During the late fall and festive holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, Asheville and the surrounding mountain small towns have many great events, festivals and celebrations. Below are our favorites. Also see our Holiday Things to Do for ideas for your vacation during November and December. (Pic at top: Forest City Lights)
Top 50 Holiday Events, November & December
Christmas at Biltmore
Friday, November 1, 2019 to Sunday, January 5, 2020
The biggest event of the holiday season. See America's largest home decked out in festive finery. Candlelight Evenings are especially magical. See our extensive guide with tips, photos and details.
Weaverville Art Safari
Saturday, November 2, 2019 to Sunday, November 3, 2019
This self-guided, make-your-own-agenda event throughout Weaverville and surrounding scenic valleys is a rare opportunity to interact with artists and see the process behind their critically-acclaimed works of art. And it's fun to buy directly from the artists!
Western North Carolina Pottery Festival
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Meet 40+ master potters from across the country at this premier juried art event. Watch them in action and buy amazing creations that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Head to Asheville Outlets mall for a big gathering of 25 food trucks. Buy a big variety of food, along with craft ales and beers from 50 breweries. Music, lawn games and artisan market. 12 PM-5 PM next to Field & Stream. Bring lawnchairs. $5/person in advance and $10 day of. Kids 12 and under are free.
Polar Express Train
Friday, November 8, 2019 to Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Ride to the North Pole on the Polar Express Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to pick up Santa. It's fun for all ages. Departs from Bryson City. See our guide for all the details.
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition
Friday, November 8, 2019 to Tuesday, April 7, 2020
This nationally touring exhibition at Biltmore that features set recreations, costumes and never-before-seen multimedia elements.
Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum
Saturday, November 9, 2019 to Saturday, December 21, 2019
This quirky exhibit in downtown Brevard features dozens of vintage aluminum Christmas trees and ornaments inside the Transylvania Heritage Museum. A fun trip back in time. Wed-Sat. Free admission.
River District Artists Studio Stroll
Saturday, November 9, 2019 to Sunday, November 10, 2019
Head to the River Arts District near downtown Asheville to find 180+ artists at work in 25 converted industrial buildings along the river. Great deals on art! 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission. See our guide for details.
National Gingerbread House Competition
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 to Saturday, January 4, 2020
See the winning gingerbread houses and creations on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn, elaborately decorated for the season. Public viewing Sunday-Thursday except Christmas & Thanksgiving week. See our guide for all the details.
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Friday, November 22, 2019 to Saturday, January 4, 2020
Stroll through impressive light displays in the Arboretum gardens, especially designed to compliment the plants and trees in this beautiful setting. We are delighted to be a sponsor of this festive event.
Asheville Holiday Parade
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Downtown, 11 AM. A fun and creative parade that kicks off Asheville's holiday season with marching bands, floats, dance and theater troupes, walking groups and Santa Claus himself.
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
Thursday, November 28, 2019 to Wednesday, January 1, 2020
See the million lights that create a magical Main Street in our top Christmas Town Forest City with many events throughout, including carriage rides. Lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving Day.
Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Friday, November 29, 2019 to Sunday, December 22, 2019
Dazzling new production at the State Theatre of NC featuring favorite holiday songs with an all-star cast from across the USA, Playhouse Chorus and dancers of all ages. Near Hendersonville.
Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Friday, November 29, 2019 to Saturday, November 30, 2019
Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center near Fontana Lake. 10 AM-5 PM.
Maggie Gets Lit
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Kick off the season at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 12-6 PM, for a Christmas Market, Santa Strut, clogging, music, ugly sweater contest, best dressed pet, kids zone and food. Gather at 6 PM for the tree lighting. Free. Donations of coats and non-perishable food welcomed.
Handle With Care @ NC Stage Company
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 to Sunday, December 22, 2019
This bilingual romantic comedy brings together an unlikely pair. Is their inevitable love an accident or is it destiny, generations in the making?
Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries
Repeats every week every Friday and every Saturday 4 times.
Friday, December 6, 2019Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa.
Toe River Studio Tour
Friday, December 6, 2019 to Sunday, December 8, 2019
Self-driving tour to discover studios of 100+ artists and craftsmen, many internationally-known and from the acclaimed Penland School of Crafts. A blend of contemporary and traditional art - Burnsville and Spruce Pine area. Free admission!
