ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Looking for things to do this weekend? We have you covered. From Christmas parades to winter markets, we have a one horse open sleigh’s worth of activities in our weekend guide.
Friday, Dec. 12
Late Night Asheville – 6-9 p.m., downtown Asheville
During Late Night Asheville, shops across downtown Asheville will stay open late and welcome the community in for an evening of winter celebration. Over 30 shops will participate in the event, offering small treats and festive beverages in addition to their holiday wares.
Watch “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” – Streaming on Netflix
Christmas isn’t here yet, but a new “Knives Out” movie sure feels like a gift. The latest, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” is another exemplary whodunnit from Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig. Read our review here.
20th Candlelight Stroll – 6-8 p.m., Main St., Weaverville
The Candlelight Stroll, a cherished holiday tradition in Weaverville, will return to Main Street for its 20th anniversary this week. The public is invited out for an evening of caroling, community and Christmas cheer, including a “mini winter wonderland” of local businesses.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Fairview Christmas Parade – 10 a.m., TE Connectivity, 1396 Charlotte Hwy
Fairview gets festive for the holiday season this weekend with the Fairview Christmas Parade and 25th Anniversary Barn Warmer at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13 in the heart of Fairview before the Hickory Nut Gap afterparty from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jingle and Mingle with the Clauses – Noon to 3 p.m., Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown, 192 Haywood St.
Embassy Suites Asheville will host Santa and Mrs. Claus at a free community celebration in partnership with the YMCA of Western North Carolina. Families are invited to enjoy festive beverages, a cookie bar and a craft station, as well as a letter writing station and professional photo op with the Clauses.
Breakfast with Santa – 8:30-10:30 a.m., Twisted Laurel, 10A S. Main St., Weaverville
Enjoy a breakfast buffet with Santa Claus at Twisted Laurel this weekend. At the 3rd annual Breakfast with Santa event, guests will be able to snap a photo with Santa, make a Christmas ornament and dig into a holiday buffet. Proceeds will be donated to charity. Find tickets here.
Christmas Jam 2025 – 7 p.m., Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville
The lineup for the 33rd annual Christmas Jam includes Warren Haynes & Friends, Stone Temple Pilots, MJ Lenderman & The Wind, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, and A Very Special Xmas Jam Tribute to Phil Lesh featuring Warren Haynes, Grahame Lesh, Jimmy Herring, John Molo and Jason Crosby. Find tickets here.
Sunday, Dec. 14
BIPOC Winter Market – 1-4 p.m., New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St.
Local BIPOC vendors, including farmers, herbalists, artists and more, will have their goods for sale at the BIPOC Winter Market this weekend. Southside Community Farm, a Black-led urban farm and food hub, will be in attendance as well, selling merchandise, herbal salves and fresh produce.
5th Annual Asheville Winter Wonder Walk – 6-8:30 p.m., Adventure Center of Asheville
The holiday spirit meets live outdoor theater at the Winter Wonder Walk. The 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk, crafted by Asheville Plays! and hosted at the Adventure Center of Asheville, is an immersive, family-friendly stroll through the Kingdom of Winterland, a wintry story world filled with whimsical characters.