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.

Thursday, November 14, 2019
Donate a Turkey for the Holidays MANNA
Nov 14 all-day
MANNA FoodBank

Now through Nov. 15:
Help Make a Local Family’s Table a Bit Brighter and Donate a Turkey to our
TURKEY DRIVE!
This holiday season, we are hoping to fill families’ tables across our region with the staples that we all enjoy during a special holiday meal.
Food with Hope and Dignity
One reality of food banking is that food banks commonly receive holiday-specific food donations after a holiday has already occurred, making it difficult for food banks to provide these food items in a timely way to our neighbors seeking food assistance. We want families across our 16 counties to be able to celebrate the holiday with the rest of the community, and with that hope in mind, we are looking for the community to step up and help us eliminate one more worry for families about how they will fill their own holiday tables.
Donate a Turkey for the Holidays
When you are out shopping, we encourage you to pick up an extra frozen turkey to donate to MANNA! We know that hunger is a daily worry for tens of thousands of people across our region, and something as simple as a holiday turkey can truly give the gift of happiness and hope to people living through the daily experience of food insecurity.
Girls on the Run Annual Holiday Wreath Sale
Nov 14 all-day
online

Image

Girls on the Run Annual Holiday Wreath Sale: Reserve your locally-harvested 22” Fraser Fir wreath for $25. Call the Girls on the Run office at 828-713-4290 for more information. Wreaths will also be available for purchase at the Girls on the Run 5K.

Friday, November 8th: Shop at the new Athleta store in Biltmore Park anytime on Friday. A percentage of sales will be donated to GOTR.

 

Tuesday, November 19th: Shop at the Asheville Outlets Vineyard Vines store on the 19th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The store will donate 20% of sales to GOTR.

“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Nov 14 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

Friday, November 15, 2019
Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers Needed
Nov 15 all-day
Downtown Asheville

We are still in need of volunteers for the parade coming up on November 23rd. If you can help us spread the word or come give us a hand it would be greatly appreciated. We are looking forward to this years parade “Peace on Earth” theme and can’t wait to see everyone.

As always thank you for your support, we couldn’t do our events without our volunteers help!

Donate a Turkey for the Holidays MANNA
Nov 15 all-day
MANNA FoodBank

Now through Nov. 15:
Help Make a Local Family’s Table a Bit Brighter and Donate a Turkey to our
TURKEY DRIVE!
This holiday season, we are hoping to fill families’ tables across our region with the staples that we all enjoy during a special holiday meal.
Food with Hope and Dignity
One reality of food banking is that food banks commonly receive holiday-specific food donations after a holiday has already occurred, making it difficult for food banks to provide these food items in a timely way to our neighbors seeking food assistance. We want families across our 16 counties to be able to celebrate the holiday with the rest of the community, and with that hope in mind, we are looking for the community to step up and help us eliminate one more worry for families about how they will fill their own holiday tables.
Donate a Turkey for the Holidays
When you are out shopping, we encourage you to pick up an extra frozen turkey to donate to MANNA! We know that hunger is a daily worry for tens of thousands of people across our region, and something as simple as a holiday turkey can truly give the gift of happiness and hope to people living through the daily experience of food insecurity.
Girls on the Run Annual Holiday Wreath Sale
Nov 15 all-day
online

Image

Girls on the Run Annual Holiday Wreath Sale: Reserve your locally-harvested 22” Fraser Fir wreath for $25. Call the Girls on the Run office at 828-713-4290 for more information. Wreaths will also be available for purchase at the Girls on the Run 5K.

Friday, November 8th: Shop at the new Athleta store in Biltmore Park anytime on Friday. A percentage of sales will be donated to GOTR.

 

Tuesday, November 19th: Shop at the Asheville Outlets Vineyard Vines store on the 19th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The store will donate 20% of sales to GOTR.

“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Nov 15 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 15 @ 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

Asheville Outlets Pet Photo with Santa
Nov 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

December 1, 8 & 15, 2019 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. inside Food Court

Bring your furry friend to meet Santa and capture the moment with a FREE photo package, courtesy of Asheville Outlets. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will be on-site to share information on fostering, adopting, or volunteering this holiday season. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 15 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 15 @ 8:15 pm – 9:30 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

Saturday, November 16, 2019
Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers Needed
Nov 16 all-day
Downtown Asheville

We are still in need of volunteers for the parade coming up on November 23rd. If you can help us spread the word or come give us a hand it would be greatly appreciated. We are looking forward to this years parade “Peace on Earth” theme and can’t wait to see everyone.

