The Polar Express Train Ride: Through Dec. 31 with Smoky Mountain Railroad, 45 Mitchell St., Bryson City. Enjoy cocoa and a treat while listening to story of “The Polar Express.” Santa will board the train and give each child a gift. Christmas carols sung on return trip. $11-$93; free for infants up to 23 months in coach class. Visit www.gsmr.com or call 800-872-4681 for dates, times and prices.
Winter Lights walk-through open-air event: Through Jan. 1, N.C. Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville. Tickets are per car and date specific. Tickets for standard-size vehicles $25-$60 when purchased online in advance. Admission is available at the gate for an additional $10 on the night of the event. For tickets and details, visit ncwinterlights.com.
Shadrack’s Christmas Light Show: Drive through event 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 3, Tryon International Equestrian Center, 4066 Pea Ridge Road, Mill Spring. Visit https://tryon.com/page/winterfest.
Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley: Open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekday/non-holiday; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekend/holiday. Tickets, lessons and rentals can be purchased on arrival. Online reservations will start early to mid-December. Tube World, 4821 Soco Road, opens at 10 a.m. Visit www.cataloochee.com.
Sugar Mountain Resort: 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Banner Elk. Open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Snowshoe tours 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays. Ice skating. Tubing. Visit www.skisugar.com.
Beech Mountain Ski Resort: Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 9. Night skiing available as of Dec. 10. Snowmaking will continue as temperatures allow in preparation to open tubing as soon as possible. Daily slope report at www.beechmountainresort.com will provide updates. 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain (near Banner Elk).
Photo opportunity at Carolina Ace Hardware, 911 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville: Open through Jan. 1. A free elaborate Christmas display open to the public. Bring the family, the pets and the camera and take your holiday pictures. Call 828-697-2237.
“A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas” song and dance revue: Friday-Sunday through Dec. 19, Flat Rock Playhouse, Greenville Highway, Flat Rock. $20-$65. Visit https://flatrockplayhouse.org/ for specific dates, time and tickets.
National Gingerbread House Competition: Through Jan. 2, Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville. Open to public after 3 p.m. Sundays or any time Monday-Thursday (based on parking availability). Not open Dec. 23-25, Dec. 29-31 and Jan. 1. Free admission. $25 day parking, $35 valet parking.
Tweetsie Christmas: Open 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Dec. 18, then Sunday-Thursday through Dec. 30, Tweetsie Railroad, U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Train ride every 30 minutes, Santa, variety show, amusement rides, fire pits. $44, $38 ages 3-12, free age 2 and younger. Advance tickets required. Visit www.tweetsie.com or call 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874).
Send Santa Claus a letter in time for Christmas. Stop by Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, 100 N. Grove St., Hendersonville. Drop you letter in red mailbox at front entrance by Dec. 15 and Santa will send a reply. Express shipping to the North Pole included. Letters must include a valid return address, child's name, age and gender.
“Strand of Lights” drive-through Christmas light show: 5-10 p.m. through Jan. 1 at Smoky Mountain Event Center, Highway 209, Clyde. $20 per car. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Guests will be able to reserve their day and one hour time slot. Visit https://38main.square.site/.
Christmas Wonderland Hayride: Dec. 8-11 and 15-18, Darnell Farms, 2300 Governors Island Road, Bryson City. $12. Visit www.darnellfarms.com. Also selling trees and wreaths.
Photos with Santa Paws: Take your dog: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 11, Hi Wire Brewing Big Top; 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14, Chemist Spirits; 5-8 p.m. Dec. 16, Archetype Brewing West. To raise donations through photos with Santa for the furry friends at Asheville Humane Society.
Chit-Chat with Santa virtual visit: Through Dec. 24. Provides safe alternative to face-to-face meetings with Santa or Mrs. Claus. Calls are $35 for an up to 10-minute video call that can be made on a mobile device, tablet or computer, without downloading an app. By answering a short questionnaire during booking, parents can include information so Santa can make their call more personalized. Letters from Santa also available for $14.99. Visit www.chitchatwithsanta.com.
Deck The Trees: Through Jan. 3. 35 decorated trees at Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W. State St., Black Mountain, and in stores and businesses throughout the town. Vote for your favorite tree by donating with cash, check or online. Visit https://www.svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.html. To raise funds for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry fuel fund.
