Join us for our annual annual Holiday Craft Sale featuring nature-themed, handcrafted items including ornaments, textiles, botanical beauty products and holiday décor. Bullington’s popular evergreen gnomes add a whimsical touch to the holidays along with our uniquely decorated Fraser Fir wreaths.

Decorated wreaths and swags, holiday house plants, gifts & more

Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers markets. Nine markets in Buncombe County will offer extended seasons or special holiday dates in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, and bread, these markets will feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.

ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription. Both programs offer participants free market tokens that can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. That includes in-season fall produce such as root veggies (including carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips), tubers (potatoes and sweet potatoes), brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage), winter squash, greens, and fruits like apples and persimmons.

Living in Western North Carolina means there is always something to do in the garden, from preparing soil and pruning to fertilizing and transplanting. But when and how? You’ll find the answers in A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains.

Created by NC State Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteers of Buncombe County (BCEMG), the guide provides a complete month-by-month description of what to do (and not to do), along with tips on invasive species, mulching, composting, and creating bird- and pollinator-friendly habitats.

This quick reference makes the perfect holiday gift for the gardeners in your life, whether they are old hands, new to gardening, or new to gardening in the mountains. A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains will get them off to the right start and keep their gardens growing all year long. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that funds raised through this publication go to support the many educational and outreach programs provided by BCEMG volunteers.

How to order: Send $13 (checks payable to Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener) to N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, N.C. 28806, ATTN:  Buncombe County Master Gardeners. Include mailing address for shipping and a phone number, in case we have a question about your order.

Copies are available for pick up at the office for $10.  Please call in advance. 828-255-5522.

To learn more about the NC State Extension Master Gardener Program in Buncombe County, go to: https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/

Whether you start decorating for the holidays before Thanksgiving or well into December, now is the best time to get into the holiday spirit by sponsoring a gift for kids or adults.

Being an adult without a support network, an adult with a disability, or a kid in foster care can be tough over the holidays; this is a great opportunity to let them know that the community cares for them.

Every year, Buncombe County hosts an Adult Wish Tree and a Foster Care Wish Tree that allows members of the community to sponsor a gift for someone this holiday.

Foster Care Wish Tree

Each year, children in foster care in Buncombe County submit a list of wishes they would like for the holidays.

To sign up to sponsor a child, click this link and select the person you would like to sponsor. You will receive an email confirmation that provides a copy of the wish list and all the instructions for drop-off.

A note from Health and Human Services:

Hello and thank you for your generosity this holiday season. We are grateful for your unwavering support for our foster youth. Here at Buncombe County Health and Human Services, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of our foster youth, and having your support means so much to us and our kids. You are not just providing gifts this holiday season; you are telling someone that they matter and that they are important! That is something to celebrate! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

If you have any questions about your sponsorship, please call Amber Cook at 828-772-5553 or email [email protected] during business hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Adult Wish Tree

When you can’t drive a car or don’t have someone to bring you the things you might need, like a new nightgown or socks, it can be tough. The Adult Wish Tree is a Buncombe County program that works with agencies throughout the county to identify adults and adults with disabilities who don’t have access to a support network to help with these basic needs. The program also identifies young adults in our extended foster care program who will likely not receive a gift this year. Please consider selecting an adult to sponsor this holiday season.

To sign up to sponsor an adult, click this link and select the person you would like to sponsor. You will receive an email confirmation that provides a copy of the wish list and all the instructions for drop-off.

A note from Health and Human Services:

This holiday season we hope you will choose one of the many names that are submitted by Health and Human Services and our partner agencies for adults and adults with disabilities.  It is such a joy to see the smiles on the faces of adults who have their wishes fulfilled, as these are adults who are not expected to have anyone else to provide them with a gift this year.

If you have questions, please email us at [email protected].

Happy Holidays and thank you for supporting those who need a little extra care this upcoming season.

Check out great Christmas gifts made especially for you by the Land O’ Sky Garden Club elves. All handmade, original, and all-natural. Wreaths made especially for you. Let the elves embellish your one-of-a-kind wreath at the wreath bar!

Celebrate Christmas at Connemara with demonstrations and craft making on three Saturdays in December. The free holiday activities and craft-making are supported by the non-profit Park Store managed by America’s National Parks.

