Happening this Weekend: Dec 11th-14th

Thursday, December 11

Asheville, Downtown: Vote for your favorites in the Downtown Winter Window Display Contest. Local businesses decorated in the theme Toyshop Whimsy are competing for prizes. Stroll downtown to see creative displays that shine brightest after dark. It’s also a great time to see the holiday lights at Pack Square Park, Pritchard Park, and Triangle Park. 

• Free
• Thursday, December 12 (displays up through January 1)
• Downtown Asheville

Tryon, Polk County: Tryon Little Theater presents Hollywood Christmas: Songs from the Silver Screen. Enjoy holiday favorites from Hollywood's golden age in an intimate theater, 45 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• $20 suggested donation
• Thursday, December 11, 7-8:30 pm
• Sunnydale, 334 S. Trade Street, Tryon

Brevard, Transylvania County: Experience the Transylvania Choral's annual holiday concert Gloria! and Carols by Candlelight. The candles create a timeless atmosphere. 32 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• $22
• Thursday, December 11, 7:30-8:45 pm
• Porter Center at Brevard College, 1 Brevard College Way

Friday, December 12

Sugar Mountain, Avery County: Test the newest ski and snowboard gear from top manufacturers all weekend at Sugarfest Demo Days & Winter Festival at Sugar Mountain Resort. Saturday includes an après-ski party with live music by Classic Highway, fireworks at dusk, and SugarFeast—BBQ, hot chocolate bar, and Soup Safari. Located 73 miles north of Asheville. 

• Admission varies by activity
• December 12, 13, and 14 (gear demos on Saturday-Sunday 9 am-3:30 pm)
• Sugar Mountain Resort

Forest City, Rutherford County: Visit the Hometown Holiday Festivities. Enjoy hayrides along historic Main Street, visit Santa, and skate on the synthetic ice rink. Hayride tickets are sold first-come, first-served starting at 6 pm at Main Street Meetings. Ice skates are provided. 65 miles from Asheville. 

• Some activities are free; hayride tickets are sold on-site
• Friday-Saturday, December 12 &13, 6-9 pm
• Downtown Forest City (multiple locations)

Weaverville, Buncombe County: Enjoy the annual Candlelight Stroll & Winter Wonderland. The evening begins with the tree lighting at 6 pm, followed by free storytelling, music, caroling, kids' crafts, and a scavenger hunt. The Winter Wonderland includes a heated space for warming up, hot chocolate, and photo ops with Santa's sleigh. 10 miles north of Asheville. 

• Free
• Friday, December 12, 6-9 pm
• Main Street and Florida Avenue, Weaverville 

Asheville, Downtown: Enjoy extended shopping hours, curated holiday gifts, exclusive promotions, and complimentary treats during Late Night Asheville. Many businesses will offer seasonal sips, light snacks, and luminaries. 

• Free
• Thursday, December 12, 6-9 pm
• Downtown Asheville

Spindale, Rutherford County: Rutherford Stage presents Diane McEnnerney's adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Experience Scrooge's transformative journey through past, present, and future in this beloved holiday tale. 61 miles east of Asheville. 

• $12-$20
• Friday, December 12, 7 pm (plus a 3 pm show on Saturday, December 13)
• Frank and Mabel West Auditorium, 286 ICC Loop, Spindale

Saturday, December 13

Asheville, Downtown: The beloved TV classic comes to life on stage in Asheville Community Theatre's Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. Join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, and Yukon Cornelius for iconic songs like "Holly Jolly Christmas." Perfect for all ages, with accessible seating available. 

• $43.56 adults, $23.76 youth (3-17)
• Saturday, December 13, 2:30 & 7:30 pm (also Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM through December 21)
• Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut Street

Black Mountain, Buncombe County: The Holly Jolly Holiday Market at White Horse. Browse offers handcrafted treasures, seasonal treats, one-of-a-kind gifts from local makers, and live music. Visit with Santa and bring your camera for photos 16 miles from downtown Asheville. 

• Free admission
• Saturday, December 13, 10 am-4 pm
• White Horse Black Mountain, 105c Montreat Road

Mill Spring, Polk County: Winterfest Village at Tryon International Equestrian Center features the Whoville Experience, pet reindeer at the Training Academy, Christmas characters, bounce houses, and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus. 50 miles from Asheville. 

• $25 adults, $20 youth; family/group packs available
• Saturday, December 13, 5-9 pm (Fridays-Sundays through 12/21/2025)
• Tryon International Equestrian Center, 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring

Mars Hill, Madison County: Join some of the region's finest musical talents for Christmas by Candlelight. Music direction by award-winning musician Jack Womack and original arrangements in an intimate living room-style show. 19 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• $24-$44
• Saturday, December 13, 2 pm and 7:30 pm (check their website for showtimes on 12/12 and 12/14)
• Owen Theater, 44 College Street, Mars Hill

Sunday, December 14

Asheville, Downtown: Head downstairs to find the Humbug Hideout at Wicked Weed Brewing. Find twinkling lights, holiday decor, and a merry cocktail menu available only in the lower level. Spread some holiday cheer in this seasonal pop-up hideout. 

• Free admission (cocktails for purchase)
• Sunday, December 14, 1-10 pm (and daily through New Year’s Eve)
• Wicked Weed Brewing, 91 Biltmore Avenue

Tryon, Polk County: Charles Dickens' ghostly tale of redemption comes to life in this tour de force solo performance by Andy Millard. A Christmas Carol by Shakespeare & Friends is a family-friendly show. 45 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• $18 adults, $12 students
• Sunday, December 14, 2-4 pm
• Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Avenue

Hendersonville, Henderson County: Enjoy Carolina Horse & Carriage Rides on Main Street amidst twinkling lights and Christmas decorations. Reservations strongly encouraged. Departs from Historic Henderson County Courthouse, 26 miles from Asheville. 

• $15 adults, $10 children (free under 2)
• Saturday, December 14, 5-8 pm (and also December 21)
• Historic Henderson County Courthouse, Main Street, Hendersonville