Looking for things to do in Hendersonville, NC? Whether you’re a local or just passing through we’ve got loads of great tips and events to help you find your perfect adventure.

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

Saturday, December 9, 2023
‘Deck the Trees’ Fundraiser
Dec 9 all-day
Swannanoa Valley

From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.

All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.

To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.

Angel Tree
Dec 9 all-day
online w/ YWCA

Spread Joy this Holiday Season: Support a YWCA Family Through Angel Tree.

Our Virtual Angel tree is up for this holiday season. This gift tree provides our broader YWCA community a path to join us as we aim to support our program participants and their families with a holiday season full of love and support. If you would like to support a family this holiday season please click here or email Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

Programs Served by the Angel Tree:

  • MotherLove
    YWCA’s MotherLove program supports pregnant and parenting teens throughout Buncombe County. Our goals are to help young parents to stay in school and graduate, access higher education and vocational training, develop the skills and knowledge needed to become strong parents and delay another teen pregnancy.

  • Getting Ahead In a Just Getting By World
    YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families, and their community.

  • Early Learning Program
    YWCA’s Early Learning Program provides 5-star childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Our experienced and compassionate teachers not only provide exceptional care for little ones, but also prepare young children to succeed cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. We prioritize families using childcare vouchers or caring for children in the foster care system.

  • Empowerment Childcare
    The YWCA provides up to 12 hours of free childcare per week for parents who are in transition, continuing their education, accessing social services, or looking for employment. ECC works closely with the Family Justice Center, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, A-B Tech, Green Opportunities, and Mary Benson House.

Candlelight Christmas Tours
Dec 9 all-day
Historic Johnson Farm

Come tour the decorated, historic farm house and learn about the Johnson Family. Each evening, tours will start at 5:00, 5:45, 6:30, and 7:15 PM each evening. Registration and advance payment is required. Tickets will go on sale November 1.

$20 adults, $15 students, $15 seniors (65+), free for 4 and under. Children are more than welcome, but please know the tour is about an hour of listening to guides talk about farm history before ending with hot chocolate and cookies.

Music upon arrival provided by local school groups. All tours will end with a visit to the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime and Evening
Dec 9 all-day
Biltmore Estate

Immerse Yourself in the Magic

Experience Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are beautifully bedecked for the holidays.

NEW THIS YEAR: all Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access. Because more time to explore means more memories made. Select ticket types also include Italian Renaissance Alive.

Antler Hill Village Illumination

Included with admission—Bask in the glow of a glittering cascade of lights illuminating trees, buildings, and the pathways that connect the unique shops, restaurants, and Winery in Antler Hill Village. Experience this must-see part of the Christmas at Biltmore tradition, which includes festive displays adorning Ciao! From Italy and our relaxing Winery, where complimentary tastings await.

Christmas Daytime Celebration

November 3, 2023–January 7, 2024

A daytime visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses, featuring fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village! Wrap yourself in the magic of this most beloved of holiday traditions: Christmas at Biltmore.

NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.

BUY ONLINE & SAVERight Arrow

Plan now for Christmas at Biltmore 2024! View Ticket Options.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings

An Unforgettable Holiday Evening

November 3, 2023–January 6, 2024

A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcome you to America’s Largest Home®. Inside, thousands of ornaments reflect the soft glow of candles, fireplaces, and twinkle lights. The magic continues in Antler Hill Village, which is festooned with glittering lights, ornaments, and displays.

NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.

BUY TICKETSRight Arrow

Plan now for Candlelight Christmas Evenings 2024! View Ticket Options.

Christmas Tours at Historic Johnson Farm
Dec 9 – Dec 20 all-day
Historic Johnson Farm

Weekdays December 4-20.

Guided tours will be at 10:30 AM each day.

$15 adults, $10 students, $10 seniors (65+), free 4 and under

Self-guided tours will be from 1-3 PM each day with a volunteer in the house to answer questions.

$8 adults, $5 students, $5 seniors (65+), free 4 and under

All tours include hot chocolate and cookies and a visit with the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.

Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 9 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Holiday Volunteer + Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County
Dec 9 all-day
Buncombe County

To support local nonprofits during this holiday season, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County has compiled a list of volunteer and donation opportunities happening in our community in November and December.

If you are searching for ways to give to folks in need, by making a donation or giving some of your time to help out, please visit: 2023 Holiday Volunteer & Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County | Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, and we will get back to you with more information. Our response email will include a link which will give you access to a list with a variety of options you can choose from. Since new opportunities are being added every day, we encourage you to frequently check the list, especially if you did not find what you are looking for at the time.

