WNC Parent December Calendar of Events and Things to do in Asheville and Western North Carolina
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Thursday, Dec. 1
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”is presented at Flat Rock Playhouse’s Leiman Mainstage. Tickets are $20 – $33 each. For tickets, call 828-693-0731 or visit flatrockplayhouse.org.
The 20th Annual West Burnsville Christmas Pageant is at 7 p.m. at West Burnsville Baptist Church. For reservations for large groups, call 828-682-3990.
Friday, Dec. 2
Celebrate an Old-Fashioned Christmas from 5 – 8 p.m. in downtown Hendersonville. Visit with Santa, hear Christmas music and more. For details, visit visithendersonvillenc.org/home-for-the-holidays.
2022 Dickens Festival is in Historic Biltmore Village. The festival includes entertainment, children’s events and more. Visit historicbiltmorevillage.com/events/dickens-festival.
Holidays Around the World is 6 – 8 p.m. at Stephens Lee Recreation Center. Kids can have night in with games, crafts, and special activities that explore holidays around the world. Light dinner is included with registration. $5 per person. For details and registration, visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”is presented at Flat Rock Playhouse’s Leiman Mainstage. Tickets are $20 – $33 each. For tickets, call 828-693-0731 or visit flatrockplayhouse.org.
The 20th Annual West Burnsville Christmas Pageant is at 7 p.m. at West Burnsville Baptist Church. For reservations for large groups, call 828-682-3990.
“Elf The Musical” is at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $35 each for adults and $18 each for ages 3 – 17. Visit ashevilletheatre.org.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is presented by Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre at 7:30 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Visit worthamarts.org.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Nutcracker at the Library, featuring the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville is at 10:30 a.m. at the Pack Memorial Library. Admission is free. This presentation includes dance, performances, and demonstrations, Nutcracker readings, an opportunity to dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy and more. Visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/branch-locations/pack-memorial.aspx.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is presented by Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Visit worthamarts.org.
The Black Mountain Christmas Parade is in Black Mountain. For details, visit exploreblackmountain.com.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”is presented at Flat Rock Playhouse’s Leiman Mainstage. Tickets are $20 – $33 each. For tickets, call 828-693-0731 or visit flatrockplayhouse.org.
2022 Dickens Festival is in Historic Biltmore Village. The festival includes entertainment and more. Visit historicbiltmorevillage.com/events/dickens-festival.
Hendersonville Christmas Parade – “Christmas Lights” is at 6 p.m. in downtown Hendersonville. For details, visit visithendersonvillenc.org/home-for-the-holidays.
The 20th Annual West Burnsville Christmas Pageant is at 7 p.m. at West Burnsville Baptist Church. For reservations for large groups, call 828-682-3990.
“Elf The Musical” is at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $35 each for adults and $18 each for ages 3 – 17. Visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Sunday, Dec. 4
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”is presented at Flat Rock Playhouse’s Leiman Mainstage. Tickets are $20 – $33 each. For tickets, call 828-693-0731 or visit flatrockplayhouse.org.
The 20th Annual West Burnsville Christmas Pageant is at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at West Burnsville Baptist Church. For reservations for large groups, call 828-682-3990.
“Elf The Musical” is at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $35 each for adults and $18 each for ages 3 – 17. Visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Monday, Dec. 5
Holiday Story Times are at 10 a.m. at the Mills River and Edneyville libraries. Families are welcome. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
Where Did the Gingerbread Man Go? is 9 – 10 a.m. at Stephens Lee Recreation Center. Play games to find clues, make gingerbread cookies and other surprises.$5 per child. Ages 3 – 5, with parent/guardian. For details and registration, visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation.
Holiday Story Times are at 10 a.m. at the Etowah Library (families welcome) and 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library (preschool). Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Teen Creative Writing Club is 4 – 5 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Wednesday, Dec. 7
Holiday Story Times are at 10:30 a.m. at Fletcher Library (families welcome) and at the Henderson County Main Library (toddlers). Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
A Grinch Party is 4 – 6 p.m. at the Kaplan Auditorium at the Henderson County Main Library. Watch the 2018 version of “The Grinch,” create a Grinch craft, and have Grinch snacks. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Thursday, Dec. 8
Holiday Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Families are welcome. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Teen Anime Club is 4 – 5 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Friday, Dec. 9
“The Nutcracker” featuring The Ballet Conservatory of Ashevilleis at 10 a.m. at the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. For tickets and details, visit arts.wcu.edu/learninglive.
Winter Wonder Walk Holiday Festival is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Aerial Glow Trail at The Treetops Adventure Park is also available for ages 4 and older. A holiday market, food, arts, face painting and more are available. For tickets and details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.
Candlelight Stroll is 6 – 9 p.m. in Weaverville. For details, visit visitweaverville.com/events/the-candlelight-stroll.
“Elf The Musical” is at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $35 each for adults and $18 each for ages 3 – 17. Visit ashevilletheatre.org.
The Asheville Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Visit worthamarts.org.
Saturday, Dec. 10
Second Saturday arts events are in the River Arts District, including live demonstrations and more. See magic for children at Phil Mechanic Studio Langeart. For details, visit riverartsdistrict.com.
