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Christmas and holiday happenings in Western North Carolina: What to know

Carole Terrell, Asheville Citizen Times
Updated
19 min read

From parades to visits with Santa to light shows, find an event here to celebrate the Christmas season throughout Western North Carolina.

PARADES

Spruce Pine: 6 p.m. Nov. 25

Franklin: 3 p.m.  Nov. 26

Mars Hill: 7 p.m. Dec. 1

Bakersville: 6 p.m. Dec. 2

Burnsville: 1 p.m. Dec. 2

Black Mountain: 4 p.m. Dec. 2, followed by carolers and dance performances in the street, Circle of Lights at Lake Tomahawk-a luminary walk around the lake.

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Brevard: 11 a.m. Dec. 2

Bryson City: 2 p.m. Dec. 2

Maggie Valley: 6 p.m. Dec. 2. All lighted Jeep parade. Also taking up toys for Toys for Tots at Cabbage Rose Gift Shop on Soco Road.

Hendersonville: 6 p.m. Dec. 2

Hazelwood (West Waynesville): 3 p.m. Dec. 3

Sylva: 3 p.m. Dec. 3

Waynesville: 6 p.m. Dec. 4

Tryon: 5 p.m. Dec. 6

Canton: 6 p.m. Dec. 7

The annual Asheville Holiday Parade will be held on Nov. 18 this year
The annual Asheville Holiday Parade will be held on Nov. 18 this year

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Handmade ornament sale: Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Nov. 3-Dec. 15, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain. Unique handcrafted ornaments made by local artists, for sale in the lobby on the Christmas tree.

The Polar Express Train Ride: Nov. 9-Dec. 31, Smoky Mountain Railroad, 45 Mitchell St., Bryson City. Enjoy cocoa and a treat while listening to story of “The Polar Express.” Santa will board the train and give each child a gift. Christmas carols sung on return trip. $11-$68. Visit www.gsmr.com or call 800-872-4681 for dates, times and prices.

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Holiday crafting & cooking designed for individuals with disabilities: 10 and 11 a.m. Tuesdays Nov. 14-Dec. 12, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Road, Asheville. Age 17 and older. Free. Nov. 14 is no bake pumpkin pie; Nov. 21 thankful tree; Nov. 28 festive chicken salad; Dec. 5 holiday ornament; Dec. 12 cookies for Santa. Call 828-232-4529.

N.C Arboretum Winter Lights walk-through open-air event: Nov. 17-Dec. 31, N.C. Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville. Tickets are per vehicle and date specific. Tickets start at $35 when purchased online in advance. For tickets and details, visit www.ncwinterlights.com.

More: Winter Lights brighten the night with “Larger Than Life” Holiday sights

Scenes from the annual Winter Light show at The North Carolina Arboretum.
Scenes from the annual Winter Light show at The North Carolina Arboretum.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland drive-through light show: 6-10 p.m. daily, Nov. 16-Jan. 1, Tryon International Equestrian Center, 4066 Pea Ridge Road, Mill Spring. Tickets per carload online or at the gate. $30-$150. Also Winterfest Village entertainment and performances Friday-Sunday Dec. 1-17 and 19-23, free admission but some events ticketed; ice skating Nov. 24-Jan. 1; Christmas Market 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 24-26. Visit www.tryon.com/winterfest.

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Christmas at Biltmore: Through Jan. 7 at Biltmore Estate in Biltmore Village, Asheville. Array of twinkling lights, glittering ornaments, dozens of hand-decorated Christmas trees. This time-honored tradition dates back 128 years when George Vanderbilt celebrated his first Christmas with family and friends in 1895 in his then-new North Carolina home. Visit www.biltmore.com for tickets.

Christmas at the Farm tours and a visit with Santa: Nov. 24-Dec. 23, Winchester Creek Farm, 386 Walker Road, Waynesville. Families can spend a day meeting and learning about the farm’s alpacas and viewing Christmas decorations. Bring a toy for the toy drive. Guests can share their wish lists with Santa, who will be on site handing out special gifts. $14 and $16. Visit www.winchestercreekfarm.com for tickets and to reserve a time.

“A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas”: 2 and 7:30 p.m., Nov. 24-Dec. 21, Flat Rock Playhouse, Greenville Highway, Flat Rock. $52, $62, $72, student pricing available. Visit https://flatrockplayhouse.org/ for specific dates, time and tickets.