Demonstrations and craft making will be offered in the garage adjacent to the Sandburg Home. Activities are free and visitors can come anytime during the event time to participate. A detailed schedule will be posted soon.

The Sandburg Home will be decorated in the simple style of the Sandburgs with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree throughout December until January 6th, 2024. Reserve a home tour at recreation.gov.

The Sandburg family enjoyed a simple holiday at home at Connemara. They handmade gifts and baked Swedish springerle cookies, gathered holly and greenery from the grounds to decorate mantels and tables, and cut a white pine from the woods as the Christmas tree. Favorite tree ornaments were glass or paper mache birds. The Christmas season was a time when the family was home and Carl Sandburg took a break from traveling. They gathered in the living room to listen to music, sing songs, and read stories.

Saturdays through Dec. 16,
8 a.m.–noon through Nov. 18;

10 a.m.–1 p.m. Nov. 24–Dec. 16

Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers markets. Nine markets in Buncombe County will offer extended seasons or special holiday dates in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, and bread, these markets will feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.

ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription. Both programs offer participants free market tokens that can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. That includes in-season fall produce such as root veggies (including carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips), tubers (potatoes and sweet potatoes), brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage), winter squash, greens, and fruits like apples and persimmons.

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

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Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

The Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt will take you on a fun-filled bear hunt through downtown Hendersonville looking for Peppermint Bear’s lost bear cubs, who are hiding out in the shops, Get your map at the Visitor Center, then head out to find all of the cubs and get a stamp at each location after you’ve found the bear, return completed entry forms to the Visitor Center to be eligible for great prizes!

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

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

Kick-off your holiday festivities by celebrating the lighting of our Biltmore Park Christmas tree. Come make memories in our Winter Wonderland, featuring complementary entertainment including, aerial performers, face painting, a fun photobooth, interactive arts & crafts, hot chocolate and cider, and our favorite special guests, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who will be on hand to take pictures with your family from 3-6pm.

A GREAT WAY TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s twelfth annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. ACDT has surprised audiences over the years with their original version of The Nutcracker. Though The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most famous ballets, if it is performed by ACDT you can guarantee it is something you haven’t seen before. Their version couldn’t be farther from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. It is based on the original story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann.

“I always want to go back to the original story,” artistic co-director Collard says. “The characters and the story are always so much more interesting.” Take, for example, the King and Queen of Sausages, who have surprised and delighted audiences with delightful humor, and the party guests wrapped in gorgeous costumes dancing a wild and wonderful polka. And then there is the famous Mouse King and his lovely wife and their numerous children creating havoc all over the ballet, with magical aerialists flying over head creating a surrealism to visually delight all ages.

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) is a non-profit professional dance company created in 1979. As western North Carolina’s first professional modern dance company, they believe that everything everywhere is dance and everyone is a dancer. ACDT is devoted to local and international work, forging collaborations and partnerships between Asheville artists and dance artists from around the world.

It is Christmas Eve and Clara and her brother, Fritz, are excited for the evening’s festivities to begin.  Family and friends arrive in Greenville by train and admire the sights and sounds of beautiful Main Street.  Clara’s magician Godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives and brings gifts for everyone.  For Clara, he has a very special nutcracker.  The celebration continues as all enjoy an evening of laughter and dancing.  As one of the maids joins in on the dancing, she bonks Herr Drosselmeyer on the head in her excitement and he is knocked unconscious.

A magical star enters to guide Herr Drosselmeyer on a beautiful journey of Clara’s future.  After all the guests have left, a lonely maid tidies up the room.  She screams in fright as mice invade from every direction.  The nutcracker doll, now life-sized, comes to save the day with an army of soldiers.  A fierce battle between the mice and soldiers ensues.  The Mouse King has The Nutcracker cornered, but Clara strikes the rodent and saves her Nutcracker who is transformed into a handsome prince. Herr Drosselmeyer’s journey continues with visions of beautiful angels and the well known Mice on Main in downtown Greenville.  The city’s rich culture appears through Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, and Candy dancers as well.

Herr Dosselmeyer’s glimpse into Clara’s future happens upon her Debutante Ball complete with elegant waltzing dancers. The loving Godfather has watched his precious Clara’s coming of age and finds himself on her wedding day.  The grown-up Clara is a beautiful bride and marries her dashing Nutcracker Cavalier.  The magical wedding is one only dreams are made of.  Or is it just a dream?