Breakfast with Santa is 9 – 10 a.m. at the Stephens Lee Recreation Center. Ages 10 and younger (and their parents). For details and registration, visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation.
The Asheville Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Visit worthamarts.org.
Holiday Lights at Burton Street is 6 – 9 p.m. at Burton Street Community Center. Walk around the field lit by luminaries. Enjoy hot chocolate and other festive treats. For details, visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation.
Winter Wonder Walk Holiday Festival is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Aerial Glow Trail at The Treetops Adventure Park is also available for ages 4 and older. A holiday market, food, arts, face painting and more are available. For tickets and details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.
“Elf The Musical” is at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $35 each for adults and $18 each for ages 3 – 17. Visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Sunday, Dec. 11
“Elf The Musical” is at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $35 each for adults and $18 each for ages 3 – 17. Visit ashevilletheatre.org.
The Asheville Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” at 2:30 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Visit worthamarts.org.
Winter Wonder Walk Holiday Festival is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Aerial Glow Trail at The Treetops Adventure Park is also available for ages 4 and older. A holiday market, food, arts, face painting and more are available. For tickets and details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.
Wednesday, Dec. 14
Jingle Bell Toddler Party is 10 a.m. – noon at the Stephens Lee Recreation Center. Reindeer magic and a snowball toss are part of the celebration, along with inflatables, toys, activity tables and light refreshments. The cost is $5 per child. For details, visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation.
Baby Gym for ages 4 – 18 months is at 11 a.m. at the Leicester Library. For details, visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/branch-locations/leicester.aspx.
Dark Sky Astronomy Night is at 6:30 p.m. at PARI – Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. The event is for astronomers of all experience levels. For details and registration information, visit pari.edu.
Thursday, Dec. 15
Ballet Conservatory of Asheville Presents “The Nutcracker” at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Visit worthamarts.org.
Winter Wonder Walk Holiday Festival is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Aerial Glow Trail at The Treetops Adventure Park is also available for ages 4 and older. A holiday market, food, arts, face painting and more are available. For tickets and details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.
“Elf The Musical” is at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $35 each for adults and $18 each for ages 3 – 17. Visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Friday, Dec. 16
Ballet Conservatory of Asheville Presents “The Nutcracker” at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Visit worthamarts.org.
Winter Wonder Walk Holiday Festival is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Aerial Glow Trail at The Treetops Adventure Park is also available for ages 4 and older. A holiday market, food, arts, face painting and more are available. For tickets and details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.
Make a reindeer craft from 4 – 5 p.m. at the West Asheville Library. All supplies provided. (Parents should plan to help children younger than age 7.) For details, visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/branch-locations/west-asheville.aspx.
“Elf The Musical” is at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $35 each for adults and $18 each for ages 3 – 17. Visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Experience the Geminids Meteor Shower at PARI – Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. Evening-only and cabin and camping packages are available. For details and registration information, visit pari.edu.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Winter Wonder Walk Holiday Festival is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Aerial Glow Trail at The Treetops Adventure Park is also available for ages 4 and older. A holiday market, food, arts, face painting and more are available. For tickets and details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.
Ballet Conservatory of Asheville Presents “The Nutcracker” at 10 a.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Visit worthamarts.org.
“Elf The Musical” is at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $35 each for adults and $18 each for ages 3 – 17. Visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Sunday, Dec. 18
Winter Wonder Walk Holiday Festival is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Aerial Glow Trail at The Treetops Adventure Park is also available for ages 4 and older. A holiday market, food, arts, face painting and more are available. For tickets and details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.
“Elf The Musical” is at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $35 each for adults and $18 each for ages 3 – 17. Visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 21
A Hanukkah candle lighting and singalong for families is at 5 p.m. on the front courtyard of the Asheville Jewish Community Center. For details, visit jcc-asheville.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 28
Baby Gym for ages 4 – 18 months is at 11 a.m. at the Leicester Library. For details, visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/branch-locations/leicester.aspx.
YMCA Mobile Market is at the Enka Candler Library noon – 1 p.m. Bring grocery bags and get fresh food. Distributions are free. The market provides fresh produce paired with healthy recipes and more. Visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library or call 828-250-4758.
YMCA Mobile Market is 1 – 2 p.m. at the Leicester Library. Bring grocery bags and get fresh food. Distributions are free. The market provides fresh produce paired with healthy recipes and more. Visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library or call 828-250-4758.
Friday, Dec. 30
Holiday Twilight in the Treetops is at 5 p.m. at Treetops Adventure Park. Aerial challenges become illuminated with over 15,000 colored twinkle and laser lights. Five of the Adventure Park’s aerial trails become illuminated with all their leaves, cables, ropes and platforms. Ages 4 and older. For reservations, call 877-247-5539. (The Black Trail is not available for Twilight Night Climbs.) Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/asheville-treetops-adventure-park.
Saturday, Dec. 31
New Year’s Apple Rise is 5 – 7 p.m. in downtown Hendersonville. For details, visit visithendersonvillenc.org/home-for-the-holidays.
