December is full of holiday date night ideas from viewing winter lights and holiday shopping strolls to sweet family outings and New Year’s Eve celebrations, December is the most festive month to go out and have fun. Previously a weekly Best Bets, we have upgraded our events list to a monthly ‘Best of” where we compile the weeks into one big feature for you to browse each month. Here is our curated list of upcoming events for December. We have the best events in Asheville for your holiday season date nights.
December 1 – 8
#Funnected: A Winter Scorecard Series with Well Played Board Game Café
December 11, 6:30 – 9:30pm
Well Played Board Game Café
Join Asheville Date Night Guide and Well Played for a fun winter series of play and connecting with other like minded couples. #Funnected is a four month series of playing games and competing for a huge prize valued over $1,000. Happening the first Wednesday of each month December – March.
$50/couple
Winter Lights!
December 1 – 31, 6 – 10pm
NC Arboretum
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Walk through the Arboretum’s gardens and enjoy unique displays and landscapes dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Perfect for the entire family, Winter Lights includes interactive games, a model train exhibit, free crafts, a nature-themed animatronic children’s program and more! As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event, proceeds generated from Winter Lights help support the Arboretum’s educational programs and exhibits year-round.
$18
The Big Crafty Hand to Heart Holiday
December 7, Noon – 6pm and December 8, Noon – 6pm
US Cellular Center
The Big Crafty supports the creative community in all its go-for-broke, full-of-heart, boundary-pushing, human-scale, all-in, full-tilt glory.
Free admission
Little Jumbo 2nd Annual Birthday Party
December 5, 4 – 11pm
Little Jumbo
Raise a glass, enjoy some dessert, and sway to the funky sounds of a live vinyl wielding DJ. Doors open at 4 pm and the music gets going at 7 pm. This auspicious date also marks the end of Prohibition in 1933, so in added celebration, we’ll be mixing up cocktails inspired by the era. And that’s not all… we’ll be surprising guests with door prizes throughout the night.
Free admission
Sippin’ Santa at The Montford Rooftop Bar
December 1 – 31st, 3 – 10pm
The Montford Rooftop Bar
Tropic like it’s hot while reveling in spectacular mountain views. Indulge in craft Tiki-themed cocktails at our grandiose holiday-themed, tropical oasis at our rooftop bar.
Free admission
Hungarian Wine Dinner at Viv!
December 3, 6 – 9pm
Vivian
Chef Josiah’s love of Hungarian Cuisine and pairing courses with the fabulous Hungarian wines from Rise Over Run! Vivian is serving up 6 courses, each with their own wine pairing.
$75
First Wednesdays
December 4, 4 – 6pm
Asheville Art Museum
Western North Carolina residents can take advantage of the First Wednesday of month, a special pay-as-you-wish.
Pay-as-you-wish
Hogwarts Night!
December 5, 5 – 8pm
Bhramari Brewing
Family Friendly, Costume Contest, Trivia, Butter Beer, Polyjuice Potion, Sorting Hat & More!
Free admission
SoulKu’s 7th Annual Holiday Market
December 5, 4 – 9pm
Ginger’s Revenge
Shop local at the 7th annual holiday market! Enjoy Ginger’s Revenge ginger beer, shop, visit, kick off your holiday shopping with great discounts and lots of friends! Help the wonderful non-profit Open Doors by bringing donations for their after school programs – which will enter you in an awesome raffle drawing.
Free admission
Holiday Market with Santa + Children First Charity Drive
December 7, 11 – 4pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Mr. & Mrs. Claus are coming to our Holiday Market! No need to wait in long mall lines, no paying out the nose for pictures, just bring your camera and capture that special moment with the man in red. Ol’ Saint Nick will be on site with over 40 local vendors! Stock up on those special, hand-made with love, local gifts for those hard-to-buy-for’s on your list.
