan-favorite Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Drive-Thru Light Show! Featuring hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights dancing to the tune of holiday classics on your car radio, this immersive experience has become a holiday tradition for many. Tickets are per carload, available online or at the gate.

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 10 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Celebrate the holiday season as Tweetsie Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland for Tweetsie Christmas on November 24, 25, 26, December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30!

Closed Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Buy Tickets Now

Tweetsie Christmas offers holiday activities the whole family will love, including a 20-minute nighttime train ride in an open-air car behind one of the park’s historic steam locomotives on a three-mile route lined with over 1 million Christmas lights, a heartwarming, toe-tapping, live Christmas variety show, kid-friendly amusement rides, meetings with Santa in his Gingerbread House filled with candied furnishings, and roasting s’mores over an outdoor fire.

United Way’s Holiday Book Drive
Dec 10 all-day
online

We need your help and the help of your network to make this holiday drive as successful as possible in putting new books into the hands of Buncombe County elementary and middle school students during the holiday break.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating books? Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a brand-new book. It’s like sprinkling a little bit of magic into their lives!

We’ve partnered with over a dozen local organizations serving K-12 students throughout the county. They’re eagerly waiting for book drop-offs like kids waiting for the first snowfall! ❄️

You can make a positive impact right now by donating directly using the button below, or why not turn giving back into an outing?

Holiday Book Drive 2023 (givebutter.com)

Visit the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Road at the Asheville Mall to shop in-store and donate them on the spot.

Youth Garden Grant
Dec 10 all-day
online

In early 2024, 50 organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program.

Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for youth and their communities.

In early 2024, fifty organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program.

¡Pueden aplicar a los programas en español! Para ver esta oportunidad de subvención en español, visite nuestra página web en español.

Eligibility

Any organization in the United States or US Territories planning a new or improving an existing garden program that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 0 and 18 is eligible to apply.

KidsGardening grantees from any 2022 or 2023 grant program (Budding Botanist, GroMoreGood Grassroots, Lots of Compassion, and Little Seeds Pollinator Pals) and previous Youth Garden winners from any year are not eligible.

Organizations must:

  • Support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of individuals that are under-resourced (systematically denied resources and opportunities based on race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, geographic location, etc., or currently experiencing hardship such as a natural disaster, etc.)
  • Have fifteen or more youth participate in the garden program.
  • Have received less than $10,000 in grants for the garden program during 2022 and 2023 combined.
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Dec 10 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Dec 10 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

FREE Santa Photos at Asheville Outlets
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Visit Asheville Outlets for FREE photos with Santa sponsored by the North Carolina Arboretum Winter Lights on Saturdays and Sundays, November 25 & 26, December 2 & 3, December 9 & 10, and daily from Friday, December 15 through Saturday, December 23, 2023. Located in the Food Court. Visitors will receive one FREE 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image from TapSnap Phototainment (while supplies last). Dates and time may vary, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com for additional information.