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, December 5, 2019
Ingles Magical Christmas Toy Drive Benefit Eblen Charitites Saint Nicholas Project
Dec 5 @ 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Ingles
Balsam Range Art of Music Festival Kickoff
Dec 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Folkmoot Center

Tickets for Balsam Range Art of Music Festival Kickoff in Waynesville from ShowClix

For the second year, Balsam Range opens its December Art of Music Festival with an official Waynesville kickoff at the Queen Auditorium, at Folkmoot Center in the Historic Hazelwood School.

Members of Balsam Range will be joined by a strong lineup of special guests to launch their popular weekend festival with a performance on Thursday, December 5.

In a special night honoring the art of songwriting, Balsam Range welcomes John Wiggins, Milan Miller, Aaron Bibelhauser and Missy Armstrong, and adds an appearance by Terry Baucom, a founding member of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out and Boone Creek, and current leader of his band The Dukes of Drive.

Balsam Range will follow the songwriters with its own performance, and will give a sneak-peek of some material from its upcoming album (Note: no recording devices allowed in the auditorium). In addition, Balsam Range’s Marc Pruett will sign copies of his new autobiography “Rascally Mountain Boy”, and may share a tale of two from the book.

The event begins with a social gathering at 6pm, with barbeque and fresh beer available for purchase.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 at the door, and can be purchased in advance at Folkmoot.org or by calling 828.452.2997. Tickets sales and contributions support Folkmoot programs that sustain cultural arts for youth and families in Western North Carolina.

Food will be available at the event:
BBQ chopped pork with a choice of 2 sides from; slaw, beans or collards: $12.00
Peach Cobbler: $3.00

Serving: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Friday, December 6, 2019
Barnes & Noble – Biltmore Park Holiday Book Drive
Dec 6 all-day
Barnes & Noble

This Christmas Season marks our fifth year for our wonderful partnership with Barnes and Noble in Biltmore Park for their Annual Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive.
The books are given to every child as a bonus gift to the families as they begin shopping in the Ingles Toy Store on December 11th. Last year, more than 3,000 books were collected and given to delighted parents.
“Books open up worlds of learning, adventure, and fun, and kids who have books and read at home do better at school. Reading with children is a great way for families to spend time together, too! Donating books through the Barnes and Noble Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive gives children and families a great opportunity to experience all the marvels to be found between the covers of a book!”
Nancy McLean- Volunteer Coordinator for the Saint Nicholas Project and former retired teacher
When you are out shopping, stop by Barnes and Noble at Biltmore Park and pick up a few books for the Eblen Saint Nicholas Project / Ingles Toy Store and thank everyone there for their kindness and hard work that brings so much joy to so many this Christmas. We would love to be able to give each child a book again this year.
Deck The Trees
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community.  Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.

Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM

Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo

Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms

January 6, 2020   6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

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

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Saturday, December 7, 2019
Barnes & Noble – Biltmore Park Holiday Book Drive
Dec 7 all-day
Barnes & Noble

This Christmas Season marks our fifth year for our wonderful partnership with Barnes and Noble in Biltmore Park for their Annual Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive.
The books are given to every child as a bonus gift to the families as they begin shopping in the Ingles Toy Store on December 11th. Last year, more than 3,000 books were collected and given to delighted parents.
“Books open up worlds of learning, adventure, and fun, and kids who have books and read at home do better at school. Reading with children is a great way for families to spend time together, too! Donating books through the Barnes and Noble Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive gives children and families a great opportunity to experience all the marvels to be found between the covers of a book!”
Nancy McLean- Volunteer Coordinator for the Saint Nicholas Project and former retired teacher
When you are out shopping, stop by Barnes and Noble at Biltmore Park and pick up a few books for the Eblen Saint Nicholas Project / Ingles Toy Store and thank everyone there for their kindness and hard work that brings so much joy to so many this Christmas. We would love to be able to give each child a book again this year.
Ingles Magical Christmas Toy Drive Benefit Eblen Charitites Saint Nicholas Project
Dec 7 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ingles
Deck The Trees
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community.  Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.

Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM

Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo

Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms

January 6, 2020   6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 7 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Sunday, December 8, 2019
Barnes & Noble – Biltmore Park Holiday Book Drive
Dec 8 all-day
Barnes & Noble

This Christmas Season marks our fifth year for our wonderful partnership with Barnes and Noble in Biltmore Park for their Annual Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive.
The books are given to every child as a bonus gift to the families as they begin shopping in the Ingles Toy Store on December 11th. Last year, more than 3,000 books were collected and given to delighted parents.
“Books open up worlds of learning, adventure, and fun, and kids who have books and read at home do better at school. Reading with children is a great way for families to spend time together, too! Donating books through the Barnes and Noble Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive gives children and families a great opportunity to experience all the marvels to be found between the covers of a book!”
Nancy McLean- Volunteer Coordinator for the Saint Nicholas Project and former retired teacher
When you are out shopping, stop by Barnes and Noble at Biltmore Park and pick up a few books for the Eblen Saint Nicholas Project / Ingles Toy Store and thank everyone there for their kindness and hard work that brings so much joy to so many this Christmas. We would love to be able to give each child a book again this year.
The 4th annual Asheville Jewish Community Center Hanukkah 8K
Dec 8 @ 9:15 am
Asheville JCC

The JCC Hanukkah 8K  is a community-wide celebration of the 8-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. Proceeds of the JCC Hanukkah 8K will benefit Shalom Children’s Center.

