ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Holiday markets, theatrical performances, train rides and seasonal activities are scheduled across Asheville and Western North Carolina throughout November and December.
The 2026 calendar includes opportunities to shop from regional artists, attend holiday productions and take part in family activities.
Here are events with published 2026 dates, organized by type.
Holiday markets and shopping events
RADFest
Dates: Nov. 14–15, 2026
Location: River Arts District, Asheville
RADFest brings artists, vendors and visitors together for a two-day celebration in Asheville’s River Arts District. The event includes local makers, guest vendors, live music and artist demonstrations, including metal pouring and block printing. Admission is free. Activities are scheduled from noon to 8 p.m. both days.
Information: RADFest
Grovewood Gallery Holiday Sip & Shop
Dates: Dec. 4–5, 2026
Location: Grovewood Gallery, Asheville
Grovewood Gallery will host a holiday shopping event featuring handmade work by local and regional artists. The event includes opportunities to browse artwork and crafts, along with demonstrations and seasonal refreshments.
Information: Explore Asheville
The Big Crafty
Dates: Dec. 5–6, 2026
Location: ExploreAsheville.com Arena, Asheville
The Big Crafty’s holiday market will bring together more than 100 local and regional makers. Shoppers can browse handmade goods while the event also features food, beverages and live music.
Information: The Big Crafty
Southern Highland Craft Guild Holiday Makers Sale
Dates: Dec. 5 and 12, 2026
Location: Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville
Members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild will offer handmade work, including pottery, jewelry, textiles and other crafts. The annual sale provides an opportunity to purchase work produced by regional artists and craftspeople.
Information: Folk Art Center
Holiday theater and live performances
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dates: Nov. 27–Dec. 20, 2026
Location: Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock
Flat Rock Playhouse will present its annual Christmas production, marking the show’s 10th anniversary. The production features holiday music and seasonal performances. Showtimes vary by date, and tickets are required.
Information: Flat Rock Playhouse
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Dates: Dec. 2–20, 2026
Location: NC Stage, Asheville
NC Stage will present Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, a theatrical work that revisits Charles Dickens’ familiar holiday story from the perspective of Jacob Marley.
Information: NC Stage
Frozen
Dates: Dec. 4–20, 2026
Location: Asheville Community Theatre, Asheville
Asheville Community Theatre will present a stage production of Frozen during the holiday season. Performance dates and ticket availability can be found through the theater.
Information: Asheville Community Theatre
The Nutcracker & the Mouse King
Dates: Dec. 4–5, 2026
Location: Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville
Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre will present its interpretation of the holiday story.
Information: Wortham Center
The Asheville Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Dates: Dec. 11–13, 2026
Location: Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville
The Asheville Ballet will present The Nutcracker, featuring the familiar holiday ballet and its seasonal music.
Information: Wortham Center
Family activities and seasonal attractions
Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards
Dates: Nov. 20, 2026, through Jan. 18, 2027
Location: Asheville Yards, downtown Asheville
The seasonal outdoor ice rink returns to downtown Asheville. In addition to skating, the venue plans holiday markets, art installations, themed skating nights and seasonal movie screenings. Skating requires admission, while some surrounding activities are available without a skating ticket.
Information: Explore Asheville
Santa on the Chimney
Date: Dec. 5, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock
Santa Claus will rappel down Chimney Rock as part of the park’s annual holiday event. Additional activities include opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, music and park programs. The event is included with park admission.
Information: Explore Asheville
The Polar Express Train Ride
Dates: Nov. 6, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027
Location: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will offer its seasonal Polar Express train excursions. The experience is based on the children’s story and includes a themed train journey with holiday activities. Reservations are required, and departure schedules vary.
Information: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
This guide will be updated as additional 2026 events are announced.