Balsam Range Art of Music Festival
Friday, December 6, 2019 to Sunday, December 8, 2019
A two-day festival at Lake Junaluska featuring top bluegrass and acoustic musicians, with Balsam Range and more. Workshops throughout the day. Single concert tickets and weekend packages.
Small Town Christmas, Banner Elk
Friday, December 6, 2019 to Sunday, December 8, 2019
Many events during this weekend in our top ski town of Banner Elk. Tree lighting and variety show on Friday evening. Saturday highlights include a 5k, Alpaca Farm tours, Parade of Lights at 6 PM. Tate-Evans Park has train rides, luminaries and light shows. Take home a Christmas Tree from a farm.
Montford Home Tour
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Explore Asheville’s Montford historic neighborhood with Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Greek Revival and Dutch Colonial homes dating back to the late 1800s. Self-guided tour of 10 homes, 1-5 PM, $25/person. Tickets at Asheville Visitor Center (36 Montford Ave).
Santa on the Chimney
Repeats every week until Sat Dec 14 2019.
Saturday, December 7, 2019Watch Santa practice for his world-wide chimney-dropping tour on his "practice chimney," the 312 ft. tall Chimney Rock monolith. Included with park admission.
Guild Holiday Makers Sale at the Folk Art Center
Repeats every week until Sat Dec 14 2019.
Saturday, December 7, 2019Get great deals on amazing art directly from the artists, offering over-runs, discontinued stock and studio seconds in a festive atmosphere. And don't miss the special exhibits and main store at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Free admission. 10 AM-4 PM.
Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa.
The Big Crafty
Saturday, December 7, 2019 to Sunday, December 8, 2019
Local's favorite art & craft show with 170 hand-selected local artists. Local food & beer too. Inside the US Cellular Center in downtown Asheville (87 Haywood St). Saturday 1-8 PM ($5/person) and Sunday 11 AM-6 PM (free).
Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries
Friday, December 13, 2019
Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa.
A Night Before Christmas
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Downtown Waynesville's historic Main Street area is filled with bright lights, friendly folks, the wonderful sounds of the holiday season, special gallery openings, delicious food and drink. Small town Christmas at its finest. 6-9 PM
Santa on the Chimney
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Watch Santa practice for his world-wide chimney-dropping tour on his "practice chimney," the 312 ft. tall Chimney Rock monolith. Included with park admission.
Guild Holiday Makers Sale at the Folk Art Center
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Get great deals on amazing art directly from the artists, offering over-runs, discontinued stock and studio seconds in a festive atmosphere. And don't miss the special exhibits and main store at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Free admission. 10 AM-4 PM.
Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa.
Christmas Day & Week Dining, Attractions
Saturday, December 21, 2019 to Sunday, December 29, 2019
Find things to do and restaurants open on Christmas Day and week in Asheville, Biltmore and the surrounding mountain towns.
New Year's Eve
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Head to downtown Asheville for many dining and entertainment choices or go to celebrations throughout WNC. Special events on Jan 1st too. See our top New Year Celebrations and Things to Do.
New Years Eve Golden Nugget Drop
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Gather on Main Street in downtown Marion on New Year's Eve night to watch the giant golden nugget drop into the 10-foot wide eatable donut that you get to sample after midnight. Many activities.
Lake Lure Polar Plunge
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Jump into the chilly waters of Lake Lure to raise money for local charities. What a way to start the new year!
Winter Events & Valentine Outings
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 to Tuesday, March 31, 2020
See our top picks for things to do and events in January, February and March - including Valentine's Weekend!
Past Events
Holiday Homecoming at Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Located near Cherokee at the Great Smoky Mountains entrance, see old-time crafts being demonstrated at the Mountain Farm Museum. Learn by observing the practical arts of quilting, weaving and making baskets, dolls, apple cider and apple butter. 10 AM-2 PM. Free.
An Angel Christmas @ Thomas Wolfe Home
Saturday, December 15, 2018
A special open house at the fascinating 29-room Thomas Wolfe Home in downtown Asheville with period decorations, special tours, angel wreath auction, kids' activities, snacks and more. 9 AM-5 PM. $5/adult, children 17 & under free.
