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 21, 2019
Santa Claus Is Coming to Asheville Mall
Nov 21 @ 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 21 @ 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.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 21 @ 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 21 @ 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 21 @ 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.

Friday, November 22, 2019
Asheville Holiday Parade Volunteers Needed
Nov 22 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!

Barnes & Noble – Biltmore Park Holiday Book Drive
Nov 22 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.
“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Nov 22 @ 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 22 @ 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 22 @ 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.

Downtown Local Lights & Free Photos w Santa
Nov 22 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Pack Square Park
The Asheville Downtown Association is once again partnering with Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum and the City of Asheville to bring festive holiday lights to Pack Square and Pritchard Park in Downtown Asheville.

We will host the Downtown Local Lights lighting ceremony, as well as offer free photos with Santa and Mrs Claus. We’ll light up the park at 6pm after a brief ceremony. We’ll also have free crafts with the LEAF Easel Rider.

Special thanks to IMA Photo & Images for capturing the moments (event photo also from IMA).

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 22 @ 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.

Tweetsie Christmas
Nov 22 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Celebrate the holiday season as Tweetsie Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland for Tweetsie Christmas! Enjoy a nighttime train ride among thousands of dazzling lights, meet Santa in his Gingerbread House, larger than life snowglobes to play in, a live Christmas show, and more!

Tickets are for a specific date and train ride time. A limited number of guests are admitted nightly, so advance tickets are strongly recommended. Adults: $44, Children (age 3-12): $38, Children 2 and under: Free

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Nov 22 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Open nightly November 22, 2019 – January 4, 2020, from 6 to 10 p.m. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland and see the Arboretum’s gardens and landscapes dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Listen to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of holiday-inspired cocoa, cider or beer.

$18-$8. See website for tickets and specials.

Specials

Friends & Family Discount Night – Tuesdays

Tickets are reduced to $15 for adults and $10 for children. Arboretum members receive an additional $2 off each ticket. (Excludes Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve.)

Available on Thursdays through Saturdays only, this special ticketed event offers visitors the chance to enjoy a holly, jolly ride from downtown Asheville or Biltmore Village to Winter Lights courtesy of The Trolley Company. Upon arrival, guests will receive a complimentary cup of hot chocolate and access to the Winter Lights. Pick-up is at 6:00 p.m. from the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville and 6:15 p.m. from the DoubleTree Hotel in Biltmore Village. Guests will be dropped back off at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 per person (children 4 & under are free) and can be purchased through The Trolley Company’s website here(Note: Arboretum member discounts do not apply for this tour). For additional questions, please call Eva Ritchey at The Trolley Company at 828.606.8606.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 22 @ 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 22 @ 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.

LaZoom Comedy: Katie Hughes
Nov 22 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Originally from Hendersonville, Katie Hughes is back in town for one killer night! Don’t wanna miss her!

Katie Hughes is a perfect combination of snarky and spunky. Her stand-up is delightfully irreverent and aggressively silly. Dogs love her. Audiences love her, You’ll love her.

Featuring Katherine Blanford

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of; visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-katie-hughes-tickets-78531053495.

Saturday, November 23, 2019
Asheville Turkey Trot: Preregistration Open Until Tuesday Evening
Nov 23 all-day
downtown Asheville

With 18 consecutive Turkey Trot’s under their watch, it would be an understatement to say that Jus’ Running knows what they are doing when it comes to putting together a successful race. Starting in downtown Asheville, the rolling 5k course takes participants through the historic neighborhood roads of North Asheville before heading back to the Finish in the center of downtown. This race provides an opportunity for Asheville residents and their families to start Thanksgiving Day off in a healthy, environmentally-friendly, fun, and safe manner. In addition, this race of over 2,200 participants allows us the means to raise funds for MANNA FoodBank. Last year alone we donated over 18,400 meals to MANNA FoodBank!

