The holiday events here provide a chance to experience the season in a unique way.
Ride aboard the Polar Express, or see unique interpretations on the classic ornament at Grovewood Gallery. Attend a traditional holiday parade, or get unique finds at an annual craft artists' sale.
List of Holiday Events
Your search returned 29 events:
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
An enchanted spell falls over Biltmore House as day darkens into dusk. Lit by candlelight, firelight and Christmas tree lights, Biltmore House glows. Carols from choirs and ensembles fill the halls with festive sounds.
Event date(s):
Nov 07, 2008 to Jan 01, 2009
Christmas at Biltmore Estate
Get swept away by holiday music, garlands, poinsettias, dozens of Christmas trees and a magnificent 35-foot tall live Fraser fir.
Event date(s):
Nov 07, 2008 to Jan 04, 2009
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad presents The Polar Express
The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs Bryson city for a journey to our North pole. Read along with the magical story and meet Santa. Enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa, a special treat and a memento for the children.
Event date(s):
Nov 07, 2008 to Dec 23, 2008
Holiday Market Extravaganza
We are holding our Annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza in the Pack Place Front Gallery.
Event date(s):
Nov 11, 2008 to Nov 16, 2008
Ornament for the Season
Get into the holiday spirit by joining Grovewood Gallery in their 11th Annual Ornament for the Season exhibition. Each year, artists from around the county are invited to create and exhibit a piece, or a collection of work, that represents their own holiday traditions. Ornament for the Season will feature not only tree ornaments but menorahs, dreidels, nativity scenes, wreaths and much more. Also enjoy delicious ginger cookies from the Grovewood Café, and warm up with a cup of hot spiced apple cider.
Event date(s):
Nov 14, 2008 to Dec 31, 2008
The Polar Express Dining Train
Make your journey to the North Pole in style.
Event date(s):
Nov 14, 2008 to Dec 23, 2008
National Gingerbread House Display
Experience the enchantment of gingerbread. Contestants from across the country will bring their architectural masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn. Delight in the imagination shown in these sugar-and-spice creations, strolling through the competition is a sure way to be swept up in the holiday spirit.
Event date(s):
Nov 19, 2008 to Jan 04, 2009
62nd Annual Asheville Holiday Parade
This year the Asheville Holiday Parade celebrates 'The Art and Heart of Giving', meant to celebrate the diverse artistic talents and generosity that abound in our community.
Event date(s):
Nov 22, 2008 at 11:00 AM
62nd Annual Asheville Holiday Parade
The theme of this year's Parade is... "The Art & Heart of Giving" and it will be an entertaining, family-friendly celebration of all of the holidays. This year's Parade will feature new, locally-crafted giant puppets created by Red Herring Puppets and members of the Asheville Puppetry Alliance. After the Parade, check your folding chairs at a "Chair Corral" and follow the map in the Parade Program to enjoy the beautiful displays of businesses entered in the Holiday Windows program. Then head over to Pritchard Park to cast your ballot for your favorite window in the "People's Choice" award. There you'll also meet Santa who will be singing a few songs, meeting children and then collecting his mail from the North Pole Express Mail Box installed at Pritchard Park. After Santa leaves, there will be a performance by members of the famous Biltmore Baptist Choir and Youth Music Ministries. As you walk through town, you will notice many stores and restaurants with Candy Cane Heart posters in their windows. All of these businesses (also listed in your Parade Program) will be giving a gift to patrons on Parade Day so stop in, have a bite to eat, start your holiday shopping early and you'll receive a little gift to start the season of giving!
Event date(s):
Nov 22, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Holiday Evergreen Wreaths
Craft your own unique holiday decoration from the freshest evergreens and cones! Participants will make one large or two small wreaths using boxwood, white pine and fir, adding finishing touches from a selection of natural materials such as magnolia leaves, cedar boughs, cones, fruits, branches and pods. Arboretum director of education Julie Vidato leads this program; she previously taught wreath-making courses at Calloway Gardens and the Chicago Botanical Gardens. All materials and guidance included.
Event date(s):
Nov 25, 2008
21st Annual 'Hard Candy Christmas' Art & Craft Show
100 of the area's most unique heritage and contemporary artisans . Purchase an original watercolor painting or quilt and meet the artist who made it ! Appalachian brooms , goatmilk soap and glass art will provide that special gift . Children's rocking horses and wood toys are the perfect Grand Ma present. A Christmas tree grower will shape fresh mountain greenery for your holiday door. A family holiday tradition.
Event date(s):
Nov 28, 2008 to Nov 29, 2008
Holidays with the Guild
On Sundays during the holiday season, the Folk Art Center hosts free musical performances. On Dec. 7 and 21 from 1pm to 4pm the Southern Highland Craft Guild offers free demonstrations and hands-on projects for children on how to make holiday presents and decorations.
Event date(s):
Nov 30, 2008 to Dec 21, 2008
"It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play"
This December, It’s a Wonderful Life moves to the intimate Diana Wortham Theatre for two nights only! Quickly becoming a holiday tradition, this hit show completely sold out in its first two years.
