Asheville Holiday Event: Dickens Festival in Biltmore Village

November 30 - December 2    Biltmore Village Dickens Festival   Historic Biltmore Village transforms itself into a quaint Victorian village with entertainment for every age and interest. The main stage will be filled continuously with musicians, choral groups, singers, dancers and the Montford Park Players.

This year the Festival will feature more than 300 performers who, after their stage segments, will rove throughout the Village entertaining on the streets and in the shops and restaurants. Friday and Saturday evenings will feature main stage concerts for the entire family. As dusk turns into evening, more than 250,000 white lights outlining the historic Village buildings will combine with the streetlights to enhance the ambiance. Shops stay open evenings until 7 PM with many of the shopkeepers dressed in Victorian-era garb.

In addition, there will be horse-drawn rides through the tree-lined Village streets all day Saturday and Sunday. Chestnuts roasted on an open fire by chestnut roaster Sakshi Gentenbein will be available next to the main stage.

Find Asheville lodging, attractions and more holiday events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

The American Premier of "Starbuck by Whalelight"

November 29-30 at 7:30 PM and December 1 at 1 PM - The Asheville Theatre Festival  Presents The American Premier of "Starbuck by Whalelight", an adaptation of Moby-Dick with global music by The Free Planet Radio, Daniel Barber and Lois Henrickson, Starring Able Allen as Starbuck & Alex Murphy as Ahab. Music by The Free Planet Radio, Daniel Barber, & Lytingale.

Starbuck by Whalelight is presented at the Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway in Asheville NC.

Asheville Christmas Events: Crafts Holiday Sale at the Folk Art Center

December 1    Guild Artist Holiday Sale   The Southern Highland Craft Guild presents the annual Holiday crafts sale at the Folk Art Center from 10 AM - 4 PM, milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Choose from a variety of gift items - at special prices -  including ceramics, jewelry, fiber, paper, glass and wood. 

Buying from artists supports the local economy and promotes the mission of the Guild which is bringing together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation. An additional date is Dec 8 with different artists participating,

Asheville NC Holiday Events: 30th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular

November 28 - December 22  30th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular  Starring Tracey Johnston-Crum (recently voted Best Local Actress by in the Mountain Xpress' annual poll) and Darren Marshall, among other local favorites, the beloved and occasionally tasteless sketch comedy Christmas show will once again return to Asheville.

This year, the Bernstein clan is under the able direction of Katie Anne Towner, Associate Artistic Director and Managing Director of The Magnetic Theatre. Last year the Bernsteins sold out nearly every seat of every performance,so advance tickets are recommended for this hilarious, adult sketch comedy Christmas show.

Gingerbread House Competition Opens in Asheville's Historic Grove Park Inn

November 20 - January 2   The National Gingerbread House Competition and Display   Contestants from across the country bring their architectural masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn for display over the holidays. Delight in the imagination shown in these sugar-and-spice creations, strolling through the competition is a sure way to be swept up in the holiday spirit. 


There is no admission charge to view the entries to the National Gingerbread House Competition. In addition to the gingerbread overload, see the beautiful holiday displays throughout the Grove Park Inn and warm by the giant fireplaces in the grand lobby. Pick up a map in the lobby to find the various areas where the entries are displayed.
Get a link and learn more about the Gingerbread House Competition and the grove Park Inn on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.