This Weekend in Asheville

Reindeer Romp! A Black Mountain Holiday Pub Crawl

Friday, December 19, 5 - 10 p.m.
Lookout Brewing Company

Round up your friends for Black Mountain’s first Reindeer Romp, a festive holiday pub crawl filled with decorations, drink and food specials, costume contests, and seasonal fun. Hop between local favorites as the town turns up the cheer for a night of merry bar-hopping and holiday spirit.

ButterPunk Pop-Up

Friday, December 19, 5 - 8 p.m.
Botanist & Barrel Asheville

Gather for an evening that spotlights women makers through food, wine, and community. Enjoy Chef Beth Kellerhals’ famous biscuits and gravy, holiday treats, and wines crafted by women, all served in a cozy brunch-for-dinner setting.

Christmas Storytime by the Fire

Saturday, December 20, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Vance Birthplace State Historic Site

Gather around the hearth for festive storytime at Vance Birthplace. Enjoy holiday picture book readings for young learners, candle dipping, hot cider, and seasonal fun in a warm, historic setting.

Yule Birding at the Farm

Saturday, December 20, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Step into the woods for a winter birding experience that blends nature, farming, and food. Explore forest and pasture habitats with an expert guide, learn how regenerative land practices support local bird populations, and enjoy a hearty biscuit brunch along the way.

The Whale 8th Anniversary Oyster Roast & Bluegrass Shindig

Saturday, December 20, 1 - 2 p.m.
The Whale :: West Asheville

Celebrate eight years of The Whale in West Asheville with an afternoon of oysters on the grill, bluegrass on the patio, a roaring bonfire, and a stacked tap list. Pull up a seat, warm up by the fire, and toast another year together.

Recurring Events

Christmas at Biltmore

Friday - Sunday, December 19-21 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Biltmore

Experience the magic of Christmas at Biltmore, where wreaths, garlands, and thousands of ornaments transform the estate into a holiday wonderland. Enjoy the Daytime Celebration filled with festive décor or the Candlelight Christmas Evenings glowing with music, warmth, and seasonal splendor.

Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum

Friday - Sunday, December 19-21, 6 - 9 p.m.
The North Carolina Arboretum

Stroll through a dazzling wonderland of more than one million lights at Asheville’s beloved holiday tradition. Enjoy returning favorites like the 50-foot lighted tree and Quilt Garden, along with new displays and a special appearance by six of Dambo’s whimsical trolls exploring the magic for themselves.

Holiday Ice Rink and Winter Wonderland

Friday-Sunday, December 19-21, various times
Asheville Yards

Step into the magic of the season at the Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards. Glide across our real, outdoor ice rink, surrounded by twinkling lights, festive music and holiday vibes. Enjoy a winter market with holiday-inspired craft cocktails, hot-chocolate, and photo-ops.

Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour

Friday-Sunday, December 19-21, various times
Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville

Hop aboard this festive trolley tour for a merry ride through Asheville’s most decorated neighborhoods. Sing along with a live musician, hear stories of local holiday traditions, and soak in the sparkling sights of downtown, Montford, and Grove Park.

The National Gingerbread House Competition

Friday-Sunday, December 19-21 6 - 9 p.m.
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Step inside a world of edible imagination as intricate gingerbread creations take over The Omni Grove Park Inn. This annual event has been a holiday tradition in Asheville for over three decades. Non-guests can visit on Sunday beginning at 6 p.m.

Live Music, Comedy, Dance and Theatre

Friday, December 19:

• A Christmas Carol at NC Stage Company, 2 p.m.
• Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025 at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 3 p.m.
• PAN HARMONIA: Yuletide! at East Asheville Public Library, 4 p.m.
• Ballet Conservatory of Asheville Presents The Nutcracker at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 4:30 p.m.
• 10 Year Anniversary Party w/ DJ Glov at Sweeten Creek Brewing, 6 p.m.
• 80's Night w/ Carolina Tumbleweed Band at Fitz and the Wolfe, 6 p.m.
• Thievery Corporation at Orange Peel, 7 p.m.
• Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025 at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 7 p.m.
• Holiday Movie Cult Trivia at Ginger's Revenge, 7 p.m.
• The Unteachables Comedy Tour at The Funkatorium, 7 p.m.
• A Christmas Carol at NC Stage Company, 7:30 p.m.
• Ballet Conservatory of Asheville Presents The Nutcracker at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Asheville Community Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
• Christmas in Appalachia: A singin', strummin', family show! at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.
• The Cool Yule Club: Alex Eubanks Holiday Honky Tonk Show at Fitz and the Wolfe, 8 p.m.
• Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring "The Nutcracker" and More at Asheville Masonic Temple, 8:45 p.m.
• Beat The Holiday Blues w/ MAMA at One World Brewing West, 9 p.m.
• SoDown w/ AYCH, Flomatik, Miyan Tansen & Brunk at Third Room, 9 p.m.
• Reflective Habitat at One World Brewing, 11 p.m.