Free admission
1st Annual Banquete de Navidad 5-Course Cocktail Tequila Dinner
December 8, 7 – 9pm
Mamacita’s Taco Temple
Tequila Dinner at Taco Temple! Reservations are required. Five Courses paired with five cocktails!
$65
Fifth Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar!
December 7, 11 – 6pm
Asheville Music Hall & The One Stop
Check out an array of over 27 Local Vendors (full list below!) and support local craft for the holidays! This event will surely be a one stop shop for all of your holiday gifts for family and friends alike!
Free admission
Holiday Pop Up Shop
December 1 – 21, 10 – 8pm
Asheville Social Hall
Show & Tell Pop Up Shop is back this holiday season in one of Asheville’s favorite venues, The Asheville Social Hall! Shop the 3-week pop up shop featuring some of the area’s best in handmade and vintage. They’ve curated goods featuring over 125 independent vendors of handmade and vintage goods including clothing, jewelry, decor, greeting cards, and more.
Free admission
First Fridays at Flora
December 6, 7 – 9pm
Flora in West Asheville
First Fridays at Flora is excited to present their songwriter in the round series. A concert featuring local and touring songwriters sharing their music in an intimate, acoustic format inside the only known indoor jungle in Asheville
$7
Wedge Studios Holiday
December 7, 10 – 9pm
Wedge Studios
Stroll through the beautiful works of local artists and watch many of them demonstrating their favorite techniques. Light snacks available, live music, and sip holiday spirits while you peruse the art studios of The Wedge.
Free admission
December 9 – 15
Cookies and Cocktails
December 12, 3 – 7pm
Cultivated Cocktails
Get in the festive mood with this fun cookie decorating and cocktail drinking party! Ugly Christmas sweaters encouraged!
$5 – $10
Holiday Liquor & Dance Party ft. DJ Marley Carroll
December 14, 9pm
The Grey Eagle
Featuring DJ Marley Carroll on the main stage and Pleasure Chest on the outdoor stage. Holiday drink specials + more!
$15 – $25
Squirrel Nut Zippers
December 14, 9 – 1am
Salvage Station
Need we say more?
$25
Burial + Other Half Holiday Feast – SOLD OUT
December 13, 6pm
Forestry Camp
An intimate, basque inspired, Family Style Dinner
$125
Velvet Magnum Xmas Party w/ Other Half
December 14, 5pm
Burial Brewing
Selleck Clause Costume Contest at 8 pm ($50 gift card to the winner) + Limited Edition Magnum
Tropical Beer Slushees, festive tropical Christmas menu features, photo opportunities with Sloth and Selleck Clause
Free admission
4th Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl: Asheville
December 14, 2 – 10pm
Wild Wing Café – Downtown AVL
The 4th annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is here and they want you to join in on the fun. Get that Goodwill sweater, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK!
$18 – $20
Fridays at Polanco Restaurant
Every Friday in December, 8 – 10pm
Polanco
Every Friday night filled with your favorite Latin tunes! Bossas, Sambas, Mambos, and more all while enjoying Polanco’s contemporary Mexican cuisine!
Free admission
Holiday Market & Fundraiser
December 13, 3 – 6pm
East Asheville Tailgate Market
Tis the season for self-care! The annual Holiday Market and Fundraiser to treat yourself while buying gifts and veggies for your loved ones and supporting your local Farmer’s Market! Featuring local produce, eggs, meat, bread and baked goods, crafts, treats, holiday gifts, and a silent auction, raffle drawing, self-care station, massage table and more! All proceeds go toward supporting the East Asheville Tailgate Market.
Free admission
Midnight Summit Release Party!
December 13, Noon – 10pm
Highland Brewing
Midnight Summit brew returns! Enjoy sipping by a roaring fire, this vanilla milk stout perfectly melds together creamy notes of vanilla, chocolate, and coffee.
Free admission
Indoor Holiday Market!
December 3, 10, 17, 2:30 – 6pm
The Mothlight
The West Asheville Tailgate Market will be hosting another annual Indoor Holiday Market at the Mothlight! The market will run on the Tuesdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas: Dec. 3, Dec. 10, and Dec. 17.