Hendersonville tree lighting and festivities: 5-8 p.m. Nov. 24 at Courthouse Plaza. Witness Santa’s grand arrival as he glides down Main Street in a stretch limo to light the Christmas tree and the lights along Main Street at 6 p.m., turning downtown into a winter wonderland. Free horse and carriage rides, visit with Santa, music. Visit downtownhendersonville.org.

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Tweetsie Christmas: Opens at 5 p.m. Nov. 24-26 and Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 20-23, 26-30, Tweetsie Railroad, U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. Train ride every 30 minutes, Santa, variety show, amusement rides, fire pits, s'mores.  $60, $40 age 3-12, free age 2 and younger. Advance tickets required. Visit www.tweetsie.com or call 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874).

Ride the train during Tweetsie Christmas Nov. 24-Dec. 30 at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. Opens at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.tweetsierailroad.com for specific dates and tickets.
Ride the train during Tweetsie Christmas Nov. 24-Dec. 30 at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. Opens at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.tweetsierailroad.com for specific dates and tickets.

Winter Wonderland: 5-8 p.m. Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 in downtown Franklin. Santa, free carriage rides, music, living window displays, tree lighting at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 followed by candlelight service.

Holiday tree lighting at Grove Arcade: 6-8 p.m. Nov. 25, Page Avenue, downtown Asheville. Santa appearance and photo ops, jazz rendition of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” from Bill Bares trio, performances by Asheville Ballet, aerial entertainment, hot chocolate pop-up, holiday cocktails, holiday beers from Wedge Brewing, caroling with A Capella Alive!, champagne toast with Battery Park Book Exchange to close out the evening.

“Stories of Christmas” holiday show: 2 p.m. Nov. 26, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain. Starring storyteller and singer Donna Marie Todd. $20. Visit www.blackmountainarts.org or call 828-669-0930.

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Handmade Holidays! local pottery market, ornament sale and more: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, Nov. 27-Dec. 15, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain.

National Gingerbread House Competition: Nov. 27-Jan. 2, Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville. Open to public after 4 p.m. Sundays or any time Monday-Thursday (based on parking availability). Not open Dec. 23-25, Dec. 30-31 and Jan. 1. Free admission. $25 self parking, $35 valet parking.

Holiday cookie baking: 5 p.m. Nov. 28, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave., Asheville. For age 5 and older. We provide dough, you cut it into festive shapes and decorate. $5. Avance registration required. Call 828-747-1347 or email [email protected].

A Dickens Christmas in Biltmore Village: 3-6 p.m. Dec. 1 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 2. Craft market open until 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at All Souls Cathedral. Also Christmas Jazz at the Cathedral at 7 p.m. Dec. 1, by donation. Christmas market until 6 p.m. Dec. 2. Roving Dickens themed acts, 15 foot Christmas tree, chestnut roaster, dance groups, music, bubble makers, mimes, jugglers. All outdoors.

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Canton tree lighting ceremony: 7 p.m. Dec. 1, Sorrells Street Park, downtown Canton. Followed by a holiday movie in the park at 7:30 p.m.

Holly Jolly Christmas Market: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 2, White Horse, 105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain. The event will be centered around Holly Jolly and the Christmas parade with music, holiday drinks, and more.

Deck The Trees: Dec. 1-Jan. 2. 35 decorated trees at Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W. State St., Black Mountain, and in stores and businesses throughout the town. Vote for your favorite tree by donating with cash, check or online. Visit https://www.svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.html. To raise funds for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry fuel fund.

“The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. $23-$37. Call 828-257-4530 or visit www.worthamarts.org.

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“Elf: The Musical”: Dec. 1-23, Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St., downtown. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. A talkback with the cast and crew following Dec. 3 and 10 performances. Visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.

Winterfest Village: 5-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday Dec. 1-17 and 19-23, Tryon International Equestrian Center, 4066 Pea Ridge Road, Mill Spring. Santa’s workshop meet and greet, The Grinch performance, carousel rides, music, carriage rides, s’mores, storytelling. Free admission but some events ticketed. Also restaurants, concession stands, shopping. Visit https://tryon.com/page/winterfest or email [email protected].

Bullington Gardens annual holiday and craft sale: In person sale 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 1-2, Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville. Holiday craft and greenery sale. Visit www.bullingtongardens.org. You can also pre-order a fraser fir tree, wreath or garland by Nov. 22.