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky(1840-1893)

The libretto is adapted from E.T.A Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreography by Hernan Justo is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Additional choreography by Anita Pacylowski Justo

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

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

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

Mistletoe Market at Reynolds Village is the perfect place to find unique and handcrafted gifts for your loves ones while supporting local businesses and artisans. “We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to Reynold’s Village for this year’s holiday season”. Said Gabi Walsh, Marketing Associate at Reynold’s Village. “Our goal is to create a festive and community centered atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the holiday season.”

The Mistletoe Market at Reynold’s Village is the ideal place to find holiday gifts, enjoy the spirit of the season, and support local businesses in the Asheville community. This event is free and open to the public, making it a must-attend for both residences and visitors alike.

The annual Hendersonville Christmas Parade sets the tone for the holiday season. Local organizations and businesses participate in this festive event, which is capped off by a visit from the big man in red himself, Santa Claus! Again this year, enjoy the parade in the evening, festively lit up in holiday spirit with Christmas lights.

Come to Main Street Hendersonville to enjoy the floats and marching bands, and get in on the holiday cheer. This event is hosted by the Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association.

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

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

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

It is Christmas Eve and Clara and her brother, Fritz, are excited for the evening’s festivities to begin.  Family and friends arrive in Greenville by train and admire the sights and sounds of beautiful Main Street.  Clara’s magician Godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives and brings gifts for everyone.  For Clara, he has a very special nutcracker.  The celebration continues as all enjoy an evening of laughter and dancing.  As one of the maids joins in on the dancing, she bonks Herr Drosselmeyer on the head in her excitement and he is knocked unconscious.

A magical star enters to guide Herr Drosselmeyer on a beautiful journey of Clara’s future.  After all the guests have left, a lonely maid tidies up the room.  She screams in fright as mice invade from every direction.  The nutcracker doll, now life-sized, comes to save the day with an army of soldiers.  A fierce battle between the mice and soldiers ensues.  The Mouse King has The Nutcracker cornered, but Clara strikes the rodent and saves her Nutcracker who is transformed into a handsome prince. Herr Drosselmeyer’s journey continues with visions of beautiful angels and the well known Mice on Main in downtown Greenville.  The city’s rich culture appears through Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, and Candy dancers as well.

Herr Dosselmeyer’s glimpse into Clara’s future happens upon her Debutante Ball complete with elegant waltzing dancers. The loving Godfather has watched his precious Clara’s coming of age and finds himself on her wedding day.  The grown-up Clara is a beautiful bride and marries her dashing Nutcracker Cavalier.  The magical wedding is one only dreams are made of.  Or is it just a dream?

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky(1840-1893)

The libretto is adapted from E.T.A Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreography by Hernan Justo is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Additional choreography by Anita Pacylowski Justo

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

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

NEW QUEER’S EVE
Developed by a Collaboration of Queer Writers
Directed by Dwight Chiles

Maybe it’s much too early in the game, but I thought I’d ask you just the same, what are you doing New Year’s? Join us for a look at this holiday through a new lens. New Queer’s Eve takes place in one location over multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations and provides a glimpse into the LGBTQIA+ experience through time. Through interconnected stories told by a collaboration of queer writers, New Queer’s Eve invites audiences to share in the joys and struggles of queer life through the decades.

A GREAT WAY TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s twelfth annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. ACDT has surprised audiences over the years with their original version of The Nutcracker. Though The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most famous ballets, if it is performed by ACDT you can guarantee it is something you haven’t seen before. Their version couldn’t be farther from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. It is based on the original story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann.

“I always want to go back to the original story,” artistic co-director Collard says. “The characters and the story are always so much more interesting.” Take, for example, the King and Queen of Sausages, who have surprised and delighted audiences with delightful humor, and the party guests wrapped in gorgeous costumes dancing a wild and wonderful polka. And then there is the famous Mouse King and his lovely wife and their numerous children creating havoc all over the ballet, with magical aerialists flying over head creating a surrealism to visually delight all ages.

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) is a non-profit professional dance company created in 1979. As western North Carolina’s first professional modern dance company, they believe that everything everywhere is dance and everyone is a dancer. ACDT is devoted to local and international work, forging collaborations and partnerships between Asheville artists and dance artists from around the world.