Free admission
Hillman Beer: Painting & Pints
December 9, 6 – 7pm
Hillman Brewing with Wine & Design
Get Your Art Buzz On at Hillman Beer! No artistic talent needed, just the desire to have fun! We take the time to guide you step by step to complete your very own take-home masterpiece. This class will be one-hour long and painted on an 8×10 canvas.
$27
North Carolina Glass Center Holiday Open House
December 14, 5 – 8pm
North Carolina Glass Center
Join the staff and artists of the North Carolina Glass Center for their holiday open house! Explore the gallery and newly renovated space, shop for handmade gifts, watch hot shop and flame shop demonstrations, and enjoy libations with our glass community.
Free admission
Festival of Lights
December 3 – 23, 6pm
Lake Julian Park
The driving-only tour includes thousands of dazzling lights and displays placed along a magical journey on the road circling Lake Julian Park. A portion of the proceeds benefit Buncombe County Special Olympics.
$10
Archetype Holiday Pop-Up Market
December 14, 1 – 7pm
Archetype Brewing – Downtown
Super curated group of talented local vendors, bringing everything from beautiful ceramics to delicious treats, will be set up selling their wares at the Archetype downtown location on Sunday December 1st! Food pop-up from Sweet Cheesus, cheerful music, exciting raffles, and of course, craft beer to enjoy the whole time.
Free admission
Repeal the Cookie!
The Chemist, Funkatorium, and Cultura
December 13, 6 – 10pm
Hit the South SLope and Repeal the Cookie! An event at The Chemist, The Funkatorium, and Cultura celebrating their collaboration of Cookies and Bierbrand. This Prohibition – ‘Repeal Day’ Themed event features live music at the Funkatorium and at The Chemist.
Free admission
The Wild Hunt: Yuletide Feast
December 14, 1 – 9pm
Black Mountain Cider + Mead
Historically, The Wild Hunt will ride through the heavens with spectral huntsmen, hounds, and steeds, bringing long, cold nights. Keep warm and help Black Mountain Cider + Mead honor the season with celebratory meads and ciders.
free admission
December 16 – 22
Elf – Free Holiday Movie Night!
December 16, 7 – 9pm
The Ornage Peel
Free admission
The Moth: True Stories Told Live (Theme: Family)
December 19, 7 – 10pm
The Mothlight
$12
Mingle & Jingle: Holiday Craft Market
December 21, 10 – 4pm
The Grey Eagle
Local vendors set up selling handmade goods, arts, and crafts just in time for holiday gift-giving.
Free admission
Good Vibes Sunday w/ The Luv Boat
December 22, 6 – 9pm
Highland Brewing
Free admission
Asheville Comedy Showcase
December 19, 8 – 11pm
The Orange Peel
MainStage with some of the funniest comics in Asheville!
$10
Canvases and Cocktails
December 16, 6 – 9pm
Cultivated Cocktails
Get Your Art Buzz On at Cultivated Cocktails! No artistic talent needed, just the desire to have fun! Wine and Design guide you step by step to complete your very own take-home masterpiece.
$40
Winter Solstice Ecstatic Dance with Kaminanda
December 21, 3 – 5pm
Pack Square Park
celebrate life and the winter solstice with music and ecstatic dance! Join the tribe of people coming together for this unique outdoor dance experience in Pack Square Park. Honoring and bringing together different subcultures, this gathering is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event featuring world renowned tribal fusion dance music artist, Kaminanda. We will create a container for human connectivity, freedom of expression, rhythm and culture.
$12 and up
Wicked Weed’s Holiday Hootenanny
December 20, 5 – 10pm
Wicked Weed Brewing
Celebrate the holiday season with a Bluegrass Spectacular! Hosted by Songs From the Road Band with members from Brushfire Stankgrass, Unspoken Tradition and many more! This event will feature suggested donations for MANNA Food bank as well as a can drive.
