Christmas at Biltmore
Friday, November 1 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. Visit: biltmore.com 

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Downton Abbey: The Exhibition
Friday, November 8 to Tuesday, April 7, 2020

This nationally touring exhibition at Biltmore that features set recreations, costumes and never-before-seen multimedia elements. In two locations on the estate: Amherst at Deerpark and The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village. Visit: biltmore.com

Polar Express Train
Friday, November 8 to Tuesday, December 31

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. 

 

National Gingerbread House Competition at Grove Park Inn
Wednesday, November 20 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-Thurs- day except Christmas & Thanksgiving week Visit: omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park

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Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Friday, November 22 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. Visit:  ncarboretum.org

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Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum
Saturday, November 9  to Saturday, December 21

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. The Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum (ATOM) is the world’s only museum dedicated to vintage aluminum Christmas trees. Wed-Sat. Free admission. Website: transylvaniaheritage.org

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Hendersonville Home for the Holidays
Friday, November 29 to Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Main Street twinkles with thousands of lights and many festive events including parade, hay rides, Broadway shows, tours, ice skating, and fantastic shopping. 

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Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 22

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. Visit: flatrockplayhouse.org

 

An Angel Christmas at Thomas Wolfe Home
Saturday, November 30 to Saturday, January 4, 2020

Take a festive tour through the fascinating 29-room Thomas Wolfe Home in downtown Asheville with angel themed 
decorations. Open Tues-Sat, 9 AM-5 PM. Open House on Dec 14 includes angel wreath auction, kids’ activities and more. Visit: wolfememorial.com
 

Dickens in the Village Festival
Friday & Saturday, December 6-7

A beautiful historic district in Asheville transforms during the holidays, transporting you back in time to the days of Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol. On the first weekend of December, Historic Biltmore Village takes on new life as a quaint Victorian town for the Old World Dickens in the Village Festival. 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM Admission: Free 

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Candlelight Christmas Stroll
Friday, December 6

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. 

Balsam Range Art of Music Festival
Friday to Sunday, December 6-8

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. Visit: lakejunaluska.com

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Holiday Sip & Shop, Grovewood Village
Friday & Saturday December 6 & 7

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. Visit: grovewood.com/grovewood-gallery

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A Winters Tail
Saturday, December 7

WNC Nature Center’s annual holiday celebration. There will be festive arts and crafts, games, educational programs, animal encounters and of course and appearance from SANTA! 10AM-4PM. Get your child’s photo taken with Santa from 12-4pm. Regular admission rates apply. Visit: wildwnc.org

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Montford Home Tour
Saturday, December 7

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). For more:  montfordtour.com

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Guild Holiday Makers Sale at the Folk Art Center
Saturday, December 7 & 14 - 2 weekends

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. Visit: Southernhighlandguild.org/folkartcenter

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The Big Crafty
Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8

Locals’ 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).

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Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum
Every Saturday thru Saturday, December 21

In downtown Brevard, features dozens of vintage aluminum Christmas trees and ornaments inside the Transylvania Heritage Museum. A fun trip back in time. The Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum (ATOM) is the world’s only museum dedicated to vintage aluminum Christmas trees. Wed-Sat. Free. transylvaniaheritage.org

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Mingle & Jingle: Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, December 21

3rd annual Holiday Mingle & Jingle: Holiday Craft Market at The Grey Eagle in Asheville. Local vendors set up selling handmade goods, arts, and crafts just in time for holiday gift-giving. Be sure to grab a bite from our in-house Taqueria and a drink from the bar. Free admission.  10 AM-4 PM. Visit: thegreyeagle.com