Old Fashioned Christmas: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1 in downtown Hendersonville. Santa on the Square in front of the Historic Courthouse includes selfies with Santa, hot cocoa, games, crafts, specials guests and more.

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The Night Market at the Railyard: 5-10 p.m. Dec. 2, The Railyard, 141 Richardson Ave., Black Mountain. Handcrafted items, artisanal delights, jewelry, vintage clothing, pottery, CBD products, more.

Black Mountain Christmas parade viewing and holiday cocktail/cocoa bar: 3-6 p.m. Dec. 2, Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W. State St., Black Mountain. Join us on the lawn to watch parade, visit gazebo for drinks, Milton’s will be open for dinner.

Holiday book sale: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 2, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain. Buy a bag of adult books for $5.

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 and 9-10 along Front Street in Dillsboro. The entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland as 2,500 luminaries light your way. Shops are open, music, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free horse and buggy rides.

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Mars Hill University annual holiday concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Moore Auditorium at MHU, 79 Cascade St.

Ugly Sweater Run 5K and 10K: 8:30 a.m. Dec. 2, The Riveter, 701 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher. Runners and walkers don their most outrageously festive and tacky outfits. Food, drinks, refreshments (including adult beverages and coffee) and activities including a premier bike park and climbing wall. Register at www.idaph.net/ugly-sweater-run/.

Santa on the Chimney: Dec. 2 and 9 at Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock. Santa will be practicing for his big day by rappelling down the Chimney at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus after each climb. Elves lead guided hike to Hickory Nut Falls at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Included with regular park admission. Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com.

Breakfast With The Elves: 8-11 a.m. Dec. 2 and 9, Old Rock Café, 431 Main St., Chimney Rock. Join Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves for breakfast and a Christmas story at 10 a.m. Visit www.oldrockcafe.com or call 828-625-9611.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights: Walk through 6-8 p.m., 37 Lake Julian Road, Arden. Holiday-themed crafts, kettlecorn, s’mores and campfires in addition to light display. $5, free age 16 and younger. Get tickets at https://www.simpletix.com/.../lake-julian-festival-of....

Santa Paws: Digital packages will be offered for $25 that include digital downloads and Polaroids with your beloved pet and Santa. Nov. 18: 2-6 p.m., Whistle Hop Brewing, 1288 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview; Dec. 3, 2-4 p.m., Patton Avenue Pet Co. South, 528 Hendersonville Road; Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m., Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Suite 200, Asheville; Dec. 9, 2-6 p.m., Hi-Wire RAD, 284 Lyman St., Asheville. Visit www.ashevillehumane.org.

Get a call from Santa: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 4-5, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville. For ages 4-6. Receive a personal call from the North Pole. Sign up and one of Santa’s helpers will schedule a call. Free.

Christmas tours at Historic Johnson Farm: Weekdays Dec. 4-20, 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. Guided tours at 10:30 a.m., $15, $10 students/seniors, free age 4 and younger, reservations are encouraged. Self guided tours 1-3 p.m., $8, $5 students/seniors, free age 4 and younger, reservation not needed. Visit www.historicjohnsonfarm.org.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights: Drive through nightly 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4-23, 37 Lake Julian Road, Arden. $10-$50 per vehicle. Tickets are not date specific. Visit https://www.simpletix.com/e/lake-julian-festival-of-lights-drive-thru-tickets-149176.

Asheville Symphony Chorus ‘Messiah’ Sing Along: 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church St., Asheville. $25, $15 youth. Get tickets at the door or at www.ashevillesymphonychorus.com/concerts.

Historic Johnson Farm in Hendersonville will be decorated for the season and offer guided and self guided tours on weekdays Dec. 4-20. Candlelight tours will be offered Dec. 8-9. Visit www.historicjohnsonfarm.org for times and tickets.
Historic Johnson Farm in Hendersonville will be decorated for the season and offer guided and self guided tours on weekdays Dec. 4-20. Candlelight tours will be offered Dec. 8-9. Visit www.historicjohnsonfarm.org for times and tickets.

Asheville Nativity Exhibit-“O Come Let Us Adore Him: Christmas Creches from Around the World”: Dec. 6-13, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St., downtown. 5-8 p.m. weekdays and noon-6 p.m. weekend. About 250 nativity sets from more than 60 countries. Free admission.

