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
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
Bluegrass Brunch
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
A Swannanoa Solstice Live Show
It’s A Wonderful Life
Holiday at Peace
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Shakedown Sundays
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
Shadrack’s Christmas lights show
A Swannanoa Solstice Virtual Show
Russ Wilson Presents “Have Yourself a Swingin’ Little Christmas!”
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.
Bluegrass Brunch
hosted by Aaron Woody Wood & The Sufi Brothers
Pickin’ on the Porch w/ Chicken Coop Willaye 1030AM
Bald Mountain Boys 11AM – 12:30PM
Sufi Brothers 12:45PM – 3PM
Be sure to check out our Bloody Mary Bar, the BEST selection of pickled products and other additions in Asheville. The MOJO Kitchen will be serving a special Brunch menu until 3PM as well.
Food & music start at 10:30am
ADULT beverages at Noon.
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
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.
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Every Sunday Except First of Month.
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.
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
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
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
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Asheville Independent Restaurant Holiday Hours
Asheville Regional Airport: Special “virtual” surprise with Santa Selfie Station
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.
Brevard Music Center Around The Web
Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.
Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.
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 –
- 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