Happening this Weekend: Dec 25th-28th

Thursday, December 25

Asheville: Christmas Day dining options for lunch and dinner include The Omni Grove Park Inn's Blue Ridge, Edison, and Vue 1913; Hemingway's Cuba's traditional Cuban cuisine; Posana's gluten-free specialties at their downtown and Biltmore Park locations, and Laila's modern Indian cuisine from tandoori kebabs to aromatic biryanis. 

• Prices vary by restaurant (reservations highly recommended)
• December 25 Locations throughout Asheville

Friday, December 26

Asheville: Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour starting in Montford. Ride the trolley past holiday decorations in downtown and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods while singing classic carols with an onboard musician. Songbooks provided. Reservations recommended—walk-ups welcomed if space is available.  

• $36 adults, $19 children (ages 5-11), lap-riding children free
• December 26 (and daily through December 30; check website for times)
• Departs Asheville Visitor Center, 36 Montford Avenue

Old Fort, McDowell County: Join a waterfall Yoga Hiking Micro Retreat. Hike to the majestic 100-foot waterfall, Catawba Falls. Meditate beside the water and practice yoga flow in the forest with your mind+body+spirit guide. Mats provided, photos included. 27 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• $89, advance registration required 8:30-11:30 am
• Catawba Falls, 3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort

Chimney Rock, Rutherford County: Meet live animal ambassadors and naturalists on the Outcroppings Deck daily at 2 pm during Winter Break Animal Encounters. Learn about native wildlife and their importance to the ecosystem during this daily winter break program. 60 miles from Asheville. 

• $17 adults, $8 youth (5-15), free ages 4 and under
• Friday, December 26-31, 2-2:45 pm daily
• Chimney Rock State Park
• Note: The only open route into Chimney Rock is NC 9 through Lake Lure.

Saturday, December 27

Asheville, Downtown: Kid Hop Hooray! is a dance party for kids with live DJ Oso Rey spinning family-friendly music. Free glow accessories, plenty of room to dance and run, padded area for crawlers, snacks from Hop Ice Creamery, and a bar open for adults. Drop in!  

• $8.32 adults, $3.32 children 10 am-1 pm (show at 10 am)
• The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Avenue

Asheville, Downtown: Hidden in the lower level of Wicked Weed, the Humbug Hideout promises a special cocktail menu in an atmosphere suitable for humbugs.  

• Free admission (cocktails for purchase)
• 12 pm-11 pm (and daily through New Year’s Eve)
• Wicked Weed Brewing, 91 Biltmore Avenue

Lake Lure, Rutherford County: The Rocky Harbour Pirate Show at Fae Nectar is an all-ages immersive show. See sea shanties, tankards, and maritime merriment hosted by Captain mOss. Expect audience participation and theatrical antics. Pirate Bingo at 6 pm. Attend in pirate garb. Feast and drinks are available at the bar. 56 miles from downtown Asheville. 

• $15 (kids 5 and under free) 7-9:30 pm
• Fae Nectar, 2984 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure

Asheville, Downtown: Two performances await at Fitz and the Wolfe: Prime Country & The Swinging Poppies. Country music fills the Showroom from 7-10 pm followed by groovy jazz lounge vibes in the Palm Room. 

• Admission varies (check website)
• Saturday, December 27
• Fitz and the Wolfe, Haywood Park Hotel

Sunday, December 28

Saluda, Polk County: See Izzy Hughes perform at Green River Eddy's Taproom. This Asheville-based singer/songwriter plays original songs and covers in an intimate afternoon setting. 35 miles from downtown Asheville. Drinks and bites are available for purchase. 

• Free Sunday, December 28, 2-5 pm
• Green River Eddy's Taproom, 435 Main Street, Saluda

Bryson City, Swain County: Enjoy the afternoon and evening at Bryson City Brewing. This family and pet-friendly venue features craft beer, cocktails, locally sourced food, and a large fenced yard. The High Sierra band plays blending tight harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation influenced by Americana, bluegrass, country, gospel, and folk. 65 miles from Asheville. 

• Free Saturday, December 28 (performance at 7 pm)
• Bryson City Brewing, 116 Ramseur Street