Happening this Weekend: Dec 18th-21st

Thursday, December 18

Flat Rock, Henderson County: A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas is a holiday tradition with all-new renditions of favorites to get sleigh bells jingling. A spectacular all-ages show filled with holiday cheer. 30 miles from Asheville.  

• $60-$80 (child pricing available, 17 and under)
• 2 pm and 7:30 pm (check website for additional dates)
• Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Highway

Sugar Mountain, Avery County: Santa hits the slopes and chats with kids throughout the day and evening. Catch him skiing and riding while spreading holiday cheer on the mountain. Located 73 miles north of Asheville.  

• Free (lift ticket required for mountain access)
• December 18-24, 9 am-4:30 pm and 6-10 pm daily; Christmas Eve: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
• Sugar Mountain Resort

Friday, December 19

Black Mountain, Buncombe County: The First Reindeer Romp Bar Crawl is a moving party that will overtake eight Black Mountain bars from 5-9 pm and end with a DJed after party White Horse Black Mountain. Holiday karaoke, 5-8 pm. Costume contest, 8 pm. DJ Aoili afterparty, 8:30-11 pm. 16 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• Pay what you can (suggested donation; revelers will purchase their own drinks)
• 5-11 pm
• White Horse Black Mountain, 105c Montreat Road

Rutherfordton, Polk County: Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland Drive-Thru Light Show is a cruise through a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, sparkling decorations, and festive scenes from the comfort of your car. 50 miles from downtown Asheville. 

• $40+ per vehicle (price varies by day and time)
• 6 pm-10 pm nightly through January 4, 2025
• Tryon International Equestrian Center, 3580 Pea Ridge Road, Rutherfordton

Spindale, Rutherford County: The fairy tale ballet The Nutcracker follows Clara and her Nutcracker doll as they defeat the evil Mouse King and journey to the Land of Sweets. Performed to Tchaikovsky's timeless music and appropriate for all ages. 61 miles east of Asheville.  

• $10-$32
• 7:30 pm
• Frank and Mabel West Auditorium, 286 ICC Loop, Spindale

Saturday, December 20

Sylva, Jackson County: Get into the holiday spirit with late-night shopping, seasonal cheer, and festive activities downtown at Sylva Shop & Stroll. Shop local, enjoy caroling, and celebrate the season in this charming mountain town. 48 miles from Asheville. 

• Free
• All day
• Downtown Sylva, 773 W. Main Street

Asheville, Downtown: Glide across real ice in the heart of downtown at Ice Skating at Asheville Yards. The rink features holiday decorations, crafted holiday drinks, hot chocolate, and Instagrammable photo moments. Open several days per week during the season.  

• $20 (includes skate rental and 75-minute session); free for non-skaters
• 10 am-10 pm
• Asheville Yards, 75 Coxe Avenue

Bryson City, Swain County: Experience Christmas magic through massive LED arches, RGB Christmas trees, Sweet Tooth Lane, and Manger Scene displays at Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular. This drive-thru show features spectacular holiday-themed exhibits viewed from your warm car. Buy tickets in advance. Located 62 miles from Asheville.  

• $20 cars/vans, $40 activity vans (get tickets now)
• daily, 6-10 pm
• Great Smoky Mountains Event Park, 1130 Hyatt Creek Road, Bryson City

Sunday, December 21

Mars Hill, Madison County: Catch the Madison County Arts Council Holiday Sale before it ends! Browse curated gifts and art created by dozens of local artisans at Mars Landing Galleries. Discover handmade treasures for holiday giving from regional makers. 19 miles from downtown Asheville. 

• Free
• 10 am-5 pm (check website for additional dates)
• Mars Landing Galleries, 37 Library Street, Mars Hill

Brevard, Transylvania County: Celebrate Jólabókaflóð (the Icelandic Book Flood tradition) at Highland Books with free chocolates, cookies, and a special sale. This cherished custom involves giving books on Christmas Eve and reading them together. 32 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• Free admission (books for purchase)
• 10 am-6 pm
• Highland Books, 36 West Main Street

Asheville, Downtown: This beloved 20+ year tradition, A Swannanoa Solstice, celebrates the season with Celtic, American roots, and world-influenced music from dynamic new and returning artists. 

• $34.78-$89.35
• 2 pm and 7 pm
• Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Avenue

Brevard, Transylvania County: The Brevard Philharmonic delivers classics and seasonal favorites in this annual performance, Christmastime in Brevard. This sells out—reserve seats now, 32 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• Price varies
• 3-5 pm
• Porter Center, 1 Brevard College Drive