ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The holiday season is getting into full swing across Asheville and Western North Carolina, with parades, tree lightings, markets and family-friendly events planned throughout November and December. From downtown Asheville’s beloved Holiday Parade to festive light shows at the Biltmore and the North Carolina Arboretum, locals and visitors have plenty of ways to celebrate the season.

Here’s a roundup of what to see and do this holiday season:

Asheville

Asheville Holiday Parade: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, downtown Asheville. Bring non-perishable food, spend $10 at a downtown business and spread kindness as part of the Holiday Hero Challenge.

Vintage Market Days of Asheville: Nov. 21-23, WNC Ag Center. 130+ vendors, local eats, handmade treasures, kids under 12 free.

Grand Kyiv Ballet: Swan Lake – Nov. 11, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

The Nutcracker: Dec. 13-15, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts..

LaZoom Hey Asheville Holiday Tour: Nov. 28-Dec. 24. Explore festive lights and city history on a trolley tour.

Winter Wonderland at Asheville Yards: Opens Nov. 26. Holiday displays and activities.

Winter Wonder Walk: Nov. 28-Dec. 14, Adventure Center of Asheville.

Christmas at Biltmore & Candlelight Evenings: Nov. 1-Jan. 4, Biltmore Estate. Includes house and grounds tours, Antler Hill Village, and special events like Santa at the Bandstand (Nov. 8-9).

Grove Arcade Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party: Nov. 29. Holiday market, tree lighting at 5 p.m., jazz and DJ performances, Santa meet-and-greet, Asheville Ballet performances and family crafts. Free admission.

National Gingerbread House Competition: Nov. 18-Jan. 4, Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa.

Winter Lights at North Carolina Arboretum: Nov. 15-Jan. 4. Over a million lights, themed displays, train rides, storytime, fire pits, gift shops. Tickets required.

LEGO Snowman Build: Nov. 7, Asheville Mall; Nov. 8, Biltmore Park Town Square. Free event for ages 10+.

Black Mountain

Reindeer Romp: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. Holiday activities across eight bars with music, costumes and specials.

Holly Jolly Windows Contest: Register by Nov. 17 to decorate storefronts. Free to enter.

Black Mountain Swannanoa Christmas Parade: 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Theme: “Christmas in Music and Song.”

Bryson City

Polar Express Train Ride: Runs through Dec. 31.

Downtown Light Displays: Starts Nov. 6.

Ice Skating at The Yard: Starts Nov. 7.

Smoky Mountains Christmas Light Spectacular: Saturday, Nov. 8.

Darnell Farms Winter Wonderland Hayrides: Nov. 26.

Single-Day Holiday Events: Various dates, including Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Canton

Reindeer Run & Grinch Sprint: Nov. 20 deadline for early registration. Race around Sorrells Street Park with donuts and beverages at finish line. Grinch Sprint for runners 12 and under.

5th annual Kris Kringle Holiday Market: Less than 30 days away. Hot drinks, food, carriage rides, Smokey Mountain Santa, skating rink and more than 50 local vendors. Free admission.

Hendersonville

Main Street Holiday Decorations & Train Rides: Ongoing through New Year’s Day.

Holiday Shows at Flat Rock Playhouse: Through New Year’s Day.

Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt: Seasonal event.

Annual Christmas Parade: Seasonal event.

Holiday Historic Inns Tour & Cookie Caper: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children under 18.

Marshall

Town of Marshall Christmas Parade: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.

Christmas on Main: Dec. 6, downtown. More than 100 artisans, local makers and pop-up boutiques.

Mars Hill

Santa & Mrs. Claus on Main Street: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. Games, treats and photos.

Mars Hill Christmas Parade: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

Christmas Market: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Mars Hill Elementary School. Vendors and food trucks.

Vendor Village: First Friday – 5-8 p.m.  Nov. 7. Local holiday shopping and gifts.

Marion

Holiday Market Fundraiser: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, downtown Marion. Vendors, live music, kids’ activities, pancake breakfast fundraiser.

Marion Christmas Parade: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. Theme: “A McDowell Strong Christmas.”

Old Fort

Old Fort Christmas Holiday Parade: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Line up at 4 p.m., Old Fort Elementary. Grand Marshal: William Kehler.

Waynesville

Frost & Finds: Holiday Market Experience – Dec. 19-22, Smoky Mountain Event Center. 120+ vendors, handcrafted gifts, vintage treasures, food and treats.

Swannanoa

Swannanoa Winterfest: 2-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, Grovemont Square. European-style holiday market, live music, trolley rides, Santa and Olaf appearances, marshmallow roasting, food and drinks. Free admission.