ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Western North Carolina is lighting up for the holiday weekend with a lineup of festive events, from Asheville’s 12 Bars of Christmas pub crawl benefiting MANNA FoodBank to dazzling light shows, tree lighting ceremonies, craft markets, and family-friendly activities across the region. Visitors can explore art, local shopping, and seasonal entertainment Nov. 28-30 while supporting small businesses and community causes.
Friday, Nov. 28
12 Bars of Christmas
Asheville’s 12 Bars of Christmas on Nov. 28, 2025, invites participants to visit a dozen themed bars while supporting MANNA FoodBank. For a $15 donation, guests receive a passport, collect stamps at each location, and can earn a limited-edition ornament while supplies last. Passports also serve as entries for a charity raffle, with a drawing on Jan. 6. The citywide event blends festive bar specials with community support, helping local businesses still recovering from Tropical Storm Helene.
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Carriage Rides
Hendersonville’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony 5-8 p.m. Nov. 28, 2025, features live holiday music, shopping, festive treats, and a countdown to Santa’s arrival to light the town Christmas tree at dusk. Afterward, attendees can enjoy carriage rides and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Mill Around Town
Canton’s Mill Around Town event from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 28, 2025, invites visitors to enjoy a festive hometown atmosphere while shopping and supporting local businesses for the holidays.
Winter Lights
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville from 6-10 p.m. Nov. 28, 2025, is an open-air walk-through light show featuring over a million lights, a 50-foot tree, the Quilt Garden, and new enchanting displays. Attendees can also spot six of Dambo’s Trolls throughout the gardens.
Saturday, Nov. 29
Holiday Ice Rink
The Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards runs Nov. 26–Jan. 19 in downtown Asheville. Visitors can enjoy outdoor ice skating, festive music and lights, holiday drinks and treats, a winter market, themed nights, and family-friendly activities, including sensory-friendly and school-focused skate times.
Odyssey Holiday Ornament Sale & Cookie Party
The Odyssey Holiday Ornament Sale & Cookie Party is 1-3 p.m. Nov. 29 at Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts in Asheville’s River Arts District featuring work from over 40 ceramic artists, offering visitors the chance to purchase unique, locally-made holiday ornaments while enjoying festive treats.
Asheville Vintage Market
The Asheville Vintage Market — Small Business Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 29 at The Orange Peel features 20+ local vintage clothing and jewelry vendors, offering a chance to shop unique holiday gifts while supporting small businesses.
Small Business Saturday & Art Market in West Asheville
West Asheville’s Small Business Saturday Art Market is noon-5 p.m. and features local crafters and artisans, tarot readings, live demonstrations, music, a raffle supporting Critter Collective and free vegan burgers while supplies last.
Sunday, Nov. 30
Lake Julian Festival of Lights Walk-Through Night
The Lake Julian Festival of Lights Walk-Through Night from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 30 offers a one-night-only chance to explore the 25th annual holiday light show on foot, featuring twinkling displays, festive crafts, snacks and family-friendly activities.
Holiday Pop Up Shop
The Holiday Pop Up Shop from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 30 at Asheville Mall features more than 120 local vendors offering art, crafts, vintage items and holiday gifts, providing a festive shopping experience to support small businesses.
Museum Store
Museum Store Sunday at the Asheville Art Museum from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 30 offers a chance to shop for unique, locally made gifts while supporting the museum’s mission, small businesses and artisan makers. General admission is not required to participate.
Art After Dark
Art After Dark in Downtown Waynesville on Nov. 30 invites visitors to explore galleries and studios until 9 p.m., enjoy live music, art demonstrations, refreshments, and meet local artists in the vibrant Haywood County arts scene.
