Holiday Events
Holiday Events:
A professional production of the full original Nutcracker ballet
Where: available via private link, filmed live at Diana Wortham Theatre at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, performed by Ashevville's own Ballet Company, directed by Ann Dunn.
When: Dec. 20 - Jan. 3
How: All tickets are $20, available via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-asheville-ballet-presents-the-nutcracker-tickets-129794317297 or visit www.ashevilleballet.com
National Gingerbread House Competition
Where: At the Omni Grove Park Inn, held virtually this year
When: Throughout the holiday season
How: For information on how to attend virtually go to https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/gingerbread/national-gingerbread-competition
Holiday themed Arts & Crafts for kids
Where: Waynesville Art School
When: Throughout the month of December
How: Check out the December class schedule here https://www.waynesvilleartschool.com/december-classes
Christmas at Biltmore
Where: Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
When: Through Jan. 9, 2021is happening until Jan. 9, 2021
How: Find dates, times and tickets at https://www.biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/christmas/
The annual “Polar Express'' train ride
Where: Now departing from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City.
When: Through Dec. 31
How: For a complete listing of departure dates and times, call 800.872.4681 or go to www.gsmr.com.
Drive-Thru Christmas Story
Where: Long’s Chapel church grounds, 133 Old Clyde Road, Waynesville, NC 28785
When: From 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20.
How: There is no charge to attend, for more information call 828.456.3993 ext. 101 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The annual “Handmade Holiday Sale”
Where: Normally held at Western Carolina University, the event will go virtual this year.
When: Available now, through Fall 2021 when vendor submissions will begin for the 2021 sale.
How: Those interested can view and purchase the handmade items by clicking on https://affiliate.wcu.edu/handmadeholiday/
Winter Wonderland Nights
Where: Downtown Franklin
When: Throughout the holiday season
How: Visit www.franklin-chamber.com for more information. Downtown will feature living window displays of the holidays, live sounds of the season outdoors at the gazebo and inside stores, free holiday attractions (weather permitting), refreshments, hot cider, great sales from local merchants, and much more.
Drive-in screening of the classic holiday film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
Where: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
When: The screening will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11.
How: The “Carpool Cinema” will be free of charge to attend.
The annual celebration “A Night Before Christmas”
Where: Main Street in Waynesville
When: From 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
How: For more information visit www.downtownwaynesville.com or call 828.456.3517.
Outdoor Holiday Market
Where: Innovation Station in Dillsboro
When: From 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
How: For more information, click on www.innovation-brewing.com. To become a vendor, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Bethlehem Experience: A Live Drive-Thru Nativity
Where: At the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, presented by Cartoogechaye Baptist Church
When: At 6 p.m. Dec. 11-13
How: This event is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information call 828.524.1598 or go to www.greatmountainmusic.com.
A Christmas with Family & Friends Dinner
Where: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, presented by the Overlook Theatre Company.
When: The dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 &15.
How: Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call 828.524.1598 or click on www.greatmountainmusic.com.
Mini Holiday Photo Shoot
Where: Marianna Black Library in Bryson City
When: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 21
How: Area families are invited to schedule a shoot at the festive backdrop, set up by the library, complete with a Christmas tree and stockings hanging above a fireplace. Appointments can be made the day of the shoot. No walk-ins. Three prints of your choice will be provided and photos will also be emailed upon request. 828.488.3030.
Asheville Nativity: Creche-Fest
Where: The event will be held virtually this year.
When: Through Dec. 31
How: Hosted at First Baptist Church in downtown Asheville (5 Oak Street). Go to their website for details https://www.ashevillenativity.org. See a display of 300+ Nativity sets from 60+ countries.
Holiday Lights Events:
The 37th annual “Lights & Luminaries”
Where: Downtown Dillsboro
When: From 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11-12
How: For more information visit www.visitdillsboro.org
Christmas Wonderland Lights
Where: Tryon
When: Open through Jan. 3, 2021.
How: Drive through an extravagant, 2-mile Christmas light show, synchronized to music at the Tryon International Equestrian Center - open every night of the week. For more information visit https://tryon.com/page/winterfest
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Where: North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville
When: Open through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021.
How: Drive through a one-mile stretch of impressive light displays and unique exhibits at the Arboretum. Visit www.ncarboretum.org/winter-lights/ for more information
Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Where: Lake Julian in Buncombe County
When: Open each night from 6 to 9 p.m. until Wednesday, Dec. 23.
How: Cost is $10 per car. Tickets must be purchased online at buncomberecreation.simpletix.com/e/60387.