Event date(s):
Dec 04, 2008 to Dec 05, 2008
Dickens Festival
Historic Biltmore Village transforms itself into a quaint Victorian village on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of December. Enjoy three days of concerts, refreshments, horsedrawn carriage rides, and strolling vocalists and instrumentalists in costumes of the period. Come join us for the fun!
Event date(s):
Dec 05, 2008 to Dec 07, 2008
A Winter's Tale
Illuminate your evening with music, crafts, food and fun at the annual holiday event at the Nature Center.
Event date(s):
Dec 05, 2008 to Dec 06, 2008
'East' West Asheville Holiday Art Walk
Several artists and businesses will host a Holiday Art Walk to welcome the holiday season and celebrate the diverse and growing small businesses on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Participating businesses include the Bloom Room, Blue Ribbon Hair, Minx and Runny Bunny, just west of I-240 on Haywood Road. On the east side, Haywood Road merchants include The Admiral Restaurant, Harvest Records, Blue Barnhouse, A Touch of Glass, Bookworks, Custom, Marty Mitchell Glass, Krug Creative and Steebo Designs. Crazy Green Studios, Mimi Strang Design and Pleasant Hugh Studio are located on Domino Lane. All businesses are within easy walking distance of each other.
Event date(s):
Dec 06, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Annual Southern Highlands Craft Guild's Seconds Sale
Held at the Folk Art Center, the Seconds Sale is the Southern Highland Craft Guild's annual event providing the opportunity for individual members and the organization to sell overruns, discontinued stock and studio seconds in a festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
Event date(s):
Dec 06, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Santa on the Chimney!
Before he climbs down millions of chimneys around the world, Santa practices on 315’ Chimney Rock.
Event date(s):
Dec 06, 2008 at 11:00 AM
The Big Crafty Holiday Show
The Big Crafty is an independent craft fair that will be hosted this fall by the Asheville Art Museum. It is a day-long celebration of handmade art and craftistry, including artists and their wares, demos by acclaimed crafters, food, drink, and DJ’d music. There’s even going to be a craffle-raffle!
Event date(s):
Dec 07, 2008 at 12:00 PM
"The Santaland Diaries"
Tom Chalmers returns to star in David Sedaris' dark comedy following a Macy's department store elf throughout the Christmas season. Sedaris, who rose to fame on NPR's This American Life, comments on the best and worst of people and culture during the holiday season. Our production of The Santaland Diaries has become an Asheville holiday tradition - for six years in a row, we've been selling out for every performance, so don't wait until the last minute to book your tickets! Tickets to The Santaland Diaries make a great present for friends, family, and co-workers. All tickets are only $15. Sorry, no subscription passes - single tickets only. The Santaland Diaries is recommended for mature audiences.
Event date(s):
Dec 10, 2008 to Dec 13, 2008
Asheville Ballet -The Nutcracker
Asheville Ballet Web Site A holiday tradition in Asheville for 34 years. The all-time favorite story of Clara's magical midnight trip to the land of sweets. Classical Ballet at its best!
Event date(s):
Dec 11, 2008 to Dec 14, 2008
Santa on the Chimney!
Before he climbs down millions of chimneys around the world, Santa practices on 315’ Chimney Rock.
Event date(s):
Dec 13, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Cherokee Christmas Parade
A Christmas procession with special Cherokee flair. Just the thing to get you in gear as the holidays approach.
Event date(s):
Dec 13, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Christmas Candlelight Tours
Living history candlelight tours of the Vance Home. The tours will have a Christmas season theme. Traditional music will be provided in the Visitor Center by Primrose.
Event date(s):
Dec 14, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Holiday Pops: Decking the Halls
A fun holiday concert for all! Asheville Symphony Orchestra - Matthew Kraemer, guest conductor Asheville Symphony Chorus - Dewitt Tipton, director Asheville Symphony Children's Chorus - Susan Hensley, director
Event date(s):
Dec 20, 2008 at 08:00 PM
A Swannanoa Solstice
Gather with family and friends for an entertaining evening of wassail, joyful music and thoughtful seasonal reflection. Award-winning recording artists Al Petteway, Amy White, Robin Bullock, and guests perform Celtic and Appalachian influenced holiday music.
Event date(s):
Dec 21, 2008 at 12:00 PM
New Year's Eve Lindy Focus VII Swing Event
New Year's Eve is the final night of the Southeast Lindy Hop Championships which is held each year at the Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville.
Event date(s):
Dec 26, 2008 to Jan 01, 2009
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad New Year's Eve Gala
Our last excursion for the season is our New Year's Eve Gala, A festive, fun-filled evening. This train features an evening of dining, dancing and live entertainment. Welcome the New Year railroad style!
Event date(s):
Dec 31, 2008 to Jan 01, 2009
New Years Eve Fireworks
Come enjoy the New Year Cherokee style with fireworks.
Event date(s):
Dec 31, 2008 to Jan 01, 2009