The holidays are officially upon us, and we’re Claus-itively glowing with excitement for all of the events taking place this December. Despite the destruction from Hurricane Helene, our resilient city and its residents are ready for action. From craft markets to holiday cocktail pop-ups to light displays to the Nutcracker Ballet, our city is hosting some incredible events to embrace holiday cheer.
Wall Street’s Flat Iron Sculpture bundled up by Purl's Yarn Emporium.
It might go without saying, but your holiday visit takes on a much deeper meaning this year, and we encourage you to be part of Asheville’s comeback during the most wonderful time of the year. Check out our list of holiday markets, bar pop-ups, and festivals below that will not only bring a smile to your face but also support our local community.
Upcoming Holiday Craft Markets
Show & Tell Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Hosted in the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in downtown Asheville, this curated pop-up retail holiday store will showcase over 100 vendors and run daily from 10 AM-8 PM until Tuesday, December 24, 2024. This year, they’re also hosting the Holly Jolly Night Market at The Orange Peel on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 (5-9 PM) and Holiday Mini Markets every Saturday and Sunday in December at Asheville Social Hall (11 AM-5 PM). Support local and indie crafts by shopping for housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, and more. You’re sure to find a gift for everyone on your list!
Holiday Art Market & Pop-Up Sale
Hosted by Open Hearts Art Center, located at 217 Coxe Ave in downtown Asheville, this annual market will take place on Saturday, December 14 (1-6 PM). Perfect for that one-of-a-kind holiday gift, visitors will enjoy a fantastical selection of original artwork, ornaments, ceramics, ugly holiday sweaters, jewelry, and so much more, handmade with love by Asheville artists.
Holiday Handmade Market.
Holiday Seconds Sale
Hosted by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the second iteration of the Seconds Sale is on Saturday, December 14, 2024 (10 AM-4 PM). The Folk Art Center's inventory will be discounted between 10-50% off its original retail price! Choose from a variety of gift items including ceramics, jewelry, fiber, apparel, paper, glass, and wood.
Mingle & Jingle Holiday Craft Market
The 8th Annual Holiday Mingle & Jingle market will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024 (10:00 AM-3:00 PM) at The Grey Eagle (185 Clingman Ave). Local vendors will be selling handmade goods, arts, and crafts so you can pick up the perfect holiday gift before grabbing a bite from their in-house Taqueria and a drink from the bar. There will also be some classic holiday tunes playing while you walk through.
Christkindlmarkt at Guidon Brewing Co.
The 6th annual Christmas market at the American/German ex-military family-owned brewery and taproom in Hendersonville will have local vendors, live music, food, drink, a cookie contest, and more. Scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2024 (12-6:00 PM), you’ll be filled with holiday cheer and Gemütlichkeit!
Bar Pop-Ups to Make Your Spirits Bright:
Miracle Pop-Up at the Golden Pineapple
Miracle at Golden Pineapple
Are you a fan of whimsical drinks and kitschy holiday decor? Then a visit to the Golden Pineapple in West Asheville is just the place for you. It’s also conveniently located next to Haywood Common, so you can grab an amazing dinner beforehand. The Whale is also next door if you want to keep the good vibes going. Embodying the nostalgic energy of the best office party ever, the Miracle pop-up will be around until New Year, so plan a date night or girls’ night out donned in your ugliest Christmas sweater.
Sippin’ Santa at Tiki Easy
This tropical oasis, hidden behind Hi-Wire Brewing's South Slope taproom, will be hosting a Sippin' Santa holiday pop-up through 12/31/24. Presented by Beachbum Berry, 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.
Humbug Hideout at Wicked Weed
Feeling like Scrooge this year and in need of some holiday cheering up? This colorful holiday hideout should do it. Located downstairs in Asheville’s iconic Wicked Weed Brewery, it’s open daily starting at 4 PM. What better way to cap off a day of shopping than with a delicious beverage?
Chihuly Exhibit at the Biltmore Estate.