Creche-Fest
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 to Wednesday, December 19, 2018
See the fascinating display of 250+ Nativity sets from 50+ countries, hosted at First Baptist Church in downtown Asheville (5 Oak Street). Includes music and lectures. Free admission. Weekdays 5-8 PM, Sat & Sun 12-6 PM.
Candlelight Christmas Stroll
Friday, December 7, 2018
Downtown Weaverville has luminaries along the streets, local choirs and bands will provide music, and horse and buggy rides will be available through town. 6-9 PM. Local businesses will be open late and the official tree lighting at 7:30 PM.
Art After Dark
Friday, December 7, 2018
Downtown Waynesville galleries present special shows, with refreshments and live music 6-9 PM. Tree lighting too. Very festive small town atmosphere. Kicks off "Holly Days" weekend.
Holiday Sip & Shop, Grovewood Village
Friday, December 7, 2018 to Saturday, December 8, 2018
Shop at the big gallery and save 10% on all art and craft while enjoying free cider, cookies and wine. Also, watch artist demos, take a free factory tour and get free admission to Antique Car Museum. Asheville. 10 AM-5:30 PM
Smoke on the Mountain: Sanders Family Christmas
Thursday, December 6, 2018 to Sunday, December 23, 2018
The Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre (SART) annual Christmas show, a southern gospel, blue grass and traditional carol family friendly musical. Thurs-Sat at 7:30 PM and Saturday / Sunday 2:30 PM.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Saturday, December 1, 2018 to Sunday, December 23, 2018
This drive-thru light show in south Asheville features 50 animated light displays and thousands of colored lights in a lakeside park. $10 per car. 6-9 PM. Walk through on Dec 1.
Small Town Christmas, Rutherfordton
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Many events along Main Street throughout the day 1-9 PM. Shop sidewalk vendors at the Christmas Market from 1-5 PM and stroll by the storefront windows featuring live interactive displays 2-4 PM. Christmas Parade at 5 PM. Tree lighting at 6:30 PM at Courthouse. All free to attend.
Dickens Christmas Celebration
Friday, November 30, 2018 to Saturday, December 1, 2018
Enjoy many festivities including strolling carolers, storytellers and instrumentalists in historic Biltmore Village. And chestnuts roasting on an open fire!
Snowbound @ ACT Theatre
Friday, November 30, 2018 to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Asheville Community Theatre's revival of this crowd-pleaser. It’s Christmas Eve in 1955 at a small town train depot where the snowy weather causes delays. Strangers become friends, friends become family, and the warmth of human connection is deepened through stories and songs. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 PM; Sundays 2:30 PM
Wonderful Life & 12 Dates @ NC Stage
Wednesday, November 28, 2018 to Sunday, December 30, 2018
Two shows alternate! The uplifting story Live From WVL Radio Theatre: It’s A Wonderful Life celebrates George Bailey and Bedford Falls. The second show The Twelve Dates of Christmas brings laughter and light heartedness with a one-woman show. Perfect for date night in downtown Asheville, Wed-Sun.
Hendersonville Home for the Holidays
Friday, November 23, 2018 to Monday, December 31, 2018
Main Street twinkles with thousands of lights with many festive events including carriage rides, parade, Broadway shows, tours, ice skating and fantastic shopping.
Thanksgiving Day & Weekend
Thursday, November 22, 2018 to Sunday, November 25, 2018
See things to do on the holiday weekend, including the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. Kick off the holiday season in style!
Marshall Handmade Market, Marshall
Saturday, November 17, 2018 to Sunday, November 18, 2018
This arts festival & holiday market is held indoors at Marshall High Studios on Blannahassatt Island in the French Broad River, 25 minutes north of Asheville. Classrooms-turned-studios open their doors for 60 artists to share process and art. Food trucks too. Free admission. 10 AM-5 PM
Victorian Christmas at Smith-McDowell House
Wednesday, November 14, 2018 to Saturday, January 5, 2019
Tour Asheville's oldest home at the Smith McDowell House, decked out with decorations from the Victorian period. Located just a few miles from Biltmore and downtown. Open Wed-Sat.
Tryon Beer Fest
Saturday, November 3, 2018
A festive time with outdoor oyster roast, games, live music and great selection of craft beers and ciders. Downtown Tryon. 12-6 PM. Tickets: $30/person through August. $35 after Sept 1. $40 at event. Tickets capped at 1,000.
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