This Weekend in Asheville

Santa and Mrs. Claus on Wall Street

Friday, November 22, 5 - 7 p.m.
Downtown Asheville

Capture the holiday spirit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Wall Street in downtown Asheville! Bring the kids, pets, or your crew for festive photos, warm beverages, and sip-and-shop opportunities. A perfect chance to get those holiday card photos ready! 

Sippin' Santa

Friday - Sunday, November 22 - 24, various times
Tiki Easy Bar

Discover a tropical oasis hidden behind Hi-Wire Brewing's South Slope taproom. This week a holiday favorite returns - the Sippin' Santa holiday pop-up! This limited-time event brings a tropical twist to the holiday season, inviting you to experience a vibrant and festive atmosphere, unique cocktails, and special seasonal events.

Gingerbread Trail of Giving

Saturday - Sunday, November 23-24, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Various Locations

This year, the annual gingerbread competition has been re-imagined for a post-Helene holiday season. Beginning this weekend, more than 45 gingerbread houses will be showcased at local businesses and the Omni Grove Park Inn, spreading hope and joy throughout the community along the Sugar and Spice Stroll.

Holiday Jamboree

Saturday, November 23, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pack Square Park

Asheville’s Annual Holiday Parade will take on a fresh twist this weekend as it transforms into a vibrant Holiday Jamboree at Pack Square Park. Enjoy crafts, games, and fun activities for all ages. Stroll through the festive Holiday Market, featuring local artists and retailers, and savor delicious food and drink from popular food trucks and beverage vendors. Santa will be on-site for free photos.

ReClaim The R.A.D. Group Art Show Benefit

Saturday, November 23, 5 - 10 p.m.
CZART Gallery

Experience a powerful charity art show showcasing 20 local artists who have transformed flood debris into impactful works of art. Using materials like battered street signs, broken antiques, and wood debris, these creations tell stories of resilience, loss, and hope. All artwork will be available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting the artists. 

RECURRING EVENTS

Christmas at Biltmore

Friday - Sunday, November 22-24
Biltmore

Experience the magic of the season at Biltmore! Explore a holiday wonderland filled with fragrant wreaths, glittering garlands, and thousands of sparkling ornaments. By day, it dazzles; by night, it enchants during Candlelight Christmas Evenings—a beloved tradition for over 40 years. 

Winter Lights

Friday - Sunday, November 22-24, 6 – 10 p.m.
Winter Lights

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year's event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.

6th Annual Vessels of Merriment

Friday - Sunday, November 22-24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grovewood Gallery

A favorite holiday exhibition returns this year at Grovewood Gallery! Featuring beautifully crafted drinking vessels—wine cups, flasks, goblets, and more—by talented potters from across the nation, this showcase offers the chance to explore and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces, perfect for holiday gifting.

Live Music, Comedy, Dance and Theatre

Friday, November 22:

• Listen to This: Stories and More on Stage at Citizen Vinyl, 7:30 p.m.
• The Paper Crowns Performing Jerry Garcia at Tina McGuire Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
• Animals as Leaders: Joy of Motion X Tour at Orange Peel, 8 p.m.
• Masterworks 3: Messiah at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 8 p.m.
• DJ Boomtown at One Stop at Asheville Music Hall, 10 p.m.

Saturday, November 23:

• Ye Olde Whale Fair at The Whale West Asheville, 12 p.m.
• Ugandan Musician: Chinobay Benefit Concert at 62 Wall Street, 2 p.m.
• Masterworks 3: Messiah at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 2 p.m.
• Artist ReLEAF Concert at LEAF Global Arts, 4 p.m.
• Mark Normand: Ya Don't Say Tour at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville, 7 p.m.
• TANASI at Citizen Vinyl, 8 p.m.
• Log's Electric Space Whistle Sound Bath at Vintage Kava, 8 p.m.
• Miguel Zenón at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m.
• Off Book: The Improvised Musical Podcast at Orange Peel, 8 p.m.
• Masterworks 3: Messiah at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 24: 

• Parental Advisory Drag Brunch at Scandals Nightclub, 1 p.m
• Family Sunday Funday at The Whale West Asheville, 5 p.m.
• Best Ever Karaoke at Fleetwood's, 6 p.m.
• Shane Smith & The Saints at Orange Peel, 8 p.m.
• Mariee Siou at Citizen Vinyl, 8 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:

• Good Tidings Market at Asheville Masonic Temple, Fri. - Sun. various times
• North Asheville Tailgate Market at UNCA, Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Holiday Farm Market at Ross Farm, Sat. 12 - 4 p.m.
• Asheville City Market at North Market Street, Downtown Asheville, Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Junk-O-Rama Vintage Flea Market at Fleetwood's, Sun. 11 a.m.
• 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:

• Be Real Gallery Exhibit with SAVL at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, through Nov. 26
• NEW: at Asheville Art Museum, through Dec. 21
• Daily Craft Demonstrations at Folk Art Center through Dec. 31.
• Chihuly at Biltmore at Amhearst at Deerpark on Biltmore Estate through Jan. 5, 2025
• Exhibition: The Farm at Black Mountain College at Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, through Jan. 11, 2025
• Bill Viola: Moving Stillness: Mount Rainier at Asheville Art Museum, through Jan. 20, 2025
• Ginny Ruffner's Reforestation of the Imagination Exhibition at Asheville Art Museum, through Jan. 20, 2025
• Forces of Nature: Ceramics from the Hayes Collection at Asheville Art Museum, through Mar. 17, 2025

Packages and Deals

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

• Get Free Tickets to Biltmore at Carolina Morning Vacation Rentals
• Couples Massage Getaway at The Lion and The Rose Bed and Breakfast
• 15% Off Your First Art Class at Art Play Studio