Visit Santa and create your own gingerbread house: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 7, Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W. State St., Black Mountain. Hot chocolate and cookies. Monte Vista Bar open with food menu. 828-669-8870.

School show of “The Nutcracker” ballet: 9:30 a.m. Dec. 7, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18  Biltmore Ave., Asheville. $7. For reservations, school groups should visit www.worthamarts.org or call 828-257-4530.

The Collingsworth Family-A True Family Christmas: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin. $24, $28, $35, VIP seating $45. Visit www.smokymountainarts.com.

“Everywhere Christmas Tonight” by Fletcher Community Chorus: 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Fletcher United Methodist Church, 50 Library Road, Fletcher. Free but donations welcome.

Make a gingerbread house: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Mountains Branch Library, 150 Bill’s Creek Road, Lake Lure. Free. Registration required. Visit www.rutherfordcountylibrary.org or call 828-287-6392.

“An Appalachian Christmas Carol”: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 7 and 9, Vance Birthplace State Historic Site, Reems Creek Road, Weaverville. Moving panoramas and puppetry share story of Venus, a woman enslaved by the Vances in the 1840s. Inspired by Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol,” so visitors will also meet the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Reservations highly encouraged. $7. Get tickets at www.eventbrite.com.

Merry Main Street: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 8 in downtown Burnsville. Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the square and all the fun of an old-fashioned Christmas. Shops stay open late with special promotions, treats and giveaways.

Christmas at Lake Junaluska: Dec. 8-10. See Lake Junaluska in Haywood County decorated for the holidays and enjoy carriage rides, music and more. 7 p.m. Dec. 9: Candlelight Lessons and Carols at Memorial Chapel. Traditional English service includes Scripture readings and corresponding music sung by the congregation or by soloists with harp and flute enhancing the music. The service is free but donations are appreciated. Come early for harp prelude at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 10 will feature afternoon horse drawn carriage rides. Visit www.lakejunaluska.com.

“A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts”: Dec. 8-17, 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain. Everything that could go possibly wrong does, to hilarious, ridiculous results. $20. Visit www.blackmountainarts.org or call 828-669-0930.

“The Nutcracker” by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 3 p.m. Dec. 9, Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. $5-$25. Visit https://wcuarts.universitytickets.com/.

“The Nutcracker” by The Asheville Ballet: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. $25-$50. Visit www.worthamarts.org or call 828-257-4530.

Asheville Ballet
Asheville Ballet

”My Favorite Christmas” play: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 14-16, and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17, HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. Stories, music, dance. $17.50-$37.50.  www.harttheatre.org.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some)”: Dec. 8-17, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S. Washington St. A fast, furious and slightly irreverent look at holiday traditions. Rated PG due to mild language and the truth about Santa. Visit www.hendersonvilletheatre.org tor times and dates.

“The Greatest Christmas Story Ever Told by Two People, or…A Christmas Carol?”: 7 p.m. Dec. 8-9 at Santé Wine Bar, 470 W. Main St., Sylva. One person plays Scrooge and one person plays Everyone Else. Tickets start at $10. Visit www.calliopestage.com.

Holiday lights and movie night: 6 p.m. Dec. 8, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St., Asheville Free. Take a stroll under festive lights and enjoy a movie on the big screen with light refreshments.

Candlelight Christmas tours at Historic Johnson Farm: 5, 5:45, 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. $20, $15 students and seniors, free age 4 and younger. Reservations required. Visit www.historicjohnsonfarm.org.

Lookout Brewing annual Christmas market: Noon-6 p.m. Dec. 9, Lookout Brewing Company, 103 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain. Local vendors, hot mulled wine, beer release, photo booth, food specials.

Reindeer Run 5K and Grinch Sprint: 10 a.m. Dec. 9, Sorrells Park, Park Street, downtown Canton. Grinch Sprint is one mile and for age 12 and younger. Awards at noon. Dogs welcome. $20, $15 age 17 and younger, $5 dogs. Register at www.cantonnc.com/reindeer-run/.

Breakfast With Santa: 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9, Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville. For ages 2-9, with adult. $10. Advance registration required. Hosted by Asheville Parks and Rec.

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 9-10 along Front Street in Dillsboro. The entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland as 2,500 luminaries light your way. Shops are open, music, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free horse and buggy rides.