For more information about the Hanukkah 8K, email [email protected].

In conjunction with the Hanukkah 8K,  the annual FREE kids’ race, the Latke Loop, where kids are challenged to run 8 laps around the JCC parking lot, is adorable and fun! For information about how you can register your child to run this year’s Latke Loop, email [email protected]

You can also sponsor your little Latke Loop runners by visiting our donation page online here. Chose your donation amount and select the 2019 Hanukkah 8K and Latke Loop from the drop down menu. All children who raise $25 or more in Latke Loop sponsorships receive a Latke Loop T-shirt!

Deck The Trees
Dec 8 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community.  Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.

Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM

Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo

Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms

January 6, 2020   6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 8 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Monday, December 9, 2019
Deck The Trees
Dec 9 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community.  Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.

Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM

Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo

Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms

January 6, 2020   6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

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

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Deck The Trees
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community.  Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.

Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM

Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo

Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms

January 6, 2020   6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 10 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Deck The Trees
Dec 11 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community.  Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.

Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM

Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo

Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms

January 6, 2020   6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

Giving Tree Book Wrapping at the Fairview Library
Dec 11 @ 2:00 pm
Fairview Library


If you are interested in volunteering with the Friends of the Library to gift wrap the books from our Holiday Giving Tree, join us on Wednesday, December 11th at 2pm. Hot cocoa and holiday cheer provided. 

Book Wrapping Party United Way Book Drive
Dec 11 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Highland Brewing
And don’t forget, to end the drive on a high note, we’ll once again host a Book Wrapping Party for supporters wishing to spread some holiday cheer. We’ll gather at Highland Brewing on December 11th, from 5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M. to organize and wrap all the books collected during the drive.
Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 11 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Thursday, December 12, 2019
Deck The Trees
Dec 12 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community.  Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.

Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM

Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo

Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms

January 6, 2020   6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 12 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Friday, December 13, 2019
Deck The Trees
Dec 13 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community.  Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.

Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM

Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo

Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms

January 6, 2020   6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 13 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Holidaze For Habitat Benefit Concert
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

In the spirit of the Holiday Season, 88.7 WNCW and the Orange Peel have joined forces to present Holidaze for Habitat. Join us for an evening of Americana, Bluegrass and Southern Rock with headliners Drivin n’ Cryin, plus Unspoken Tradition, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Bobby Miller and the Virginia Daredevils, Ashley Heath and Her Heathens, Mike Barnes and Friends, and other surprise guests. Enjoy a great night of live music and celebrate the Holidays at the Peel with your friends from WNCW, while supporting a worthy cause: Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.

 

Holidaze For Habitat Benefit Concert
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

featuring Drivin n’ Cryin, plus Unspoken Tradition, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Bobby Miller and the Virginia Daredevils, Ashley Heath and Her Heathens, Mike Barnes and Friends, and other surprise guests

Ugly Holiday Sweater Disco Party benefit Planned Parenthood Votes!
Dec 13 @ 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
The Odditorium

Dance and Vote for reproductive autonomy and rights!

Come out Friday, December 13 for the first-ever Ugly Holiday Sweater Disco Party benefiting Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic and our critical advocacy and political work.

Let’s throwback to the 1970s when abortion was made legal in the landmark supreme decision, Roe v. Wade, the outfits were incredible, and the dance moves were totally groovy!

Rock your ugliest sweater or your coolest disco outfit and come shake it out for PPVSAT!

Friday, December 13
8 pm – 12 am
The Odditorium
1045 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806
$10 suggested donation at the door
Click here for more info!

Reach out with any questions, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Dancing Strong,
Nikki Harris and Katlynn Millette

Saturday, December 14, 2019
2nd Annual Winter In The Weave Holiday Pop-Up Market
Dec 14 all-day
Gotta Have It Antiques

This 2 day indoor holiday market will feature 20 local artists and small businesses. Watercolor paintings, wire bonsai tree art, jewelry, organic clothing, natural home cleaning products, locally sourced seasonings and herbs, leather goods, home décor and much more! Event will also offer a drawing for a raffle basket filled with products from all of the vendors!
Dec 13th 5pm-8pm AND Dec 14th 10am-2pm