Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, December 22, 2024
All is Calm: the Christmas Truce of 1914 at North Carolina Stage Company
Dec 22 @ 7:30 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary time of camaraderie, music, and peace in a spontaneous ceasefire during World War 1. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.

“A beautiful musical retelling of a World War I ceasefire
with gifts of music, poetry, and melody.”
-New York Times

Monday, December 23, 2024
Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 23 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Dec 23 @ 4:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

Sippin’ Santa at The Tiki Easy Bar is back from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. We’re throwing a tropical island-themed holiday party every single day—don’t miss the fun! Along with a curated menu of expertly crafted cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor, Sippin’ Santa’s much sought-after custom mugs and glassware will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Reservations are not required, but if you’d like to book our private room “Cynamon Cove” for 6-10 people, visit: tiki-easy-at-hi-wire-brewing.resos.com/booking.

Throwing a holiday party or a larger gathering? Email [email protected] to inquire.

Monday-Thursday 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday 3-10pm
Sunday 3-9pm

The Tiki Easy Bar is a hidden tropical oasis behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope tap room.

Official Menu: sippinsantapopup.com/menu
Mocktails, Frozen Drinks, & Spirits: bit.ly/tikieasysippinsantamenu

Lake Julian’s Festival of Lights
Dec 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is ready to make the season a little merrier and a lot brighter with the annual Festival of Lights. Lake Julian Park’s captivating display of thousands of holiday lights begins TONIGHT, Friday, Dec. 6 through Monday, Dec. 23, and will occur nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. This long-time mountain family tradition turns the park into a magical wonderland filled with sparkle and celebration.

Each night, you can stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the illumination and listening to your favorite festive tunes. Due to the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, this year’s Festival of Lights will only offer the drive-thru experience.

Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for buses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific. On Tuesdays, Buncombe County residents in their personal vehicles will be given free entry.

A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of Buncombe County.

Winter Lights
Dec 23 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 24 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Dec 24 @ 4:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

Sippin’ Santa at The Tiki Easy Bar is back from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. We’re throwing a tropical island-themed holiday party every single day—don’t miss the fun! Along with a curated menu of expertly crafted cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor, Sippin’ Santa’s much sought-after custom mugs and glassware will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Reservations are not required, but if you’d like to book our private room “Cynamon Cove” for 6-10 people, visit: tiki-easy-at-hi-wire-brewing.resos.com/booking.

Throwing a holiday party or a larger gathering? Email [email protected] to inquire.

Monday-Thursday 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday 3-10pm
Sunday 3-9pm

The Tiki Easy Bar is a hidden tropical oasis behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope tap room.

Official Menu: sippinsantapopup.com/menu
Mocktails, Frozen Drinks, & Spirits: bit.ly/tikieasysippinsantamenu

Winter Lights
Dec 24 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve concert and candlelight service
Dec 24 @ 7:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville

Please join us on Christmas Eve for a Mini-Concert presented by the UU Asheville Choir and Dr. Les Downs at 7:00pm, prior to the Candlelight Service.

The concert will include both sacred and secular carols, some familiar and some new. There will also be opportunities for the congregation to join in the singing. We hope to lift everyone’s spirits with the beautiful music of the season.

Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Dec 25 @ 4:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

Sippin’ Santa at The Tiki Easy Bar is back from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. We’re throwing a tropical island-themed holiday party every single day—don’t miss the fun! Along with a curated menu of expertly crafted cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor, Sippin’ Santa’s much sought-after custom mugs and glassware will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Reservations are not required, but if you’d like to book our private room “Cynamon Cove” for 6-10 people, visit: tiki-easy-at-hi-wire-brewing.resos.com/booking.

Throwing a holiday party or a larger gathering? Email [email protected] to inquire.

Monday-Thursday 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday 3-10pm
Sunday 3-9pm

The Tiki Easy Bar is a hidden tropical oasis behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope tap room.

Official Menu: sippinsantapopup.com/menu
Mocktails, Frozen Drinks, & Spirits: bit.ly/tikieasysippinsantamenu

Winter Lights
Dec 25 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 26, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Dec 26 @ 4:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

Sippin’ Santa at The Tiki Easy Bar is back from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. We’re throwing a tropical island-themed holiday party every single day—don’t miss the fun! Along with a curated menu of expertly crafted cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor, Sippin’ Santa’s much sought-after custom mugs and glassware will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Reservations are not required, but if you’d like to book our private room “Cynamon Cove” for 6-10 people, visit: tiki-easy-at-hi-wire-brewing.resos.com/booking.