Barnes & Noble – Biltmore Park Holiday Book Drive
Nov 23 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.
Christmas at Biltmore adds a touch of Downton Abbey
Nov 23 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
Hendersonville Home for the Holidays
Nov 23 all-day
Hendersonville

November 29
Downtown Street Lighting & Santa’s Arrival
5:00pm  

The lighting of downtown holiday lights and Santa’s arrival kick off the holiday season in Downtown Hendersonville.  The evening features entertainment, sing-along, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa Claus at the Historic Courthouse on Main Street. Click for more information Downtown Hendersonville

November 8 – 17
Flat Rock Playhouse presents:  “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”
Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion! The play was based on the novel by C. S. Lewis. 828-693-0731 Click for tickets Flat Rock Playhouse

November 29 – December 23
Peppermint the Bear Scavenger Hunt
Free
Peppermint Bear will take you on a fun-filled bear hunt through downtown Hendersonville looking for her cubs.  As you search for the cubs, visit at least 12 of the 22 downtown participating businesses to be eligible for prizes. Complete the entry form in the brochure and drop it in Peppermint’s mailbox, located in front of the Visitor Center, by December 23rd. For more details about the Scavenger Hunt, stop by the Visitor Center at 201 South Main Street.

December 7
Hendersonville Christmas Parade

10:00am
A traditional hometown Christmas parade travels along Main Street from Five Points to Caswell Street. Sponsored by the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association. This year’s theme is the “The Magic of Christmas”. Visit the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association web site to download a Parade application. 828-692-4179

November 29 – December 22
Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage presents:  “A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas”
An all-new Christmas production follows up last year’s smash holiday hit. This original musical revue performed by your favorite Flat Rock Playhouse singers and dancers is filled with holiday cheer. Celebrate the holidays Vagabonds style!  Click for tickets Flat Rock Playhouse

December 6
Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas

Main Street / 5pm – 8pm
The Downtown merchants open their doors and invite holiday shoppers in with a festive window displays, decorations, caroling, music, and refreshments. 828-697-2232.

December 8
Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper
1pm-4pm
$20

The Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper is a self-guided tour of several inns and the Cookie Caper part of the tour is a delicious Christmas treat at each inn. The inns on tour include the 1898 Waverly Inn, Charleston Inn, Mill House Lodge, Echo Mountain Inn and Brightwaters Guesthouse. 828-697-3010

December 18 – January 1
Iceless Skating Rink

Regular Hours 11am-6pm, EXCEPT Christmas Eve 11am-3pm, Christmas Day Closed, New Year’s Eve 11am-3pm, and New Year’s Day from 1pm-6pm
Admission: $10, Children 10 & under $5 (payment by cash or check only)

Enjoy ice-skating in Downtown Hendersonville this holiday season. The  iceless rink is located at the Visitor Center on South Main Street. The synthetic surface is made from special polymers that does not require liquid, so it can be enjoyed year-round in any temperature.  A curling lane is also available. Curling involves players sliding stones on the ice towards a target. Play a variety of free games while you wait your turn on the ice. Skate rental included in admission price. Admission: $10, Children $5 for ages 10 & under, with group rates available for groups of 10 or more, but must call to reserve a time for groups, $5 for for 30 minutes of curling. Regular Hours 11am-6pm, EXCEPT Christmas Eve 11am-3pm, Christmas Day Closed, New Year’s Eve 11am-3pm, and New Year’s Day from 1pm-6pm. Operates weather permitting. Benefits the Henderson County America In Bloom Program, 828-768-4413 To learn more go to: Henderson County America in Bloom

December 20 – 22
Main Street Holiday Hayrides

5pm – 8pm
Free

Take a magical hayride through Historic Downtown Hendersonville among its twinkling lights and festive decorations. Board the tractor-drawn wagon ride at the Visitor Center, located at 201 South Main Street. Reservations are not accepted, first-come, first-served basis.

Winter Wonderland at Carolina Ace Hardware
Nov 23 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Ace Hardware

This year’s Christmas display theme is “Winter Wonderland.” Come take your family photos at this magical display. Santa will be available on special dates, contact store for more details! Display also open when Santa is not there.

“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Nov 23 @ 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.