As always thank you for your support, we couldn’t do our events without our volunteers help!

Christmas at Biltmore adds a touch of Downton Abbey
Nov 16 all-day
Biltmore

Known for its monumental scale of traditional holiday décor and dazzling lights, this year Biltmore’s annual Christmas at Biltmore celebration will offer even more than ever before.

 

A yuletide feast for the senses, Christmas at Biltmore begins Nov. 1, 2019. One week later, on Nov. 8, the estate will welcome Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, an immersive experience that celebrates the global hit television series and new feature film.

Biltmore House aglow with five dozen Christmas trees

Biltmore House interiors will shine with the sparkle of more than 50 hand-decorated Christmas trees, ribbons and garlands measured by the mile, and thousands of lights. A majestic 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall is the home’s holiday centerpiece. For the first time, hand-decorated Christmas trees will be displayed on the balcony that wraps around the home’s two-story Library.

 

Candlelight Christmas Evenings

During Candlelight Christmas Evenings, candlelight, firelight, and live music will create a magical environment that elevates seasonal celebrations inside Biltmore House. A 55-foot Norway Spruce on the home’s front lawn lit with 55,000 lights will greet guests as they arrive to enter Biltmore House.

 

The warm welcome continues at Antler Hill Village & Winery with a constellation of holiday lights leading to the Winery and estate restaurants. A towering tree of lights will illuminate the Village Green, with a sea of lighted grapevine spheres nestled in the landscaping. Lights cascading from the trees that surround the bonfire area near Antler Hill Barn will offer a unique touch to the experience.

 

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition will feature interactive elements that connect fans to their favorite characters, fashions, locations, and historic events of the era. Showcased in two estate locations, the exhibition pairs seamlessly with the real-life story of the Vanderbilt family at Biltmore. Amherst at Deerpark will host multimedia presentations and some of the series’ most recognizable sets—including Mrs. Patmore’s hectic kitchen and the gossip-fueled servants’ quarters. At The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village, a gallery of more than 50 costumes from the series will be on view.

The exhibition will run through April 7, 2020. Access to Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is included with daytime admission, Candlelight Christmas Evenings admission, or an overnight stay that includes daytime admission.

 

Christmas at Biltmore 2019 Event Calendar

  • Christmas at Biltmore daytime experience – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 5, 2020
  • Candlelight Christmas Evenings nighttime experience – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 4, 2020 
  • Illumination of Antler Hill Village – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 4, 2020, 5:30 p.m. to midnight
  • Downton Abbey: The Exhibition at Biltmore’s Amherst and the Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village – Nov. 8, 2019, through April 7, 2020
  • A Gardener’s Place How-to Seminar: “Illuminated Holiday Tablescapes” – daily Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2019, at 1:30 p.m.
  • Conservatory’s annual seasonal display – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 5, 2020
  • Complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore Winery. Winery specialty tours available with additional price and reservations required – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 5, 2020
  • Bonfires in Antler Hill Village with s’mores kits available for purchase at The Creamery – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 3, 2020, select dates, 3 to 10 p.m.
  • Roving Holiday Carolers in Antler Hill Village – select dates
  • Candlelight Winery Tour with a look into the winemaking process and tasting with light cheese pairing. Additional price and reservations required.
  • Visits with Santa at the bandstand in Antler Hill Village – select dates
  • The Inn on Biltmore Estate’s Annual Gingerbread House Tea – additional price and reservations required – Dec. 14 through 22, 2019, select dates, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Festive holiday meals prepared by award-winning chefs served in all of the estate’s restaurants – ongoing
Girls on the Run Annual Holiday Wreath Sale
Nov 16 all-day
online

Image

Girls on the Run Annual Holiday Wreath Sale: Reserve your locally-harvested 22” Fraser Fir wreath for $25. Call the Girls on the Run office at 828-713-4290 for more information. Wreaths will also be available for purchase at the Girls on the Run 5K.

Friday, November 8th: Shop at the new Athleta store in Biltmore Park anytime on Friday. A percentage of sales will be donated to GOTR.

 

Tuesday, November 19th: Shop at the Asheville Outlets Vineyard Vines store on the 19th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The store will donate 20% of sales to GOTR.