Winterfest Village: 5-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday Dec. 2-19, Tryon International Equestrian Center, 4066 Pea Ridge Road, Mill Spring. Santa’s workshop meet and greet, The Grinch performance, carousel rides, music, carriage rides, s’mores, storytelling. One ticket for everything. Also restaurants, concession stands, shopping. Visit https://tryon.com/page/winterfest or email tickets@tryon.com.
Stage play “It’s the Most _____ Time of the Year: Oil on Canvas”: A dark comedy Dec. 3-18, The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St., Asheville. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. $25, with member discounts available. Masks and proof of vaccination required. Visit www.themagnetictheatre.org.
Tinsel Trail: Dec. 5-Jan. 1. Open nightly until 9 p.m. at Shelton House, 49 Shelton Drive, Waynesville. Christmas tree display in outdoor park setting. Free.
Historic Johnson Farm Christmas Tours: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6-10 and 13-17, 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. Guided tours at 10:30 a.m. Reservations encouraged. $15, $10 students and seniors, free age 4 and younger. Self guided tours 1-3 p.m., $8, $5 students/seniors, free age 4 and younger. Call 828-891-6585 or visit www.historicjohnsonfarm.org.
Blue Ridge Ringers presents “Carols of the Bells”: Noon Dec. 6, Transylvania County Public Library, 212 S. Gaston St., Brevard. Handbell choir. Free.
Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol-A Play With Music”: Dec. 7-19 in person and via Zoom, NC Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane, downtown Asheville. Two-performer presentation. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.ncstage.org.
“Many Times, Many Ways” concert by Halie Loren: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Parker Concert Hall at Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Lane, Brevard. $35-$45. Call 828-862-2105 or visit https://secure.brevardmusic.org/online/default.asp.
Christmas Wonderland Hayride: Dec. 8-11 and 15-18, Darnell Farms, 2300 Governors Island Road, Bryson City. $12. Visit www.darnellfarms.com. Also selling trees and wreaths.
Stage play “A Christmas Carol”: Reimagined two-performer version Dec. 9-12, Soqdet, 567 Mill St., Sylva. $20, $32 VIP, $8 treat add-on optional. Visit https://calliopestagecompany.ticketspice.com/a-christmas-carol for tickets and show times.
“It Must Be Christmas” David Phelps concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 9, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin. Sacred and traditional favorites. $25, $28, $32, $42 priority seating. Call 866-273-4615 or visit www.smokymountainarts.com.
"An Evening of Holiday Storytelling" for all ages: 6 p.m. Dec. 9, Lake Louise Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville. Local tellers Chuck Fink, Kathy Gordon, Chet Allen and Jill Totman. Free event with a tip jar available. Sponsored by Weaverville Center for Creative and Healthy Living.
Stage play “A Christmas Carol”: Thursday-Sunday Dec. 9-19, Owen Theatre at Mars Hill University. Virtual performance available on-demand Dec. 20-26. $28, premium seats $32, virtual pass $25. Visit www.sartplays.com or call 828-689-1232.
Stage play “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10-11 and 17-18, 2 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19, Hart Theatre, Pigeon Road/U.S. 276, Waynesville. Visit www.harttheatre.org or call 828-456-6322.
“The Nutcracker” by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 3 p.m. Dec. 11, Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. Learn more and find tickets at arts.wcu.edu/nutcracker.
“The Nutcracker” by The Asheville Ballet: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. $15-$50. Visit www.worthamarts.org or call 828-257-4530.
Brunch at the North Pole: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 10, Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville. Seniors get a chance to celebrate at a special brunch while wearing pajamas, drinking hot chocolate, and taking pictures with Santa. Door prizes, line dancing, and more. Free.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 10-11 along Front Street, Dillsboro. 2,500 luminaries light way to shops and studios. Restaurants open late. See Santa and Mrs. Claus as they ride through in their pickup truck, write Santa a letter and drop it off at his special mailbox, music, horse and buggy rides. Visit www.mountainlovers.com.
Free photos with Santa: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 11-12 and 18-19 at Asheville Outlets, center circle in front of Nike Factory Store, 800 Brevard Road. Holiday photo spots throughout Outlets at food court, fire fountain, ornament light display, Christmas tree in center circle at Mitchell Gold.