Avery’s Creek Merry Market
Nov 23 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Avery's Creek Elementary School

Avery’s Creek Elementary school will be hosting its third annual Merry Market in their newly renovated gym on Saturday, November 23rd from 10am-2pm. Meet Santa in his village for a free photo op and a treat bag! Delicious snacks from Popcorn Boss will be available as well as yummy baked goods from Pixie Treats and Olsen Bakes! Daisy Girl Scouts Troop 2980 will be giving away FREE hot dogs (while supply lasts) and other awesome goodies! Buy a special someone some gorgeous jewelry from Sandra Smathers, Plunder Design, Dazzlebling Dawn, and Oh Snap by Christine. Support local artists with handmade crafts made by TwistyWyns, Decembergirl, Jennifer Sutton, and Faye Martin! Find the perfect gift from Ever Lasting Nails, Thirty One, Essential Bodywear, Norwex, Beautycounter, LulaRoe and so much more!

Ho Ho Ho! FREE Santa Photo Experience
Nov 23 @ 10:00 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.

Marshall Handmade Market
Nov 23 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Marshall Handmade Market

The Marshall Handmade Market is held the weekend
before Thanksgiving in the Marshall High Studios, a
charming 1920s high school nestled on an island in
the French Broad River. From 10am to 5pm Saturday
and Sunday, the sunny auditorium is filled with
some of the most talented makers in Western North
Carolina, and the resident artists of Marshall High
spruce up the classrooms-turned-studios and open
their doors to share their process and art with visitors.

Grab some bites from the food truck and relax on
the back deck or stop for coffee and sweet treats in
the upstairs lounge. Come enjoy a delightful day of
handcrafted holiday shopping, a stroll around the
island, and a wander through historic downtown
Marshall, NC.

Plan to come – and spread the word!!

Santa Claus Is Coming to Asheville Mall
Nov 23 @ 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.

Asheville Holiday Parade Peace on Earth
Nov 23 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Downtown Asheville

The 2019 Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles and with the theme Peace on Earth, is Saturday, November 23 from 11am to 1pm throughout Downtown Asheville.

The 2019 Grand Marshal is Madeline Delp, Ms. Wheelchair USA 17/18. Madeline is a graduate of UNC Asheville and a resident of Buncombe County. She learned at a young age that sometimes almost losing your life can be the catalyst to truly finding it in a way you never had before.

Madeline Delp is an entrepreneur, speaker and pageant “roll-model” who loves to chase bold adventures. Her journey of going from being a terrified ten-year-old with a T-10 spinal cord injury to climbing Mt. Rushmore, traveling the world and winning Ms. Wheelchair USA shows the truth that we can all define our own potential. Her passion is to share this message while on speaking tours with anyone dealing with life “disabilities”. Madeline continued her passion of inspiring empowered living in 2016 by founding a nonprofit organization called Live Boundless, which helps to deliver wheelchairs to medically-underserved countries around the world. Her next adventures include being the first girl in a wheelchair to compete in Miss North Carolina USA and traveling to the Philippines and Ecuador for wheelchair delivery projects – along with shark cage diving in Florida!

For the fourth year the NC Arboretum, City of Asheville and Asheville Downtown Association are partnering for Downtown Local Lights, an artistic holiday light display in Pack Square and in Pritchard Park. Stay tuned for more info.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 23 @ 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.

WinterFest at Tryon Equestrian Center
Nov 23 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tryon International Equestrian Center

 

Nov22-24 Winterfest Schedule

Tickets are $1 each. Tickets are non-refundable.

Bouncy House: 1 ticket per session
Bucking Horse: 3 tickets per ride
Carriage Rides: 5 tickets/child (15 or younger) or 10 tickets per adult
Carousel Rides: FREE!
Face Painting: 3 tickets per painting
Petting Zoo Admission: 1 ticket; Pet Food: 2 tickets
Pony Rides: 5 tickets per ride
S’mores: 4 tickets per kit
The Grinch’s Whoville Village: 1 ticket per person

SANTA’S HOUSE: Free Admission
5 tickets/digital photo or 10 tickets/print framed photo
(cash/debit/credit also accepted at Santa House)

ALL ACCESS NIGHT PASS: $20 per person

Good for unlimited ticketed activities from 5pm-10pm good for one Winterfest night; does not include Santa’s House photo

Click here to see EVERYTHING happening at Tryon Resort this holiday season!