Lake Junaluska’s Candlelight Lessons and Carols: Harp prelude at 6:45 p.m. followed by service at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 in Memorial Chapel at Lake Junaluska in Haywood County. Traditional English service.

Cookie Walk: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 9, Mills River Presbyterian Church, 10 Presbyterian Church Road, Mills River. Purchase box for $12 - box fits about two dozen cookies. For grab and go, variety boxes for $12. Cash or check only. Call 828-891-7101 or visit www.millsriverpresbyterian.org.

A Night Before Christmas: From 6-9 p.m. Dec. 9, the streets of downtown Waynesville come alive with hundreds of luminaries lining the sidewalks, decorated trees and lamp posts, carolers, live music, wagon rides, shops will be open.

Alcohol Ink Ornaments workshop: 1:30-4 p.m. Dec. 9, Purple Crayon, 50 N. Merrimon Ave., #111, Asheville. As you drip, blow, and manipulate the brilliant colors, you’ll be amazed at intricate patterns that emerge. $60, $55 members. Visit www.purplecrayonavl.com.

A Smoky Mountain Christmas Evening: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 9, Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. Kids creation station, music, puppet demo, refreshments, free gift when you spend $25+. Visit www.haywoodarts.org.

Christmas concert: 5 p.m. Dec. 10, Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, 171 Beaverdam Road, Asheville. Music by the chancel choir, brass, and other instrumentalists. Free.

Blue Ridge Orchestra’s ‘Revels!’: 3 p.m. Dec. 10, Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church, 101 Chapel Lane, Swannanoa. $20, $15 BRO Friends, $5 students, free age 6 and younger. Visit https://blueridgeorchestra.org/bro-revels-2023-dec-23.

Blue Ridge Ringers handbell choir: 3 p.m. Dec. 10, First Congregational Church, 735 Fifth Ave. W., Hendersonville. Free.

Holiday crafting & cooking designed for individuals with disabilities: Make cookies for Santa at 10 and 11 a.m. Dec. 12, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Road, Asheville. Age 17 and older. Free. Call 828-232-4529.

A "Mean Girls" Night Out: Classic Christmas Choreography with Claire: 6 p.m. Dec. 12, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain. $25, $20 members. Learn the Jingle Bell Rock choreography from the campy classic “Mean Girls” and enjoy a boozy (or not) holiday drink. No dance experience needed, but movie quotes are expected. This night will be so fetch! Visit www.blackmountainarts.org or call 828-669-0930.

“The Nutcracker” by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville: 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-15 and 10 a.m. Dec. 16, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. $14-$32. Visit www.worthamarts.org.

Make wood slice ornaments: 4 p.m. Dec. 14, Mountains Branch Library, 150 Bill’s Creek Road, Lake Lure. For age 16 and older. Free. Registration required. Visit www.rutherfordcountylibrary.org or call 828-287-6392.

“A Christmas Memory”: Truman Capote’s short story performed by Dr. E.R. Haire Jr. at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville, Flat Rock. Free but reservation required. Visit www.signupgenius.comor call 828-693-9783.

Winter Wonder Walk: 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16 and 27-30, The Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Drive. Step inside an immersive storybook, read a page and meet live characters, see twinkling lights. After the walk, enjoy warm festival tent with a market, concessions, Mrs. Claus, activities. No line time assigned, first come first served. The walk is not wheelchair accessible, but the festival is. $18, free age 3 and younger. $40 combo pass for Walk and aerial glow trail. Visit www.winterwonderwalk.com.

Ugly Sweater Party for age 50 and over: 3-8 p.m. Dec 16, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Road, Asheville. Free. Eat, drink, and be merry in the tackiest holiday sweater you can find. To participate in the gift exchange (not required), bring a new item wrapped or in a gift bag. Call 828-350-2062.

Wax sealed letters and a visit with Santa: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 17, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Road, Asheville. Write Santa a letter, stamp it with real wax, and hand deliver it to the man with the bag. Free.

Live Nativity: A Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 17, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 91 Monticello Road, Weaverville. Free. Call 828-206-0421.

A Swannanoa Solstice: 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. Featuring musicians John Doyle & Mick McAuley, Josh Goforth, E.J. Jones & The Piper Jones Band, Jane Kramer, Becky Stone, and Zoe & Cloyd. Visit worthamarts.org/a-swannanoa-solstice-2023.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Christmas and holiday happenings in Western North Carolina

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