“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Nov 16 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Asheville Mall
Nov 16 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Mall

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling all the way to Asheville Mall! Santa Claus is on his way to Asheville, and we’re celebrating his arrival on Saturday, November 16. Your little elves-in-training are invited to visit Santa at Center Court, near Barnes & Noble and ULTA, to share their Christmas lists and holiday wishes.

 

Santa will be available from November 16th to December 24th, when he begins his holiday trek around the world. Your elves-in-training can visit with Santa Monday through Saturday from 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, and 6pm to 9pm; and Sundays from noon to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm.

Crafty Historian: a Crafty Hodge-Podge
Nov 16 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Smith-McDowell House

Hodge-Podge is a mixture of different things!

It’s time to use up lots of leftover craft supplies. You can choose from a variety of beading, weaving, decoupage, and much more. Crafters are welcome to bring objects that you want decorated with beads, sequins or decoupage (like picture frames, glass bottles, etc).

 

Here is a link to some ideas of things to bring that you might like to decorate, but I’ll have lots of things to make that you won’t need extra items. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oXICKNyAwSoj0pD0s3NRmLjevxazIG2ORoGsp8PQg24/edit?usp=sharing

 

Be prepared for a bit of confusion with lots of things going on, but it will be LOTS of fun!!

This might be the last Crafty Historian since our resident Crafty Historian will be resigning as of Nov 30 – so if you’ve been a fan of these events, this is not one you want to miss!

 

Fill out the reservation form here  https://forms.gle/AL1sAdv7PTZ11ZuZ6 , and I’ll email a confirmation to you. If you have questions before or after your reservation, be sure to email Lisa at [email protected]

 

Ho Ho Ho! FREE Santa Photo Experience
Nov 16 @ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

November 16 through December 24, 2019

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, Sundays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Christmas Eve, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. inside Food Court

FREE Santa Photos are back! From November 16th through December 24th, every family who visits Santa will receive two FREE 4”x6” Santa photo prints and a digital download of a single image. Additional photos and Christmas merchandise are available for purchase. FREE Santa Photo is located inside the Food Court and is sponsored by N.C. Arboretum Winter Lights.

Santa’s Arrival & Magical Tree Lighting Kick-Off at Asheville Outlets
Nov 16 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Let’s kick-off the holidays together at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) with a magical evening to welcome Santa to his Asheville Outlets holiday home, Saturday, November 16, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Enjoy live music, strolling entertainment and plenty of fun games and crafts. Santa’s festive arrival is at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Santa’s Arrival & Magical Tree Lighting is sponsored by Paramount Kia.

After Santa’s arrival, stick around for FREE photos with the jolly fellow! From November 16th through December 24th, every family who visits Santa will receive two FREE 4”x6” Santa photo prints and a digital download of a single image. Additional photos and Christmas merchandise are available for purchase. FREE Santa Photo is located inside the Food Court and is sponsored by N.C. Arboretum Winter Lights.

Santa’s Arrival & Magical Tree Lighting Kick-Off at Asheville Outlets
Nov 16 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Let’s kick-off the holidays together with a magical evening to welcome Santa to his Asheville Outlets holiday home.. Enjoy live music, strolling entertainment and plenty of fun games and crafts. Santa’s festive arrival is at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Santa’s Arrival & Magical Tree Lighting is sponsored by Paramount Kia.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 16 @ 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 16 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 16 @ 8:15 pm – 9:30 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

Sunday, November 17, 2019
Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers Needed
Nov 17 all-day
Downtown Asheville

We are still in need of volunteers for the parade coming up on November 23rd. If you can help us spread the word or come give us a hand it would be greatly appreciated. We are looking forward to this years parade “Peace on Earth” theme and can’t wait to see everyone.

As always thank you for your support, we couldn’t do our events without our volunteers help!

Christmas at Biltmore adds a touch of Downton Abbey
Nov 17 all-day
Biltmore

Known for its monumental scale of traditional holiday décor and dazzling lights, this year Biltmore’s annual Christmas at Biltmore celebration will offer even more than ever before.

 

A yuletide feast for the senses, Christmas at Biltmore begins Nov. 1, 2019. One week later, on Nov. 8, the estate will welcome Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, an immersive experience that celebrates the global hit television series and new feature film.

Biltmore House aglow with five dozen Christmas trees

Biltmore House interiors will shine with the sparkle of more than 50 hand-decorated Christmas trees, ribbons and garlands measured by the mile, and thousands of lights. A majestic 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall is the home’s holiday centerpiece. For the first time, hand-decorated Christmas trees will be displayed on the balcony that wraps around the home’s two-story Library.

