Christmas at Biltmore
Friday, November 6, 2020 to Saturday, January 9, 2021
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 7, 2020 to Sunday, November 8, 2020
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 7, 2020
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.
Polar Express Train
Friday, November 13, 2020 to Thursday, December 31, 2020
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.
River District Artists Studio Stroll
Saturday, November 14, 2020 to Sunday, November 15, 2020
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.
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Friday, November 20, 2020 to Saturday, January 2, 2021
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.
'Tis the Season Holiday Fair, WNC Agricultural Center
Friday, November 20, 2020 to Sunday, November 22, 2020
Do some holiday shopping done at this large, three day holiday fair with 300+ vendors, featuring artists, crafters, gifts, gourmet holiday food, local wines and more. Fri/Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 11 AM-5 PM. Adults/$5, Children under 12 are free.
Asheville Holiday Parade
Saturday, November 21, 2020
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.
Thanksgiving Day & Weekend
Thursday, November 26, 2020 to Sunday, November 29, 2020
See things to do on the holiday weekend, including the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. Kick off the holiday season in style!
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
Thursday, November 26, 2020 to Friday, January 1, 2021
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.
Hendersonville Home for the Holidays
Friday, November 27, 2020 to Friday, January 1, 2021
Main Street twinkles with thousands of lights with many festive events including parade, hay rides, Broadway shows, tours, ice skating and fantastic shopping.
Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Friday, November 27, 2020 to Saturday, November 28, 2020
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.
A Mountain Christmas Trail of Lights
Friday, November 27, 2020 to Thursday, December 31, 2020
Enjoy 15 miles of twinkling lights and displays through the small towns of Spruce Pine and Bakersville, with many holiday happenings throughout the month. While you’re there, choose and cut your christmas tree at a local farm with fun activities like hayrides, hot cocoa, s’mores and pictures with Santa!
Candlelight Christmas Stroll
Friday, December 4, 2020
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.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Repeats every week every Friday and every Saturday 4 times.
Friday, December 4, 2020
Experience the magic as the charming village 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 4, 2020 to Sunday, December 6, 2020
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 4, 2020 to Saturday, December 5, 2020
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 4, 2020 to Sunday, December 6, 2020
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.
Holiday Sip & Shop, Grovewood Village
Friday, December 4, 2020 to Saturday, December 5, 2020
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
Santa on the Chimney
Repeats every week until Sat Dec 12 2020.
Saturday, December 5, 2020
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
Repeats every week until Sat Dec 12 2020.
Saturday, December 5, 2020
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. 10 AM-4 PM.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Experience the magic as the charming village 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.
Small Town Christmas, Rutherfordton
Saturday, December 5, 2020
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.
The Big Crafty
Saturday, December 5, 2020 to Sunday, December 6, 2020
Local's favorite art & craft show with 150 hand-selected local artists. Local food & beer too. Inside the Harrahs Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville (87 Haywood St). Saturday 1-8 PM ($5/person) and Sunday 11 AM-6 PM (free).
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Friday, December 11, 2020
Experience the magic as the charming village 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 12, 2020
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 12, 2020
Watch Santa practice for his world-wide chimney-dropping tour on his "practice chimney," the 312 ft. Included with park admission.
Guild Holiday Makers Sale at the Folk Art Center
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Get great deals on amazing art directly from the artists, offering over-runs, discontinued stock and studio seconds in a festive atmosphere. 10 AM-4 PM.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Experience the magic as the charming village 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.
Holiday Homecoming at Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Saturday, December 19, 2020
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.
Christmas Day & Week Things to Do
Saturday, December 19, 2020 to Sunday, December 27, 2020
Find things to do and restaurants open on Christmas Day and week in Asheville, Biltmore and the surrounding mountain towns.
New Year's Eve
Thursday, December 31, 2020
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
Thursday, December 31, 2020
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.