Free admission
LaZoom Comedy: Jay Light
December 20, 8 – 10pm
LaZoom Room
Growing up outside of conservative Dallas, Texas, Jay Light had to sneak late-night viewings of Comedy Central and Adult Swim with the volume turned low. His parents wouldn’t have approved. Today things have come full circle: He’s appeared on both seasons of Comedy Central insult competition Roast Battle, been named a “local eclectic noise maker” by L.A. Weekly, and praised as “one of the best Roasters in Los Angeles” by no less than Comedy Central mainstay Jeff Ross.
$10
The Regeneration Station
Last Minute Holiday Craft Market & Flea
December 21, 11 – 4pm
Free admission
Recession Proof Mixology
Every Monday in December 4 – 2am
Sovereign Remedies
Serving their highly coveted Late Night Menu starting at 4pm & all night long paired with some classic cocktails at a friendly price.
Free admission
December 23 – 31
Asheville Symphony: Classical Mystery Tour – Nye Beatles Concert
December 31, 8pm
US Cellular Center
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your Asheville Symphony and the Classical Mystery Tour band ? including cast members from the Broadway smash Beatlemania! The first half of the concert features selections from the unforgettable Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, performed exactly as it was recorded
$39.50 – $82.50
New Year’s Eve with Murder By Death
December 31, 9 – Midnight
The Grey Eagle
Don’t miss the greatest New Year’s Eve party in Asheville with Murder By Death at The Grey Eagle! Murder By Death’s eighth full-length album The Other Shore is a space-western about a ravaged Earth, its fleeing populace, and a relationship in jeopardy. It’s an epic journey rocketing toward the unknown—in the universe, within the characters represented through 11 songs, and through the band’s evolving sound. But basically, the quest poses the ultimatum: Stick with what you have, or risk it all to find something new.
$25
BLACK & WHITE: A Party Of The Century
December 31, 9 – 12:30am
Battery Park Book Exchange
This will be the Black and White Gala, in the tradition of Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball held for all the swells at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Capote served Tattinger and all guests came in their finest black and white, and wore elaborate masks. We invite our patrons to do the same, and we will have some masks to loan as well.
$110 – $200
Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band and Empire Strikes Brass NYE!
December 31, 8 – 2am
Salvage Station
$25
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
December 31, 8pm
US Cellular
$32.50 – $37.50
Post-Brunch Blues
Every Sunday in December 4 – 7pm
Archetype Brewing
Local Musician Ashley Heath organizes a weekly jam session right after Sunday brunch.
Free admission
Ball in the Hall w/ The Grass Is Dead + Songs from the Road Band
December 31, 10 – 2am
Asheville Music Hall
Grass is Dead are a bluegrass combo paying homage to the music and cultural legacy of The Grateful Dead.
$20 – $25
NYE with DJ Malinalli
December 31, 8 – 2am
Urban Orchard Cider – South Slope
Free admission and champagne specials all day!
Free Trivia Night
Every Tuesday in December 7pm
Archetype Brewing – West Asheville
A weekly night of free pub quiz fun! Professional trivia master will be quizzing you on everything: history, science, art, pop culture, and everything else. Win awesome prizes, and who knows…you might learn something!
Free admission
New Year, Tiki This?
December 31, 9 – 12:30am
The Montford Rooftop Bar
Indulge in Tiki-themed sips at our grandiose holiday themed, tropical oasis at our rooftop bar. Revel in a champagne toast at midnight while taking in sparkling city views.
$135
NYE: The Broadcast + Downtown Abby & The Echoes
December 31, 9 – 12:30am
Ambrose West
A Vintage New Years Eve Celebration!
$18 – $20
FLOW featuring: Murkury 6 Hour NYE Journey Set
December 31, 8 – 2am
One World Brewing – West
Join the FLOW family this New Years Eve for a multi-genre, digital/vinyl experience from Asheville’s one and only Murkury!!
Free admission
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