Happening this Weekend: Nov 27th-30th

Thursday, November 27

Mars Hill, Madison County: The Madison County Arts Council presents the Holiday Sale 2025. Browse locally made art and gifts ranging from time-honored traditional designs to contemporary art. Browse handmade treasures perfect for holiday giving. Located 20 minutes north of Asheville. 

• Free
• Thursday, November 27-Tuesday, December 23, 11 am-5 pm
• Mars Landing Galleries, 37 Library Street

Bryson City, Swain County: The Yard, an outdoor food and drink venue in downtown, transforms into an ice rink for the winter season. Ice skating for all ages with a food truck, full bar, hot chocolate, and s'mores available. Located 75 minutes west of Asheville. 

• Admission and rental rates vary
• 12-8 pm (also open through November 30)
• The Yard, 43 Depot Street, Bryson City 

Friday, November 28

Asheville, Downtown: Two shows for your Friday night! Nashville honky tonk hits the Showroom with the Jim McGuinn Band bringing pedal steel, twang, and high-energy country for dancing. Later, slip into the Palm Room for The Cool Yule Club featuring Meschiya Lake's Paradigm Shifters—a cocktail of country grit, jazz spirit, and holiday sparkle in a warm 60s lounge atmosphere. Two separate listening rooms, two distinct vibes. 

• Jim McGuinn Band:
• $5 cover
• 7-11 pm (Showroom)
• Cool Yule Club:
• Free
• 10 pm-1 am (Palm Room)
• Both shows at Fitz and the Wolfe, Haywood Park Hotel

Asheville: Collect stamps at 12 bars with holiday personas like Santidote, Let It CrowBar, and Who-ville Pub as part of the 12 Bars of Christmas Bar Crawl fundraiser. Get your passport for a $15 donation to MANNA FoodBank at any participating venue. Complete all 12 and earn a limited-edition ornament while supporting local businesses and fighting hunger in WNC.

• $15 passport donation
• November 28-December 31
• Participating bars throughout Asheville 

Brevard, Transylvania County: Vote in the Holiday Windows Competition! Stroll downtown to see storefronts transformed into festive displays. Cast your vote for your favorite by December 7 using the instructions posted during your stroll. Located 45 minutes south of Asheville. 

• Free
• November 28-December 31 (voting ends December 7)
• Downtown Brevard, 175 E. Main St. 

Cashiers, Jackson County: Christmas on the Green festivities include shopping local artisan-made gifts at the Mistletoe Market, visiting with Santa (registration recommended), and a tree lighting ceremony with music and cocoa at the gazebo. Located 90 minutes southwest of Asheville. 

• Free ($5 donation for Santa visits)
• 10 AM-7 PM (tree lighting begins at 5:45 PM)
• The Village Green, Cashiers 

Saturday, November 29

Mars Hill, Madison County: Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on Main Street for photos, games, face painting, and treats for kids. Enjoy local shopping and dining while you're downtown. Bring a camera or phone to take pictures. Located 20 minutes north of Asheville. 

• Free
• 11 am-2 pm 25
• South Main Street, Mars Hill, NC.

Franklin, Macon County: Historic downtown transforms into a glowing holiday village with twinkling lights and live music during Winter Wonderland 2025. Enjoy Small Business Saturday deals from local merchants, photos with Santa, and a tree lighting ceremony. Located 80 minutes west-southwest of Asheville. 

• Free 4:30-8 pm (tree lighting at 7 pm)
• Historic Downtown Franklin 

Cashiers, Jackson County: The Cashiers Festival of Trees is a two-day family event. Free children's crafts, scavenger hunts, and a Pop-up Teddy Bear Workshop. Watch glassblowing and blacksmith demonstrations, shop for gifts, and grab lunch from food trucks. Located 90 minutes southwest of Asheville. 

• $5 adults, free ages 18 and under
• 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, November 28 and 29
• Summit Charter School 

Sunday, November 30

Cedar Mountain, Transylvania County: Shop local artisan goods, fresh live trees and wreaths, and enjoy complimentary moonshine tastings at the outdoor Cedar Mountain Holiday Artisan Market. Santa appears for photos while food trucks serve up seasonal bites. Located 60 minutes south of downtown Asheville. 

• Free
• 11:30 am-4:30 pm
• Cedar Mountain Moonshine Distillery, 10754 Greenville Hwy 

Tryon, Polk County: Enjoy free live music at the Mountain Brook Vineyards. Beverages, small bites, and meals from food trucks are available for purchase. Located 75 minutes south-southeast of Asheville. 

• Free (food and beverages available for purchase)
• Sunday, November 30, 3-6 pm
• Mountain Brook Vineyards, 731 Philips Dairy Road, Tryon