Throwing a holiday party or a larger gathering? Email [email protected] to inquire.

Monday-Thursday 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday 3-10pm
Sunday 3-9pm

The Tiki Easy Bar is a hidden tropical oasis behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope tap room.

Official Menu: sippinsantapopup.com/menu
Mocktails, Frozen Drinks, & Spirits: bit.ly/tikieasysippinsantamenu

Winter Lights
Dec 26 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

City Dance
Dec 26 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, December 27, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Dec 27 @ 4:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

Sippin’ Santa at The Tiki Easy Bar is back from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. We’re throwing a tropical island-themed holiday party every single day—don’t miss the fun! Along with a curated menu of expertly crafted cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor, Sippin’ Santa’s much sought-after custom mugs and glassware will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Reservations are not required, but if you’d like to book our private room “Cynamon Cove” for 6-10 people, visit: tiki-easy-at-hi-wire-brewing.resos.com/booking.

Throwing a holiday party or a larger gathering? Email [email protected] to inquire.

Monday-Thursday 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday 3-10pm
Sunday 3-9pm

The Tiki Easy Bar is a hidden tropical oasis behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope tap room.

Official Menu: sippinsantapopup.com/menu
Mocktails, Frozen Drinks, & Spirits: bit.ly/tikieasysippinsantamenu

Winter Lights
Dec 27 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 28, 2024
Food Box Delivery volunteers needed!
Dec 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

WNCAP (Western North Carolina AIDS Project) Dedicated to preventing new cases of HIV/AIDS and promoting self-sufficiency in people living with HIV. WNCAP provides HIV-related client support, prevention, education and advocacy activities guided by the belief that all people are entitled to equal access to health care and disease prevention.
WNCAP needs volunteers for the 2nd & 4th Saturday morning Food Box Delivery: 10am-noon. Ride with another team member and deliver pre-packed boxes of food to home-bound, food insecure families living in the Asheville/ Buncombe area. Requires ability to lift 50 pounds, good driving record, and confidentiality. More info at [email protected] , 828-252-7489 ext. 315.

Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Dec 28 @ 4:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

Sippin’ Santa at The Tiki Easy Bar is back from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. We’re throwing a tropical island-themed holiday party every single day—don’t miss the fun! Along with a curated menu of expertly crafted cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor, Sippin’ Santa’s much sought-after custom mugs and glassware will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Reservations are not required, but if you’d like to book our private room “Cynamon Cove” for 6-10 people, visit: tiki-easy-at-hi-wire-brewing.resos.com/booking.

Throwing a holiday party or a larger gathering? Email [email protected] to inquire.

Monday-Thursday 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday 3-10pm
Sunday 3-9pm

The Tiki Easy Bar is a hidden tropical oasis behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope tap room.

Official Menu: sippinsantapopup.com/menu
Mocktails, Frozen Drinks, & Spirits: bit.ly/tikieasysippinsantamenu

Winter Lights
Dec 28 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 29, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Dec 29 @ 4:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

Sippin’ Santa at The Tiki Easy Bar is back from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. We’re throwing a tropical island-themed holiday party every single day—don’t miss the fun! Along with a curated menu of expertly crafted cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor, Sippin’ Santa’s much sought-after custom mugs and glassware will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Reservations are not required, but if you’d like to book our private room “Cynamon Cove” for 6-10 people, visit: tiki-easy-at-hi-wire-brewing.resos.com/booking.

Throwing a holiday party or a larger gathering? Email [email protected] to inquire.

Monday-Thursday 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday 3-10pm
Sunday 3-9pm

The Tiki Easy Bar is a hidden tropical oasis behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope tap room.

Official Menu: sippinsantapopup.com/menu
Mocktails, Frozen Drinks, & Spirits: bit.ly/tikieasysippinsantamenu

Winter Lights
Dec 29 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Monday, December 30, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Dec 30 @ 4:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

Sippin’ Santa at The Tiki Easy Bar is back from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. We’re throwing a tropical island-themed holiday party every single day—don’t miss the fun! Along with a curated menu of expertly crafted cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor, Sippin’ Santa’s much sought-after custom mugs and glassware will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Reservations are not required, but if you’d like to book our private room “Cynamon Cove” for 6-10 people, visit: tiki-easy-at-hi-wire-brewing.resos.com/booking.

Throwing a holiday party or a larger gathering? Email [email protected] to inquire.

