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.

Saturday, December 7, 2019
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?

Alexander River Park Work Day
Dec 7 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Alexander River Park
Alexander River Park Work Day
December 7, Noon-4 PM
We will be partnering with GreenWorks and MountainTrue for this fun and informative work day that will include River Cane Propagation, Invasive Plant Removal and Tree Planting and Stream Cleanup activities.
Please wear cloths that can get dirty and dress appropriately for the weather. All tools will be provided
Junior Wild Walk: A Behind the Scenes Tour for Kids! WNC Nature Center
Dec 7 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

Are you and your child interested in seeing the Nature Center like never before?  Join us on a Junior Wild Walk:  A Behind the Scenes Tour for Kids!

Junior Wild Walk participants will get to have a close up encounter with an animal, check out how meals are made, and even get to help feed an animal!  There’s no other opportunity like this at the Nature Center.  Don’t miss out on this amazing experience with some of your favorite wildlife!  While this tour is geared towards younger children, adults will still enjoy this experience as well.  All children must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.

Tour lasts from 12 pm to 1 pm.

Register online, in person at the Friends office, or by calling 828-259-8092.  Spaces are limited, so sign up soon!  Junior Wild Walk tickets also include admission into the Nature Center for the day.

Mushroom Log Inoculation Class
Dec 7 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sow True Seed

Dec 7 2019: Mushroom Log Inoculation Class

Cost: $5 to attend (ticket price will be a donation to The Utopian Seed Project). $20 to take home an inoculated log.

If you decide to take home a log at the end of the class and only paid $5 to attend, then we’ll discount the log to $15.

This popular hands on class will leave you with the skills and knowledge to inoculate your own mushroom logs at home. We’ll start with a short presentation inside to give you the technical knowledge to make good mushroom growing decisions, and then move outside to get some hands on time with drilling and inoculating mushroom logs.

A comprehensive handout will be included. Additional mushroom plugs and spare inoculated logs will be sold separately.

Bring warm clothing for the outside section of the class.

We will be limiting the class to 40 people so that everyone can have a fulfilling hands on learning experience.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 7 @ 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 Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
Dec 7 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Departs From: Olde World Christmas Shoppe
  • Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring the sights and soundsof the holidays!

 

  • This seasonal favorite features an entertaining blend of holiday storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling. Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions, then join-in with our on-board musician singing classic carols and songs of Christmas. And all the while the Holly Jolly Trolley is rolling past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.
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?

Hendersonville Pub Crawl Benefiting Blue Ridge Humane Society
Dec 8 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Dry Falls Brewing Co.

Join us for a fun day out on the town, visiting all the best breweries Hendo has to offer! We’ll be starting at Dry Falls at 1 PM, then the lineup is as follows (all times approximate):

1 PM – 1:45 PM Dry Falls Brewing Co.
walk

2 PM – 2:45 PM Sanctuary Brewing Company
walk

3:00 – 3:45 Triskelion Brewing Company
walk

4:00 – 4:45 Guidon Brewing Co.
walk

5 PM – ?? Southern Appalachian Brewery

Tickets: $5 at the door (cash, check, and card accepted with cash preferred). No kids or pets please! All proceeds plus a percentage of sales are donated to Blue Ridge Humane Society! Event is organized by the Historic Hendersonville Pub Crawl. Please utilize free parking options near Dry Falls as their parking is limited and we don’t want to use all their parking after we’ve left!

 

Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper Hendersonville
Dec 8 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hendersonville Visitor Center

Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper

The Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper is a self-guided tour of several of the area’s inns decorated for the holidays, where at the end of each inn tour, participants are given a delicious Christmas treat. Tickets sold at the Hendersonville Visitor Center. Inns TBD, check the website closer to the date for more info!

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 8 @ 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.

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?

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 9 @ 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 Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Departs From: Olde World Christmas Shoppe
  • Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring the sights and soundsof the holidays!

 

  • This seasonal favorite features an entertaining blend of holiday storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling. Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions, then join-in with our on-board musician singing classic carols and songs of Christmas. And all the while the Holly Jolly Trolley is rolling past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.
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?

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 10 @ 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.

Think Tank Tuesdays Trivia Night
Dec 10 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Hillman Beer

Hillman Beer’s Trivia Night is on Tuesdays from 7pm-9pm! Get ready to drink some beer, test your wit, and have some fun!

Details:
– Please arrive at 6:30pm
– Max 6 people per team
– First place gets a $50 Hillman Beer Gift Card!

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?

Reduced Price Growler Fill Wednesdays
Dec 11 @ 9:00 pm – Dec 12 @ 3:00 am
plēb urban winery

Select a wine on draft and fill a plēb urban winery 500mL or 1L growler for a reduced price (see menu for availability and pricing). Growler purchase is separate. Carry out only.

https://www.facebook.com/events/859748727719594/?event_time_id=859748904386243

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 11 @ 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.

Thursday, December 12, 2019
The 2020 AIR Passport: Asheville Independent Restaurant Association
Dec 12 all-day
Asheville’s Independent Restaurant Association

The AIR Passport is your buy-one-get-one (BOGO)* ticket to some of Buncombe County’s highly acclaimed independent restaurants. Visit an old favorite or try a new member of the area’s vibrant independent restaurant community. AIR Passports make great gifts, but they go fast.

