This Weekend in Asheville

Thanksgiving Day Dining

Thursday, November 28
Various Locations

Get ready to feast! Asheville is serving up Thanksgiving meals so you don’t have to cook. We've put together a guide to Asheville restaurants open on Thanksgiving.

Winter Wonder Walk

Friday - Saturday, November 29 - 30, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Adventure Center of Asheville

Embark on the Winter Wonder Walk, an enchanting outdoor story-walk through Winterland, where you'll meet live characters, dazzling lights, and Jack Frost himself. Pair the adventure with the illuminated Glow Trail for an unforgettable family experience, then warm up in the holiday market with local gifts, kids' activities, and festive treats.

Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party

Saturday, November 30, 4 - 9 p.m.
Grove Arcade

Kick off the holiday season at the Grove Arcade Tree Lighting Block Party with live music, ballet performances, street entertainment, an outdoor market, festive pop-up bars, and a special Santa appearance. Don't miss this free holiday celebration! Want to make a day of it? The Haywood Park Hotel is hosting a pre-party called the Merry Little Movie & Market from 12 - 4 p.m.

Kenilworth Open Studio Tour & Sale

Saturday - Sunday, November  30 - December 1, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Various Locations

Explore the vibrant Kenilworth Artists Open Studio Tour and discover unique, handmade art perfect for holiday gifts, all while supporting a great cause. Enjoy a self-guided journey through this historic neighborhood, featuring a diverse range of artistic creations.

RECURRING EVENTS

Christmas at Biltmore

Friday - Sunday, November 29 - December 1
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 29 - December 1, 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 29 - December 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grovewood Gallery

A favorite holiday exhibition is currently on display 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.

Sippin' Santa

Friday - Sunday, November 29 - December 1, various times
Tiki Easy Bar

Discover a tropical oasis hidden behind Hi-Wire Brewing's South Slope taproom. Yhe Sippin' Santa holiday pop-up is a 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 29 - December 1, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Various Locations

This year, the annual gingerbread competition has been re-imagined for a post-Helene holiday season. This season, 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.

Live Music, Comedy, Dance and Theatre

Friday, November 29:

• Lyric at Sierra Nevada, 2 p.m.
• Marcus White at The One Stop, 6 p.m.
• David Wilcox Annual Thanksgiving Homecoming Concert at Grey Eagle, 7 p.m.
• All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at NC Stage, 7:30 p.m.
• Rock N Roll Rewind at Orange Peel, 8 p.m.
• The Wilson Springs Hotel & Conrad Moore at The One Stop, 10 p.m.

Saturday, November 30:

• Ben Bjorlie Band at Sierra Nevada, 2 p.m.
• Artist ReLEAF Concert at LEAF Global Arts, 4 p.m.
• Bad Date Mic at The Whale, 7 p.m.
• All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at NC Stage, 7:30 p.m.
• Graciela Serena at Vintage Kava, 8 p.m.
• Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute at Orange Peel, 8 p.m.

Sunday, December 1: 

• All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at NC Stage, 2 p.m.
• No Games at Sierra Nevada, 2 p.m.
• Joe Troop's Truth Machine at Cork and Keg, 4 p.m.
• Day Without Art at Citizen Vinyl, 4 p.m.
• Best Ever Karaoke at Fleetwood's, 6 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:

• Authentically AVL Winter Wonderland at Ella's at The Hideaway, Fri. - Sun. 1 - 7 p.m.
• Black Friday and Small Business Saturday at Europa, Fri. 10:30 - 5 p.m. & Sat. 10:30 - 5 p.m.
• Highland Holiday Market at Highland Brewing Co. Fri. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Ornament Extravaganza Weekend at Crucible Glassworks, Fri - Sat. 5 - 8 p.m.
• North Asheville Tailgate Market's 22nd Annual Holiday Bazaar at UNCA, Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Rebuild RAD Local Market Series at Grey Eagle, Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Asheville City Market at North Market Street, Downtown Asheville, Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Merry Little Movie & Market at Haywood Park Hotel, Sat. 12 - 5 p.m.
• Holiday Ornament Market at Lexington Glassworks, Sat. 12 - 5 p.m.
• Small Business Saturday Maker's Market at Salt Face Mule Brewing Co., Sat. 12 - 5 p.m.
• Junk-O-Rama Vintage Flea Market at Fleetwood's, Sun. 11 a.m.
• Miracle on Wall Street at multiple locations, Sun. 12 - 5 p.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:

• Ornament Extravaganza Weekend at Crucible Glassworks, Fri - Sat. 5 - 8 p.m.
• The Boys Will Get Hungry if They See Fruit at Tracey Morgan Gallery, through Dec. 21
• California Minimalism at Bender Gallery, through Dec. 22
• 60-Artist Exhibit at The Red House Gallery and Studios, through Dec. 28
• 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
• American Made at Asheville Art Museum, through Feb. 9, 2025
• Forces of Nature: Ceramics from the Hayes Collection at Asheville Art Museum, through Mar. 17, 2025
• Anti Form: Robert Morris' Earth Projects at Asheville Art Museum, through May 4, 2025

Packages and Deals

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

• Enjoy Biltmore Package at The Restoration Asheville
• Woof and Wander at Asheville River Cabins
• 20% Off Mountain & Gravel Bike Tour at Asheville Trails and Taps