Photos with Santa Paws: Take your dog: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 11, Hi Wire Brewing Big Top; 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14, Chemist Spirits; 5-8 p.m. Dec. 16, Archetype Brewing West. To raise donations through photos with Santa for the furry friends at Asheville Humane Society.
Blue Ridge Big Band presents ‘Christmas 1940’s Radio Show’: 7 p.m. Dec. 11 and 3 p.m. Dec. 12, Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 133 Old Clyde Road, Waynesville. By donation.
Reading of “The Polar Express” and snack with Santa: Readings at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Dec. 11, self guided tour of model train museum, photo with Santa. Apple Valley Train Museum, 650 Maple St., Hendersonville. $10. Call 828-693-1580 or visit www.smartstartpfc.org.
Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra presents “An Appalachian Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Blue Ridge Community College, 180 W. Campus Drive, Flat Rock. Joined by banjo player Graham Sharp of Steep Canyon Rangers, fiddler Julian Pinelli and soprano Amanda Horton. $12-$45. Visit www.hendersonvillesymphony.org.
Mills River Santa Tour: Dec. 11. Santa will travel through town on a fire truck beginning at 9:30 a.m. Santa will pass through the town’s main roadways and as many neighborhoods as possible. He will return to the North Pole by 4 p.m. Visit www.millsriver.org/santa to find approximate arrival time or track Santa on GPS.
Santa on the Chimney: Dec. 11 at Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock. Santa will be practicing for his big day by rappelling down the Chimney at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus after each climb. Elves lead guided hike to Hickory Nut Falls at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Included with regular park admission. Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com.
Annual Cookie Walk: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 11, Mills River Presbyterian Church, 10 Presbyterian Church Road, Mills River. Fill a box for $8. Box holds about two dozen cookies. Or buy a box already filled. Also Chex Mix for $4, candy in a jar $4, soup mixes in a jar $8. Cash or check only. Call 828-891-7101 or visit www.millsriverpresbyterian.org.
Christmas in the Park: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 11, Transyvlania Parks & Rec, 1078 Ecusta Road, Brevard. Santa, ice sculptor, petting zoo, train, climbing wall, snowboard simulator, food trucks, music, inflatables, craft vendors. $5/wristband, free age 2 and younger. Register at www.countyrec.org or call 828-884-3156.
The Sock Hops "Doo-wop & Deck the Halls" Christmas concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 11, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin. Four-part harmonies of songs from 1950s-70s.Tickets start at $18. Visit www.smokyMountainArts.com or call 866-273-4615.
Fort Defiance Victorian Christmas: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 11-12, Fort Defiance, Highway 268, Lenoir. Caroling, reading of letters from the Lenoirs from long ago, burning of the holly, refreshments. Access to grounds is free. Tour of decorated home is $10, $5 age 14 and younger, free age 4 and younger. Follow us on Facebook or call 828-758-1671.
Breakfast with Santa: Seatings at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11, Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville. For kids age 10 and younger. Santa, pancakes, decorate an ornament. $8 per child (no fee for adults with their children). Register at www.avlrec.com.
Holiday Light Night: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11, Burton Street Community Center, 131 Burton St., Asheville. Free. Enjoy warm drinks and refreshments. Center will be filled with glowing luminaries.
Blue Ridge Ringers presents “Carols of the Bells”: 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Hendersonville Presbyterian Church, 699 N. Grove St. Handbell choir. Free. Call 828-692-4910.
Swannanoa Winterfest: 3-8 p.m. Dec. 12, Grovemont Square, 101 W. Charleston Ave., adjacent to library. Modeled on European holiday markets. Arts, food, sing-alongs, Olaf the snowman. Free. Visit www.grovemontpark.org.
Holiday Bingo: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 13, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Road, Asheville. Free. Everyone’s a possible winner at family-friendly bingo with drinks and festive treats.
Christmas Wonderland Hayride: Dec. 15-18, Darnell Farms, 2300 Governors Island Road, Bryson City. $12. Visit www.darnellfarms.com. Also selling trees and wreaths.
Jingle Bell Toddler Celebration: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 15, Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville. Snowball toss, inflatables, activity tables, Santa. $5 per child (no fee for adults with their children). Register at www.avlrec.com.
