weekends through December 22
Artetude Gallery will offer holiday nibbles and cider on weekends through December 22 to sustain you while shopping. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon until 4 p.m. Artetude Gallery, Inc, 89 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, (828) 252-1466, www.artetudegallery.com
Tuesday, December 3
Enchanted Broadway Holiday
Features “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “Some Children See Him.” 7:30 p.m. in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at WCU. $5; free for students.
UNC Asheville Concerts
Wednesday, December 4 – Blue Ridge Orchestra Open Rehearsal. Community orchestra directed by Milton Crotts holds open rehearsal for holiday concerts, 7 p.m. at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. Free and open to the public. Info: (828) 251-6140 or olliasheville.com.
Thursday, December 5 – Judi Lampert and friends in Concert. Flutist Lampert of UNC Asheville’s Music Department faculty performs in different instrumental settings. 7:30 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, $5; students free. Info: http://music.unca.edu/ or (828) 251-6432.
Sunday, December 8 – Music Department Holiday Concert. Holiday music performed by various UNC Asheville student ensembles. 4 p.m. in Lipinsky Auditorium, $5; students free. Info: http://music.unca.edu/ or (828) 251-6432.
Monday, December 9 – Reuter Center Singers Holiday Concert, directed by Chuck Taft. Classical, popular, show tunes and other favorites. 7:30 p.m. at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. Free and open to the public. Info: (828) 251-6140 or olliasheville.com.
December 4-31
Deck the Trees
The Monte Vista Hotel presents its annual Christmas Celebration. 24 beautiful and unique hand-decorated Christmas trees will be on display. Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State St., Black Mountain. Call (828) 669-8870, or visit www.themontevistahotel.net.
Thursday, December 5
Karen Keil Brown Reception
Featuring original art work. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. On display through January 8, 2014. Brevard Element Spa and Shop, 29 West French Broad St., Brevard, NC. www.elementsspashop.com
Thursday, December 5
Show and Tell
TAPAS (Teaching Artists Presenting in Asheville Schools) showcase their works. A percentage of sales will benefit artist residencies. 5:30-8:30 p.m., 5 Walnut Wine Bar, downtown Asheville.
December 5-8
The Little Match Girl Passion
Hans Christian Andersen’s little match girl wanders shoeless and sick through the snow on New Year’s Eve trying to sell matches. Come hear this beautifully minimal setting of a haunting winter’s tale. This musical event will be thought-provoking, stirring, joyful and inspirational. December 5, 6 & 7 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees held December 7 & 8 at 2:30 p.m. $25 per ticket. NC Stage, 15 Stage Lane, Asheville. Visit www.tmamp.org
December 5, 12 & 19
Skin Care Demonstrations
6-8 p.m. $10 includes one complimentary glass of wine, hors d‘oeuvres, and a $5 discount on any purchase of Bellanina products. RSVP to Katie Hughes (828) 452-3848 or Katie@sunbursttrout.com. Sunburst Market, 142 N. Main Street in Waynesville, NC. Visit www.sunburstmarket.com.
Friday, December 6
A Celebration of Love
Music Director Dr. Melodie Galloway and the Asheville Choral Society will host a holiday concert benefit for Habitat for Humanity. 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, downtown Asheville. For more details call (828) 232-2060 or visit www.ashevillechoralsociety.org.
Friday, December 6
The Deep Dark Woods w/ Raising Caine
The Canadian based unconventional folk band Deep Dark Woods seem to carry an aura of density about them, as mysterious as the Saskatoon woods for which they are named. Tickets for this limited seating show are $8 in advance and $10 day of show. 9 p.m. Isis Restaurant and Music Hall, 743 Haywood Rd., Asheville. Call (828) 575-2737 or visit www.isisasheville.com.
Friday, December 6
Arrayed in Light
Opening reception for Judy Rentner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The exhibition features oil paintings infused with the light and color of North Carolina landscapes using the palette knife. On display December 1-31, 2013. Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College Street, across from Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. For more information, call 251-5796 or visit www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com.
Friday, December 6
The Crossroads
Opening reception 7-10 p.m. for works by Adam Void. On display through January 3, 2014. PUSH Skateshop & Gallery, 25 Patton Ave., downtown Asheville. www.pushtoyproject.com
December 6, 7 & 8
Biltmore Village Dickens Festival
A magical weekend of merriment, music and memories — all on the streets and in the shops, restaurants, and galleries of Historic Biltmore Village. Hours: Friday, 5-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11-7 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Call (828) 274-8788 or visit www.biltmorevillage.com.