The AIR Passport offers BOGO from 60 area eateries with discounts up to $15 per participating restaurants. All proceeds from the AIR Passport go to benefit the ongoing efforts of AIR to keep Asheville’s food scene eclectic and authentic.

“It is one of our largest fundraisers of the year,” Anderson said.  “We are able to use these funds throughout the year for educational classes,  events and other opportunities for our members and their staff.”

Participating restaurants in the 2020 AIR Passport:

828 Pizzeria North Ducker Tea Room Rosabees
828 Pizzeria South Early Girl DT Rosetta’s
AUX Bar Early Girl West Roux
Baked Pie North Early Girl North Rustic Grape
Baked Pie South Farm Burger Sante
The Barrelhouse French Broad Choc Sawhorse
Bhramari The Glass Onion The Social Lounge
The Bier Garden The Grey Eagle Strada
Black Bear BBQ Hemingway’s Cuba Sunny Point
The Blackbird Isa’s Bistro Tupelo Honey DT
Blue Dream Curry Jack of the Wood Tupelo Honey South
Bouchon Karen Donatelli Daphne-Twisted Laurel
Button & Co Bagels The Laughing Seed Twisted Laurel West
Buxton Hall Little Jumbo Ultimate Ice Cream N
The Cantina The Lobster Trap Ultimate Ice Cream E
Chai Pani Luella’s North Vinnie’s Italian
Chestnut Luella’s South Well Played
Chupacabra The Native Social White Labs
Collaboratory Pack’s Tavern White Duck Taco DT
Copper Crown The Oysterhouse White Duck Taco RAD
The Corner Kitchen The Red Stag Grill White Duck Taco South
Creekside Taphouse RendezVous
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?

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 12 @ 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.

Mistletoe & Merlot: A Holiday Craft Market
Dec 12 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Radius Chiropractic

One of our goals in this community is to support other small, local businesses. This Holiday season we are excited to host Mistletoe & Merlot, A Holiday Craft Market designed to showcase makers, artist and craftspeople of Asheville.

This is a community event open to all of your family and friends. Come and enjoy FREE wine and food, while browsing items from local vendors. Need to cross some things off your Christmas list? This will be a one stop shop for all of your gift-giving needs.

We are excited to host:

Sweet Abode Artisan Soaps, Asheville Bag Lady, Mommabear Hoodies, Art by Pam Granger Gale, Art by Julie Armbruster, Jewelry by Designed to Dream, Poetry Prints by Morgan Holmes, Stones and Rocks by Carolyn Johnson, Winter wear by Coroin, Pottery from Batton Clayworks and candles and body care by Sage and Sunflowers.

And, don’t miss the raffle, where will be gifting items from each vendor throughout the night!

The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
Dec 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Departs From: Olde World Christmas Shoppe
  • Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring the sights and soundsof the holidays!

 

  • This seasonal favorite features an entertaining blend of holiday storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling. Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions, then join-in with our on-board musician singing classic carols and songs of Christmas. And all the while the Holly Jolly Trolley is rolling past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.
Friday, December 13, 2019
The 2020 AIR Passport: Asheville Independent Restaurant Association
Dec 13 all-day
Asheville’s Independent Restaurant Association

The AIR Passport is your buy-one-get-one (BOGO)* ticket to some of Buncombe County’s highly acclaimed independent restaurants. Visit an old favorite or try a new member of the area’s vibrant independent restaurant community. AIR Passports make great gifts, but they go fast.

The AIR Passport offers BOGO from 60 area eateries with discounts up to $15 per participating restaurants. All proceeds from the AIR Passport go to benefit the ongoing efforts of AIR to keep Asheville’s food scene eclectic and authentic.

“It is one of our largest fundraisers of the year,” Anderson said.  “We are able to use these funds throughout the year for educational classes,  events and other opportunities for our members and their staff.”

Participating restaurants in the 2020 AIR Passport:

828 Pizzeria North Ducker Tea Room Rosabees
828 Pizzeria South Early Girl DT Rosetta’s
AUX Bar Early Girl West Roux
Baked Pie North Early Girl North Rustic Grape
Baked Pie South Farm Burger Sante
The Barrelhouse French Broad Choc Sawhorse
Bhramari The Glass Onion The Social Lounge
The Bier Garden The Grey Eagle Strada
Black Bear BBQ Hemingway’s Cuba Sunny Point
The Blackbird Isa’s Bistro Tupelo Honey DT
Blue Dream Curry Jack of the Wood Tupelo Honey South
Bouchon Karen Donatelli Daphne-Twisted Laurel
Button & Co Bagels The Laughing Seed Twisted Laurel West
Buxton Hall Little Jumbo Ultimate Ice Cream N
The Cantina The Lobster Trap Ultimate Ice Cream E
Chai Pani Luella’s North Vinnie’s Italian
Chestnut Luella’s South Well Played
Chupacabra The Native Social White Labs
Collaboratory Pack’s Tavern White Duck Taco DT
Copper Crown The Oysterhouse White Duck Taco RAD
The Corner Kitchen The Red Stag Grill White Duck Taco South
Creekside Taphouse RendezVous
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?

Midnight Summit Release Party
Dec 13 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

Midnight Summit returns! Best enjoined by a roaring fire, this vanilla milk stout perfectly melds together creamy notes of vanilla, chocolate, and coffee.

Get your first taste of this seasonal brew at our Taproom release party!
As with all our seasonal releases, a dollar from every pint of Midnight Summit sold will go to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, one our Community Partners.