“The Nutcracker” by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, 10 a.m. Dec. 18, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. $18-$32. Visit www.worthamarts.org or call 828-257-4530.
Fun with Frosty & The Grinch: For ages 2-5 from 1-2 p.m. Dec. 16, Transylvania County Parks & Rec, Brevard. $5 includes story time, craft, game, snack, photos with Frosty and the Grinch. Register at www.countyrec.org or call 828-884-3156.
Carolina Christmas Show: Dance, music, comedy at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, and 2 p.m. Dec. 19, Municipal Event Center, 29 Logan St., Marion. $12-$25. Visit www.carolinachristmasshow.com or https://www.marlumor.com/christmas-show or call 855-222-2849.
Holiday Fireworks: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 in downtown Sylva.
Live drive-through Christmas story: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 17-18, Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 133 Old Clyde Road, Waynesville.
“Merry Christmas, Darling: Carpenter’s Christmas”: 7 p.m. Dec. 17, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin. $20, $25, $30, $37 priority seating. Call 866-273-4615 or visit www.smokymountainarts.com.
Wreaths Across America: Wreath laying ceremony for veterans at 10 a.m. Dec. 18, Green Hill Cemetery, off South Main Street, Waynesville.
A Night Before Christmas festival: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 18 along Main Street in Waynesville. Luminaries line the sidewalks, carolers, music, Santa, wagon rides, live nativity and marketplace.
“A Christmas Memory”: Truman Capote’s story presented as a one-man show at 2 p.m. Dec. 18-19, St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church, 1905 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville. Free but RSVP required. Room for 30 attendees. Visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.
Hope for the Holidays Jingle Jog 5K: 9 a.m. Dec. 18 in downtown Hendersonville. Fundraiser for Support the Hope Coalition. $25-$35 in person. $30 virtual option. Cookies, milk and hot chocolate bar following race. Visit https://raceroster.com/events/2021/50362/hope-for-the-holidays-jingle-jog-5k.com.
Walking tour of downtown Black Mountain: 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Meet at Swannanoa Valley Museum, 223 W. State St. Learn history of Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley. $10, free for museum members. Visit https://www.history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org/ or call 828-669-9566.
Christmas Brunch & Gingerbread House Decorating: Dec. 18. Brunch 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ($12), house decorating noon-2 p.m. ($15), Christmount Conference Center, 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain. Call 828-669-8977 to reserve your spot.
Christmas with the Isaacs concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 19, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin. Nashville based family group. $20-$30; $38 priority seating. Call 866-273-4615 or visit www.smokymountainarts.com.
Traditional Moravian LoveFeast and Candle Service: 11 a.m. Dec. 19, Mills River Presbyterian Church, 10 Presbyterian Church Road, Mills River. Traditionally-clad people serving coffee and LoveFeast buns. Visit www.millsriverpresbyterian.org.
Holiday Camp for grades K-8: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 20-23 and 27-31, Tempie Avery Montford Center, 34 Pearson Drive, Asheville (for youth and middle school) and Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville (for middle school). Enjoy games, crafts, organized play and holiday fun. Free. Register at www.ashevillenc.gov/parksregistration or call 828-259-5800.
The Overlook Theatre Company’s Christmas Celebration: 7 p.m. Dec. 21, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin. Stories, holiday memories, sing along. $10 general admission. Call 866-273-4615 or visit www.smokymountainarts.com.
Early 1800s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 5 p.m. Dec. 24, Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, 171 Beaverdam Road, Asheville. Music from 1800s or before. Many participants in period clothing. For more information, call 828-253-0765.
White Horse live Christmas Eve concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 24, White Horse, 105C Montreat Road, Black Mountain. Featuring Connell Sanderson, Christian Howes, Rebekkah Hilgraves, Bob Hinkle, Johannah Laverty. Free. Proof of vaccine or negative COVID test required for in-person events. Visit www.whitehorseblackmountain.com.
Bounty of Bethlehem Community Christmas Dinner: 12:30-4 p.m. Dec. 25, Salvation Army gym, 239 Third Ave. E., Hendersonville. Free. Take-out only. Meals available until 4 p.m. or until they run out. Visit www.bountyofbethlehem.org or www.facebook.com/bobhendersonville.