December 6, 7 & 8
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
In this hilarious Christmas tale, a couple struggles to put on a church Christmas pageant. Terrific for family audiences! Directed by Cary Nichols. Performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $12-$22. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St., downtown Asheville. (828) 254-1320, www.ashevilletheatre.org
December 6, 7 & 8
Biltmore Village Dickens Festival
Experience a magical weekend of merriment, music and memories — all on the streets and in the shops, restaurants, and galleries of Historic Biltmore Village. It’s the annual Dickens Festival, now in its 25th year. Hours: Friday, 5-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11-7 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Call (828) 274-8788 or visit www.biltmorevillage.com.
December 6, 7 & 8
Toe River Studio Tour
Free holiday open studio tour of galleries in Mitchell and Yancey Counties. Friday, 12-4, Saturday and Sunday, 10-5. Reception Friday, 5-7 at the Spruce Pine TRAC Gallery. For more information: (828) 682-7215 or www.toeriverarts.org.
December 6, 7, 8, 13, and 14
A Christmas Carol
With a cast of 45 and a 9-piece orchestra, the show ranks as one of the region’s biggest holiday events. HART commissioned an original script and score in 2011 from Director Mark Jones and Music Director Ann Rhymer Schwabland. The two spent a year creating a piece as true to the Charles Dickens classic story as possible and HART has invested lavishly on sets and costumes to bring the show to life.
Performances at the HART Theater, 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville on December 6 & 7, 13, and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and on December 8, and 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets for evening performances: Adults $20; Seniors $17; and Students $8. Discounted tickets to matinees: Adults $16; Seniors $14; and Students $6. Reservations can be made by calling the HART Box Office, (828) 456-6322, Mon-Sat. from 1-5 p.m. or go to www.harttheatre.com.
Saturday, December 7
Annual Holiday Open House
Enjoy a celebration of the holiday spirit and shop from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Alot of specials and give aways. Visit our Facebook page each day for our “Daily Deals.” Each day of the week we will offer a different special. Mine and Yours Consignments, 234 New Leicester Hwy., Asheville, 28806. (828) 251-9231, www.mineandyoursconsignments.com
Saturday, December 7
Dar Williams
Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $22 in advance and $25 day-of, for this fully seated, all ages show. The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. Call (828) 232-5800 or visit www.thegreyeagle.com
Saturday, December 7
Coloring Book Launch
Opening for group show MYTH, and the Launch of Jake LaGory’s coloring book Cryptozoology. 7 to 9 p.m., ZaPow!, 21 Battery Park Ave., downtown Asheville. www.zapow.com
Saturday, December 7
Christmas in Appalachia
A fundraising concert for Shindig on the Green. 7:30 p.m. in the Upper Anderson Auditorium at Montreat Conference Center. Headliner Whitewater Bluegrass Company, and The Griggs. Adults $20; Children 12 and under $10; Groups of 10 or more, $15 ea. Reserve tickets at info@folkheritage.org or call (828) 258-6101 x345.
Saturday, December 7
A Touch of Gold!
Gold Leaf with Heather Shirin, noon – 4:30 p.m. $65 plus $15 for materials. Use delicate gold leaf to create a finished piece to take home. Wonderful fun for holiday art making! More details at www.310ART.com. 310 ART, River’s Edge Studio, 191 Lyman St, Asheville’s River Arts District.
Saturday, December 7
Christmas Dance Party
Dance party for adults at the Waynesville Recreation Center from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Dance music and songs provided by Paul Indelicato from 7 to 8 p.m. Open to all. $5 per person. Please bring a finger food dish of your choice. For more information call the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department at (828) 456-2030 or email recprograms@townofwaynesville.org
Saturday, December 7
AmiciMusic presents Four-Hand Fantasy
AmiciMusic, Asheville’s world-class chamber music organization, begins its winter season with three exciting performances of four-hand piano music featuring Daniel Weiser and Philip Liston-Kraft playing together on a single piano.
On Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m., they will perform at the White Horse in Black Mountain. $15; call (828) 669-0816, or visit www.whitehorseblackmountain.com. They will perform a free abridged version of the program on Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at Pack Library, downtown. Open to all; children are welcome and encouraged to come. For more information please call Daniel at (802) 369-0856, or visit www.amicimusic.org.