Monday-Thursday 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday 3-10pm
Sunday 3-9pm

The Tiki Easy Bar is a hidden tropical oasis behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope tap room.

Official Menu: sippinsantapopup.com/menu
Mocktails, Frozen Drinks, & Spirits: bit.ly/tikieasysippinsantamenu

Winter Lights
Dec 30 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up at the Tiki Easy Bar
Dec 31 @ 4:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

Sippin’ Santa at The Tiki Easy Bar is back from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. We’re throwing a tropical island-themed holiday party every single day—don’t miss the fun! Along with a curated menu of expertly crafted cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor, Sippin’ Santa’s much sought-after custom mugs and glassware will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Reservations are not required, but if you’d like to book our private room “Cynamon Cove” for 6-10 people, visit: tiki-easy-at-hi-wire-brewing.resos.com/booking.

Throwing a holiday party or a larger gathering? Email [email protected] to inquire.

Monday-Thursday 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday 3-10pm
Sunday 3-9pm

The Tiki Easy Bar is a hidden tropical oasis behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope tap room.

Official Menu: sippinsantapopup.com/menu
Mocktails, Frozen Drinks, & Spirits: bit.ly/tikieasysippinsantamenu

Winter Lights
Dec 31 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

NYE: Music of ABBA with Direct From Sweden
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable ABBA tribute show featuring Direct From Sweden backed by your Asheville Symphony! Grab your shiniest disco boots and let’s take a chance on 2025 the way old friends do. Dance your way into the New Year with hits like “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” “Dancing Queen,” and more!

New Year’s Eve Tiki Party
Dec 31 @ 9:00 pm
The Tiki Easy Bar

You’re invited to the most tropical New Year’s Eve celebration in town!

Join us at The Tiki Easy Bar for a night filled with island vibes, tropical cocktails, and unforgettable memories as we say goodbye to 2024 and ring in the new year in true tiki style.

*Sip on tiki cocktails from our exclusive NYE menu
*Complimentary midnight toast with your crew
*Island beats to keep you moving
*A lei for every guest

Date: December 31st Time: 9:00 PM – Until the last wave crashes (1:00 AM)

Location: The Tiki Easy Bar at Hi-Wire Brewing South Slope | 197 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Dress Code (optional): Tiki Chic or Hawaiian Casual – grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts, and floral prints encouraged!

Come for the cocktails, stay for the fun, and let’s kick off 2025 with some serious island flair!

Tickets
*General Admission FREE includes complimentary lei and midnight champagne toast (seating not guaranteed). RSVP not required for entry.
*VIP (Party of up to 6 people) $125 includes (1) reserved booth, (2) bottles of champagne, table-side service, complimentary drink, lei, and a midnight champagne toast

Sunday, January 5, 2025
New Year Serenity Sound Bath
Jan 5 @ 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Center or Spiritual Living Asheville

Start your New Year off with self love by immersing in the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath!

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 1:00 PM, doors close promptly at 1:15 PM.

This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis.(Suggested Value $25) Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Monday, January 6, 2025
Flooded Poetry
Jan 6 @ 6:30 pm
Flood Gallery

Every Monday, Ivy Rozen, Senior Editor of The Black Mountain Press, will host a poetry-specific open mic from 6:30pm-9pm. Each poet will be able to share 2-3 poems, and occasionally we will have local celebrity poets close out our night with a featured reading (email Ivy at [email protected] if you’d like to be a featured poet)!

Wednesday, January 8, 2025
NC Writers Network & The Brandy Bar host “In the Company of Writers” series with Tony Robles
Jan 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Brandy Bar + Cocktails

NC Writers Network & The Brandy Bar + Cocktails feature author Tony Robles as the next poet in their series “In the Company of Writers.” The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The Chicago blues music of “Hollywood Johnny Cosgrove” (accompanied by Charlie Wilkinson) welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open mic are available at the entrance.

Born in San Francisco, Tony Robles now makes his home in Hendersonville. His latest poetry collection, Where the Warehouse Things was published in late 2024 by Redhawk Publications in Hickory, NC. This book focuses on masculinity, set against the backdrop of mechanical parts, tools, and the rough language of men. This, his fourth poetry collection, follows the 2023 collection Thrift Store Metamorphosis (Redhawk Publications). Among his honors, Tony was short-listed for Poet Laureate of San Francisco in 2017, named Carl Sandburg Writer in Residence by the Carl Sandburg Historic Home in 2020 and twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize. He holds an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is working on his first novel.