We appreciate you and all that you do for our community. Please keep it up, especially for this holiday season.

 


Participating Organizations:

  • ABCCM South
  • Asheville High School/SILSA
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • Erwin Middle School
  • Montmorenci United Methodist Church
  • United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

*Note, this list will grow as new opportunities come in! 


 

In order to receive details about these opportunities, simply

  1. Click the blue “respond” button above. visit this site: 2023 Holiday Volunteer & Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County | Hands On Asheville-Buncombe
  2. After responding, you will receive a confirmation email with more information and a link to access the list of opportunities. 
  3. Remember, this list will be updated frequently, so make sure to check back frequently!
Home for the Holidays
Dec 9 all-day
Marked Tree Vineyard

Home for the Holidays at Marked Tree is an annual Holiday Event in Henderson County for the entire Month of December. The month-long event kicks off each year on the day after Thanksgiving with the lighting of OTTO, rumored to Western NC’s largest Oak Tree! Otto was dressed in 2022 with over 6K lights! A modern lit holiday landscape drive-thru begins that night! Daily during December, guests can drive or hike around the property enjoying lighted vignettes around the landscape – in the meadow, the pines, the winery shed, Otto, and the Ghost House.
Starting on November 24th, Marked Tree will bring holiday cheer with weekly Holiday music performed by local musicians, carolers, and the Hendersonville Symphony. Holiday music will happen from 4:30pm-6:30pm on 11/24, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, and 12/23. For more information on who is preforming each night, visit their website, www.markedtreevineyard.com. Also, while you are enjoying the Holiday lights and music, stop by Marked Tree to pick up your Holiday Gift baskets- everyone loves the gift of wine!

Ice Skating
Dec 9 all-day
Tryon International Equestrian Center

Twirl and glide into the holidays with the Ice Skating Rink in the renowned Tryon Stadium! Whether you’re holding hands with a special someone, skating side by side with friends, or helping a child take their first wobbly steps on the ice, the experience is sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Twirl and glide into the holidays with the Ice Skating Rink in the renowned Tryon Stadium! Themed skates, live music and more will make each experience special.

Reservations include one hour of skating time, with skate rentals included. Outside skates are permitted as well. Open to ages 4 and up. Reserve skating time slots in advance online, or purchase at the gate as available.

M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Gem Show
Dec 9 – Dec 10 all-day
Land of Sky Shrine Club

Come see over 22 vendors with everything from affordable treasures to the finest gems, minerals, and jewelry in the Southeast! The Mountain Area Gem & Mineral Association (MAGMA) will host our Christmas & Holiday gem show from December 8-10.

Our shows are open to the public, with free admission and food and drink available daily. The show is only a 10-minute drive from Asheville in Swannanoa, NC.

Christmas & Holiday Show hours:
Friday, December 8: 9AM- 6PM
Saturday, December 9: 9AM- 6PM
Sunday, December 10: 10AM- 5PM

This gem show is a fun family event where you can shop for minerals, crystals, and handcrafted jewelry from locally and nationally known vendors. Our vendors enjoy sharing their expert knowledge and you’re sure to learn new things and find some great gifts.

Entering the show is always free and once there, you’ll find prices range from affordable to very expensive. There’s truly a wide variety of treasures to see, from great deals to museum quality specimens! We have something for everyone, from seasoned rockhounds to new collectors and jewelry lovers.
The MAGMA Land of Sky Gem Show happens 4 times a year, with shows in March, June, September, and December, so this is an event that you can keep coming back to!

Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 9 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Drive-Thru Light Show
Dec 9 all-day
Tryon International Equestrian Center

Daily | November 17-January 1

Load up your vehicle with friends and family and take a cruise through the fan-favorite Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Drive-Thru Light Show! Featuring hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights dancing to the tune of holiday classics on your car radio, this immersive experience has become a holiday tradition for many. Tickets are per carload, available online or at the gate.

Sponsor a child for the holidays
Dec 9 all-day
Eliada Homes
Help Make a Child Smile this Holiday Season!
Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. You can help bring a smile to their face by fulfilling their holiday wishes!

 

Sponsor a Child:

When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a Wish List that a young person created. Wish Lists include their favorite things, clothing sizes, and most needed and wanted items. The value of a Wish List is around $200. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.

 

For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.

To sign up to sponsor, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected].