Saturday, December 7
Mystery Fukubukuro
Hot mulled wine, new work from Akira Satake, holiday wear and gift items from BZDesign, and festive Yuzu Patisserie sweets. 11-6 p.m. at Gallery Mugen, studios C & D in the Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District, www.gallerymugen.com
December 7 & 8
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Carolina Chocolate Drops bid farewell to founding member Dom Flemons, who is starting a solo career. Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops gave a show-stopping performance during the Another Day, Another Time concert, which will be broadcast on Showtime beginning December 13. Their Grammy-nominated CD, Leaving Eden, was released in 2012. December 7 & 8 at the Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., downtown Asheville. Call (828) 398-1837, (828) 225-5851, or visit www.theorangepeel.net.
December 7 & 14
Guild Artists’ Holiday Sale
10-50% off ceramics, jewelry, fiber, paper, glass and wood crafts and fine art. At the Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in east Asheville. For more information, call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.
Sunday, December 8
Sounds of the Season
Performance featuring faculty and students in small chamber groups and larger ensembles. 3 p.m. in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. $5-$15. Call (828) 227-2479 or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.
Sunday, December 8
Chamber Music Messiah
Unique and beautiful performance of the Christmas portion of Handel’s masterpeice. A benefit for Homeward Bound presented by Pan Harmonia. 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church Street, downtown Asheville. $25 suggested donation; $30/family; no one turned away for lack of funds. (828) 254-7123, www.pan-harmonia.org.
Monday, December 9
Fiber Animal Farmers’ Forum
Speakers will address ways to increase the value and market for local fleece and fiber. All farmers who currently raise fiber animals, or would like to, are welcome. The cost is $10/person, which includes lunch. Presented by Local Cloth Inc. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Echoview Fiber Mill, 76 Jupiter Road, Weaverville, NC. Make reservations by calling (828) 665-1386 or email: lorien@alpacafleece.com.
December 11-29
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Starring Michael MacCauley. Wed-Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 2 p.m. Tickets: $16-$28. Call (828) 239-0263 or visit www.ncstage.org. North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane in downtown Asheville.
December 12-14
The Bernsteins are Back!
The always inappropriate Bernstein clan present their 31st Annual Christmas Spectacular at Asheville Community Theatre, 372 Depot St., in Asheville. Thursday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, December 13 & 14 at 7:30 and 10 p.m. $15 for Thursday and late shows; $18 Friday & Saturday. Not suitable for children or those easily offended. For more details visit www.themagnetictheatre.com
Thursday, December 12
Poetry Reading
The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center presents an evening of poetry with Caleb Beissert, Landon Godfrey, Beth Keefauver, Griffin Payne and Eric Steineger. $7; $5 for BMCM+AC members and students. 7:30 p.m., 56 Broadway, downtown Asheville. (828) 350-8484, www.blackmountaincollege.org.
Friday, December 13
Christmas Poems
A reading and writing workshop with Tina Barr, noon to 1 p.m., free. Bring a lunch. At the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street. For details call (828) 669-0930, or visit www.BlackMountainArts.org
Saturday, December 14
The Village Potters
Exquisite, contemporary ceramics, from functional to decorative collector’s pieces. 10-6 p.m., Riverview Station #180, 191 Lyman Street in Asheville’s River Arts District. (828) 253-2424, www.thevillagepotters.com
December 15
A Classical Christmas
For those who cherish a classical Christmas, the Asheville Symphony Orchestra presents the most beautiful music of the season. Music Director Daniel Meyer presents a portion of Handel’s Messiah alongside orchestral arrangements of seasonal carols. Accompanied by the Asheville Symphony Chorus, directed by Michael Lancaster, and a cast of superb vocal soloists. Sunday Matinee at 3 p.m. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Purchase tickets throught the ASO office at: (828) 254-7046
December 17
Half-Day Holiday Hike
Join renowned hiking author and guide, Danny Bernstein, on Old Sugarlands Trail for a short day-hike. Enjoy a 3.9 mile hike along Little Pigeon River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Visit historic homesites, Sugarlands Cemetery and nearby Cataract Falls. $10 for current Friends of the Smokies members; $35 for non-members, who will receive a complimentary membership. To register call (828) 452-0720 or email outreach.nc@friendsofthesmokies.org.