 

Candlelight Christmas Evenings

During Candlelight Christmas Evenings, candlelight, firelight, and live music will create a magical environment that elevates seasonal celebrations inside Biltmore House. A 55-foot Norway Spruce on the home’s front lawn lit with 55,000 lights will greet guests as they arrive to enter Biltmore House.

 

The warm welcome continues at Antler Hill Village & Winery with a constellation of holiday lights leading to the Winery and estate restaurants. A towering tree of lights will illuminate the Village Green, with a sea of lighted grapevine spheres nestled in the landscaping. Lights cascading from the trees that surround the bonfire area near Antler Hill Barn will offer a unique touch to the experience.

 

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition will feature interactive elements that connect fans to their favorite characters, fashions, locations, and historic events of the era. Showcased in two estate locations, the exhibition pairs seamlessly with the real-life story of the Vanderbilt family at Biltmore. Amherst at Deerpark will host multimedia presentations and some of the series’ most recognizable sets—including Mrs. Patmore’s hectic kitchen and the gossip-fueled servants’ quarters. At The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village, a gallery of more than 50 costumes from the series will be on view.

The exhibition will run through April 7, 2020. Access to Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is included with daytime admission, Candlelight Christmas Evenings admission, or an overnight stay that includes daytime admission.

 

Christmas at Biltmore 2019 Event Calendar

  • Christmas at Biltmore daytime experience – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 5, 2020
  • Candlelight Christmas Evenings nighttime experience – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 4, 2020 
  • Illumination of Antler Hill Village – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 4, 2020, 5:30 p.m. to midnight
  • Downton Abbey: The Exhibition at Biltmore’s Amherst and the Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village – Nov. 8, 2019, through April 7, 2020
  • A Gardener’s Place How-to Seminar: “Illuminated Holiday Tablescapes” – daily Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2019, at 1:30 p.m.
  • Conservatory’s annual seasonal display – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 5, 2020
  • Complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore Winery. Winery specialty tours available with additional price and reservations required – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 5, 2020
  • Bonfires in Antler Hill Village with s’mores kits available for purchase at The Creamery – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 3, 2020, select dates, 3 to 10 p.m.
  • Roving Holiday Carolers in Antler Hill Village – select dates
  • Candlelight Winery Tour with a look into the winemaking process and tasting with light cheese pairing. Additional price and reservations required.
  • Visits with Santa at the bandstand in Antler Hill Village – select dates
  • The Inn on Biltmore Estate’s Annual Gingerbread House Tea – additional price and reservations required – Dec. 14 through 22, 2019, select dates, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Festive holiday meals prepared by award-winning chefs served in all of the estate’s restaurants – ongoing
Girls on the Run Annual Holiday Wreath Sale
Nov 17 all-day
online

Image

Girls on the Run Annual Holiday Wreath Sale: Reserve your locally-harvested 22” Fraser Fir wreath for $25. Call the Girls on the Run office at 828-713-4290 for more information. Wreaths will also be available for purchase at the Girls on the Run 5K.

Friday, November 8th: Shop at the new Athleta store in Biltmore Park anytime on Friday. A percentage of sales will be donated to GOTR.

 

Tuesday, November 19th: Shop at the Asheville Outlets Vineyard Vines store on the 19th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The store will donate 20% of sales to GOTR.

“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Nov 17 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Asheville Mall
Nov 17 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Mall

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling all the way to Asheville Mall! Santa Claus is on his way to Asheville, and we’re celebrating his arrival on Saturday, November 16. Your little elves-in-training are invited to visit Santa at Center Court, near Barnes & Noble and ULTA, to share their Christmas lists and holiday wishes.

 

Santa will be available from November 16th to December 24th, when he begins his holiday trek around the world. Your elves-in-training can visit with Santa Monday through Saturday from 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, and 6pm to 9pm; and Sundays from noon to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm.

Ho Ho Ho! FREE Santa Photo Experience
Nov 17 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

November 16 through December 24, 2019

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, Sundays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Christmas Eve, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. inside Food Court

FREE Santa Photos are back! From November 16th through December 24th, every family who visits Santa will receive two FREE 4”x6” Santa photo prints and a digital download of a single image. Additional photos and Christmas merchandise are available for purchase. FREE Santa Photo is located inside the Food Court and is sponsored by N.C. Arboretum Winter Lights.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 17 @ 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Bryson City Depot

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.