Saturday, December 20:

• Ballet Conservatory of Asheville Presents The Nutcracker at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 10 a.m.
• Christmas in Appalachia: A singin', strummin', family show! at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 2 p.m.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Asheville Community Theatre, 2:30 p.m.
• Jim McGuinn Band | Honky Tonk at Fitz and the Wolfe, 6 p.m.
• Acklen Walker's Holiday Pirate Party at One World Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Hilliary’s Holiday Spectacular at One World Brewing West, 7 p.m.
• A Christmas Carol at NC Stage Company, 7:30 p.m.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Asheville Community Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
• Christmas in Appalachia: A singin', strummin', family show! at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.
• Blue Ridge Betty’s Holiday Party at White House Black Mountain, 7:30 p.m.
• Handel’s Messiah with the Asheville Symphony at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 8 p.m.
• Honk for a Cause - Fundraiser/Variety Show for Sniickersnee at The Mule, 8 p.m.
• GFE w/Dub Kartel & Sounding Arrow + RickiiRain & Friends afterparty at Third Room, 8 p.m.
• The Cool Yule Club: Drayton's Jazz Holiday Show at Fitz and the Wolfe, 8 p.m.
• Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings at Asheville Masonic Temple, 8:45 p.m.
• Secret Saturday Late Nite Comedy Show at RAD Brewing, 9 p.m.

Sunday, December 21: 

• A Christmas Carol at NC Stage Company, 2 p.m.
• A Swannanoa Solstice at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 2 p.m.
• Christmas in Appalachia: A singin', strummin', family show! at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 2 p.m.
• Suns of Stars at One World Brewing West, 2 p.m.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Asheville Community Theatre, 2:30 p.m.
• Jazz Jam Sundays at Ginger's Revenge, 2:30 p.m.
• Robert's Totally Rad Trivia at DSSOLVR, 4 p.m.
• A Swannanoa Solstice at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 7 p.m.
• Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic at VOWL Bar, 7 p.m.
• One Love Sundays - Live Reggae at One World West, 7 p.m.
• Tribal-Tronics with Kalimba Man & Chinobay at Third Room, 7 p.m.
• Boombox Bingo at Wicked Weed West, 7 p.m.
• The Airing of Grievances Comedy Showcase at RAD Brewing, 7 p.m.

Tailgate & Specialty Pop-Up Markets

Shop local at the Asheville area's numerous farmers, tailgate, and holiday markets. Here's a look at some of the markets you can visit this weekend:

• Holiday Makers Market at rEvolve buy-sell-trade, Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• HOLiDAY BiZARRE Group Art Show & Gift Shop at Push Skate Shop, Sat. 12 - 7 p.m. & Sun. 12 - 5 p.m.
• Holly Jolly Christmas Markets at White Horse Black Mountain, Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Asheville Community Plant Market - Holiday Special at Smith Mill Works, Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Book Store Pop Up Shop at Salt Face Mule Brewing Co., Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Asheville Vintage Clothing Holiday Market at Wicked Weed Funkatorium, Sat. 12 - 6 p.m.
• Holiday Pop Up Shop at Asheville Mall, Daily through Dec. 24
• WNC Farmers Market at 570 Brevard Road, open 7 days a week, year-round, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.    

Visit an art studio or art exhibition 

Asheville is home to hundreds of artists, galleries and studios making creative expression a way of life here in the mountains. Here is a look at some of the current art exhibitions in the city:

• Small Wonders Art Show at RADA Outpost, through Dec. 28
• A Few of Our Favorite Things at American Folk Art & Framing, through Dec. 30
• Artful Living: The Spirit of the Craftsman Style at Grovewood Gallery, through Dec. 31
• 7th Annual Vessels of Merriment at Grovewood Gallery, through Dec. 31
• Ornament Tree in the Stairway Gallery at Trackside Studio, through Dec. 31
• Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures at Biltmore, through Jan. 4, 2026
• "Art From the Heart" - Exhibition at UpMarket Gallery, through Jan. 9, 2026
• Points in Space: Performance at Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, through Jan. 10, 2026
• Lasting Legacies: Architecture in Asheville at Asheville Art Museum, through Jan. 18, 2026
• Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo at The North Carolina Arboretum, through Feb. 17, 2026
• Look Homeward, Angel: Letterio Calapai’s Wood Engravings at Asheville Art Museum, through Feb. 22, 2026
• Modern Bestiary: Creatures from the Collection at Asheville Art Museum, through Mar. 25, 2026
• Highwater: Ceramics from the Gail & Brian McCarthy Collection at Asheville Art Museum, through Apr. 26, 2026
• Our Changing World at Asheville Museum of Science, through Apr. 30, 2026
• Women of the Pacific Northwest at Asheville Art Museum, through May 17, 2026

Packages and Deals

Save some money this weekend with these special offers from area attractions and accommodations.

• Trolling with TownePlace Suites Asheville-West
• $10 Off - Private Yoga Class with Asheville Wellness Tours
• Asheville Restoration Beer Experience