Friday, December 20
Bluegrass Holiday Benefit
Featuring Town Mountain and Larry Keel. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Manna Foodbank. Doors open at 5 p.m.; show begins at 9 p.m. All ages. $20, standing, some balcony seating. Isis Music Hall, 743 Haywood Road Asheville. (828) 575-2737, www.isisasheville.com
Sunday, December 22
A Swannanoa Solstice
Experience the reflection, connection and celebration of the season with award-winning recording artists Al Petteway, Amy White and Robin Bullock. Hosted by Doug Orr who is joined by a wealth of storytellers, dancers and special guest musicians. Performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Tickets: Regular $38, Student $33, Children 12 and under $15; Students day-of-show, $10. (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com.
every Saturday until New Years
Christmas at Connemara
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site will host holiday musicians and storytellers every Saturday until New Years. Enjoy guided tours of the Sandburg home (small fee for tours), decorated in the simple style of the Sandburg’s with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree. Music and storytelling, Saturdays at 11 a.m. Make-and-take vintage holiday crafts Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is located three miles south of Hendersonville off U.S. 225 on Little River Road. Call (828) 693-4178, or visit www.nps.gov/carl
through January 3, 2014
In the Subtle Avenues of the Maze
Mixed media works, oils, and acrylic paintings by Kathryn Ervin. On display through Friday, January 3, 2014 at MESH Gallery, 114-B West Union Street, downtown Morganton, NC. For details call (828) 437-1957 or visit www.meshgallery.com.
January 23-26, 2014
Fringe Arts Festival
Features local and out of town artists, presenting original works that push boundaries. Purchase tickets January 20-24 from Fringe Central at Firestorm Café, located on Commerce Street, near the Bebe Theatre. More details at www.ashevillefringe.org.
January 25, 2014
Taste of Opera
The Asheville Lyric Opera hosts their annual Winter Gala fundraiser at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center at 6 p.m. The evening includes an operatic concert, delicacies from Asheville’s finest restaurants, and a silent auction. $75 per seat. To purchase tickets call (828) 236-0670 or visit www.ashevillelyric.org.
Tasty Weasel Taproom
Two Saturday trolley pickups!
Departs at 4:45 p.m. from Westville Pub in W. Asheville and drops back off at 8:45 p.m. Departs at 5 p.m. from the Aloft Hotel in Asheville and drops back off at 9 p.m. Reserve your seats for free.
Book the trolley for a group trip to the brewery! Contact Aaron Baker at aaron@oskarblues.com. Taproom hours: noon to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Oskar Blues, 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard, NC. Call (828) 883-2337 or visit www.oskarblues.com.
Black Mountain Events
Until December 31 – Gallery Show of Fabulous Fakes. Artist interpretations of famous works of art at the Monte Vista Hotel. www.svfalarts.org
Until December 31 – Artist exhibit at Red House Studios and Gallery, 310 W. State St. www.svfalarts.org
December 4 – Deck the Trees. 24 beautiful Christmas Trees on display. Free. At Monte Vista Hotel. Kick-off Party & First Viewing 6-8 p.m. on December 4 with live music and drink specials. Winners party December 20 from 5-8 p.m. Benefits the SVCM. (828) 707-7615 info@anthmgallery.com
December 6 – Holly Jolly Pottery Market. Teacher/Student Pottery Show & Sale at Black Mountain Center for the Art Clay Studio. www.blackmountainarts.org
December 6 – Holly Jolly Christmas. 5-9 p.m. downtown. Stores open late, refreshments, Santa. (828) 669-2177
December 7 – Chamber Open House with Santa. Noon to 3 p.m. Light refreshments, pictures with Santa, $10. Blk. Mtn. Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce (828) 669-2300
December 7 – Christmas Parade, 4 p.m. Rocking Around The Christmas Tree, www.exploreblackmountain.com
December 7 – Circle of Lights at Lake Tomahawk. 6 p.m. Free. Blk Mtn Parks Rec. (828) 669-2052
December 12 – Art of JAZZ Concert. 7:30 p.m. Michael Jefry Stevens and Jason DeCristofaro. $10. Black Mountain Center for the Arts, (828) 669-0930, www.blackmountainarts.org
December 14 to December 15 – Visions of Sugar Plums. Annual B&B / Country Inn Cookie Tour. Visit www.exploreblackmountain.com or call (828) 669-2300 for details
December 19 – Rediscovering Christmas. Theatre performance, 7:30 p.m. at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, www.blackmountainarts.org
Holiday Activities at the Biltmore Estate
Visit Biltmore for fun events like building your own gingerbread house, special holiday dining opportunities, and much more.
Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7 – Biltmore Warehouse Sale. Just in time for your holiday shopping, come stock up on great gifts at fantastic savings for everyone on your list! Enjoy 60 to 70% savings on home décor and accessories, plus jewelry, apparel, and seasonal decorations. Open to the public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2000 Riverside Drive, Asheville.
December 19-21 – Gingerbread House Tea. Build your own gingerbread house with the hands-on assistance of a Biltmore Pastry Chef. The price includes instruction, supplies, a special tea service, and an assortment of tea sandwiches. $49 per person, plus tax.
Purchase tickets by calling 1-800-411-3812 or visit www.biltmore.com.