Peri Merry Christmas
Hosted by Peri Social House in Black Mountain, this new spot is offering events all December long! The Festive Pop-Up Bar is only the beginning. On December 11, Make Your Own Ornament with each beverage purchase and on December 14, enjoy Cookie Decorating with Mrs.Claus. The best part about this venue? It’s completely family-friendly, so you can enjoy the festivities with your kiddos.
Annual Holiday Events & Happenings:
Biltmore Candlelight Christmas Evenings (11/2-1/5)
Visiting the Biltmore Estate is a must while in Asheville, especially during the festive holiday season. The historic estate is decked out—from the Norway spruce on the front lawn to the adorned interior that hearkens back in time with its cozy atmosphere of roaring fireplaces, swags of garland, and thousands of twinkling lights. When you reach the kitchen, you’ll also smell a heavenly concoction of cinnamon, orange, and clove that will instantly warm you. Right now, you can also experience the breathtaking glass creations of Dave Chihuly before the exhibit ends on January 5! Whether you opt for the daytime or candlelight visit, Biltmore provides a classy and cozy night out with those you love.
Gingerbread Biltmore House.
Old Fort’s Everything Christmas Party (12/14/24)
The Town of Old Fort has a huge celebration in store, and chances are it will get even bigger, with more activity options added daily! Hosted from 9 AM to 8 PM, one of the first events will be a kid's party at the park next to SECU that will include face painting, treats, teddy bear grab, and more... ALL FOR FREE! Also starting at 9 AM are photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Davis Country Store & Cafe.
Every kid who gets their picture taken also gets an awesome present from Santa. There will also be free ice skating for kids from 10 AM to 3 PM! At 2 PM, there is the Old Fort Choir Christmas Concert at First Baptist Church, and at 4 PM is the annual Christmas Parade. After the parade, there will be a FREE Christmas Feast (ham, all the fixings, and apple pie) served to all who want to enjoy it at the park next to SECU. At 6:00 PM, the Christmas Tree Lighting will commence. You don’t want to miss this epic day of holiday happenings!
Lake Julian's Festival of Lights (12/6-12/23)
Lake Julian's Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors and features over 50 animated and stationary light displays. Every evening from December 6-23 (6-9 PM), visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefit Buncombe County Special Olympics. Tickets are $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans), $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for buses and motorcoaches. We recommend wearing your holiday pajamas and grabbing hot cocoa at Dripolator South on the way. It makes the experience even better!
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum.
Tryon Resort Winterfest (11/29-1/5)
Tryon Resort Winterfest will be held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and feature a drive-thru light show with hundreds of thousands of LED lights dancing in synchronization with the music on your radio until January 5 (6-10 PM). You can also opt for a carriage ride through the Drive-Through Light Show!
There will also be a Christmas Village on Fridays-Sundays through December 23 (5-9 PM) and Holiday Ice Skating until January 5 (11 AM-5 PM daily and extended weekend hours from 5-10 PM) that will give the full North Pole experience this season. On select nights, you may even see live performances along the route from your favorite Christmas characters including The Grinch, Santa, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum (11/17-12/31)
The Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum celebrates 11 years in 2024! This spectacular, open-air walk-through light show boasts over one million lights and features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. Easily one of Asheville’s best and brightest holiday traditions, this illumination extravaganza has live entertainment nightly as well as food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro and Cocoa Shack to enjoy. Note that tickets are priced per vehicle instead of individually, so it’s the perfect cost-effective event for a group of friends or family to enjoy together.
Check out even more upcoming events here!
You’re On Our Wish List This Year
Bundle up in Asheville this holiday season, and stay in one of our cozy mountain cabins decorated for the Christmas season. This winter, we also have over 190 homes on special, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect vacation home for you and your group.
Brindle Barn on a snowy day.
Take in the sights, finish your holiday shopping, and soak up long-range mountain views in Western North Carolina this December. Or, if you’d rather have a low-key retreat away from the crowds and cold, gather around the crackling fireplace or soak in the luxurious hot tub at your vacation home to relax and stream your favorite holiday shows and movies.
Stay with Greybeard Rentals this holiday season to make a new tradition and help our area come back better than ever. It’s a gift for everyone involved!