ENJOY STORY TIME, FAMILY FUN AND MORE
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is offered this winter in-person and in an online format for ages birth – 5 years and their parents/caregivers in Buncombe County. KPL in-person is a once-a-week, 90-minute adult-child group that features a mix of free play, outdoor play (where available), and group activities/circle time. It is free and open to children ages birth – 5 years who reside in Buncombe County and who are not enrolled in licensed child care. The online version is a weekly emailed lesson, with a complimentary activity/craft bag with materials that support the lessons. There are currently spaces in two preschool groups for ages 3 – 5: 9 a.m. Mondays at Hominy Valley Elementary School and Fridays at Leicester Elementary. Registration is required and begins Jan. 2 by email (marna.holland@acsgmail.net) or phone (828-350-2904). To register for the online version, email marna.holland@acsgmail.net. The online program will start mid-January and run through May. For toddlers, a weekly emailed online version is available, along with a complimentary activity/craft bag. To register, email grace.ragaller@acsgmail.net. This program will begin mid-January and run through May.
Winter Classes are offered Jan. 14 – March 4 at Asheville Community Theatre. Classes include “Journey to Imagination” for ages 5 – 7, “Youth Improv” for ages 8 – 12, and “Teen Improv” for ages 13 and older. Winter classes for adults include Improv 1 and 2 and run Jan. 30 – March 10. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org/education/youththeatre.
Auditions for “Bright Star” are Jan. 13 – 14 at Asheville Community Theatre. Auditions are open to all in the community. No previous experience is required. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org/get-involved/audition.
Holiday private guided gallery tours are available Dec. 23 – 31 at PARI – Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. For details, visit pari.edu.
Homeschool Field Trips are offered Fridays through Dec.18 at Adventure Center of Asheville. Choose one or more adventure activities for ages 4 and older, with optional STEM NC/SC curriculum programs, Wilderness Skills Programs and Team Bonding Facilitated Group Games. Reservations are required. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/groups/home-school-discount-days.
Hands On! Children’s Museum offers free admission to families who present their adult WIC card. Zoom passes from the Hendersonville Library have limited day passes as well. For details, visit handsonwnc.org.
In-person story times are offered at Buncombe County Libraries. Get full details at buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/services/story-times.aspx.
Baby Story Time – ages 4 – 18 months: Oakley/South Asheville Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.Leicester Library – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.Weaverville Library – Tuesday at 3:30 p.m
Toddler Story Time – ages 18 months – 3 years: North Asheville Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.Fairview Library and Leicester Library – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.Enka-Candler Library – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Story Time – ages 3 – 5 years:East Asheville Library and West Asheville Library – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.Swannanoa Library – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.Fairview Library – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.Black Mountain Library and Weaverville Library – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.Pack Memorial Library – Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
Hora Del Cuento/Story TimeSkyland/South Buncombe Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.Oakley/South Asheville Library – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn 5 years old, creating a home library of up to 60 books and instilling a love of books and reading. For details and registration, visit imaginationlibrary.com.
Regular programming resumes Jan. 1 at Henderson County Library locations.Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Kolo Bike Park – $10 Sunday Fundays are Sundays through March 26. Rentals are available for an extra charge. Call 828-225-2921for conditions. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Biltmore Gardens Railway – Wonders of the World is open through Jan. 8 at Biltmore Estate. See handcrafted, botanical model train displays. For tickets and up-to-date health and safety policies, visit biltmore.com.
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is open through Feb. 20 at Biltmore Estate. For tickets and up-to-date health and safety policies, visit biltmore.com.
Zoom D&D with Raj for teens is 3 – 6 p.m. Saturdays through the Buncombe County Library. Sign-up is required. Email Raj at raj.bowers-racine@buncombecounty.org to request attendance.
Kindermusik for ages birth – 5 is offered at We Rock the Spectrum. For details, visit kindermusik.com/studio/58207.
SUPPORT AND CONNECTION
Perinatal Loss Support Group – Homegrown Families Perinatal Bereavement Parent Support Group is for families who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. For details, visit ashevillehomegrownfamilies.com.
The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is an evidence-based program that gives parents confidence and in turn, helps them raise confident children. Local parents and caregivers have access to this free, positive parenting course online. Access Triple P resources at triplepwnc.com or triplep-parenting.com.
Buncombe County Farmers Markets are offered in December. ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription are available.
*Asheville City Market, 52 N. Market St., 9 a.m. – noon Saturdays through Dec. 17
*North Asheville Tailgate Market/The Holiday Bazaar, 3300 University Heights Drive, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 17,
*River Arts District Farmers Market, 350 Riverside Drive, 3 – 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 21
*Weaverville Tailgate Market, 60 Lakeshore Drive, 3 – 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 14
*West Asheville Tailgate Market, 718 Haywood Road, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 20
Outside Buncombe County, more than two dozen markets will continue through the holiday and winter seasons. Find a full list at asapconnections.org/farmersmarkets or search for markets by region at appalachiangrown.org.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC Parent Events and Things to do for Dec. 2022