Sponsor Multiple Children:

We also have Wish Lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada depending on what program they are in.

 

Cottage wish lists for youth living at Eliada, for example, include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases and kitchen utensils. Many children come to Eliada with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can provide them things that every home should have!

 

Other wish lists are for our Child Development programs, Foster Care program, Farm program, Summer Camp program, and Recreation programs. Our Equine Therapy program also has some needs this holiday season! We never know when we’ll get a call for a child in Foster Care who needs a home immediately. Let’s help Foster Parents provide these children everything they deserve!

 

Sponsor a last minute wish:

Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until mid-late November. Can you sign up to help one of these teens at the last minute?

If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.”

 

To sign up to sponsor multiple children or a teen at the last minute, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at rboline@eliada.org or by phone at (828) 254-5356, ext. 306.

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 9 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Celebrate the holiday season as Tweetsie Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland for Tweetsie Christmas on November 24, 25, 26, December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30!

Closed Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Buy Tickets Now

Tweetsie Christmas offers holiday activities the whole family will love, including a 20-minute nighttime train ride in an open-air car behind one of the park’s historic steam locomotives on a three-mile route lined with over 1 million Christmas lights, a heartwarming, toe-tapping, live Christmas variety show, kid-friendly amusement rides, meetings with Santa in his Gingerbread House filled with candied furnishings, and roasting s’mores over an outdoor fire.

Warren Haynes Presents Christmas Jam
Dec 9 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

Warren Haynes Presents Christmas Jam To Benefit the Asheville Area Habitat

Warren Haynes Presents Christmas Jam returns to Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, NC on SAT, DEC 9 to benefit the @Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and @Beloved Asheville. Artist line-up, on-sale info, and more coming soon. Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know. #ChristmasJam

Breakfast with Santa
Dec 9 @ 8:00 am
Tryon International Equestrian Center

November 24, 25
December 2, 9, 16, & 23
Seatings: 8, 9:30, & 11:30am

Breakfast with Santa presented by Boyd Automotive will be hosted in the Legends Club select dates from 8am-1pm, with opportunities to interact with Santa himself while enjoying a delicious kid-friendly buffet of breakfast favorites as well as adult favorites. Reservations are required in advance for each time slot.

Adults: $39 | Kids 5-14: $18 | 4&U: FREE

WNC Farmers Market
Dec 9 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market
  • WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., Farmers Truck Shed #1, daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers markets. Nine markets in Buncombe County will offer extended seasons or special holiday dates in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, and bread, these markets will feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.
  • ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription. Both programs offer participants free market tokens that can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. That includes in-season fall produce such as root veggies (including carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips), tubers (potatoes and sweet potatoes), brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage), winter squash, greens, and fruits like apples and persimmons.
Breakfast with Santa 
Dec 9 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Stephens-Lee Community Center

 

$10 | Ages 2-9 with adult, advance registration required

A holiday tradition for local families, Santa hosts a special breakfast with games, crafts, and a visit from the jolly man himself.

Farmers Markets Offer Holiday Shopping
Dec 9 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville City Market

Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers markets. Nine markets in Buncombe County will offer extended seasons or special holiday dates in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, and bread, these markets will feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.

ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription. Both programs offer participants free market tokens that can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. That includes in-season fall produce such as root veggies (including carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips), tubers (potatoes and sweet potatoes), brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage), winter squash, greens, and fruits like apples and persimmons.

Gardening Guide for Our Mountains
Dec 9 @ 9:00 am
NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center

Living in Western North Carolina means there is always something to do in the garden, from preparing soil and pruning to fertilizing and transplanting. But when and how? You’ll find the answers in A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains.

Created by NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers of Buncombe County (BCEMG), the guide provides a complete month-by-month description of what to do (and not to do), along with tips on invasive species, mulching, composting, and creating bird- and pollinator-friendly habitats.

This quick reference makes the perfect holiday gift for the gardeners in your life, whether they are old hands, new to gardening, or new to gardening in the mountains. A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains will get them off to the right start and keep their gardens growing all year long. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that funds raised through this publication go to support the many educational and outreach programs provided by BCEMG volunteers.

How to order: Send $13 (checks payable to Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener) to N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, N.C. 28806, ATTN:  Buncombe County Master Gardeners. Include mailing address for shipping and a phone number, in case we have a question about your order.

Copies are available for pick up at the office for $10.  Please call in advance. 828-255-5522.

To learn more about the NC State Extension Master Gardener Program in Buncombe County, go to: https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/