A professional production of the full original Nutcracker ballet 

Where: available via private link, filmed live at Diana Wortham Theatre at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, performed by Ashevville's own Ballet Company, directed by Ann Dunn.

When: Dec. 20 - Jan. 3

How: All tickets are $20, available via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-asheville-ballet-presents-the-nutcracker-tickets-129794317297 or visit www.ashevilleballet.com

National Gingerbread House Competition

Where: At the Omni Grove Park Inn, held virtually this year

When: Throughout the holiday season

How: For information on how to attend virtually go to https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/gingerbread/national-gingerbread-competition

Holiday themed Arts & Crafts for kids

Where: Waynesville Art School

When: Throughout the month of December

How: Check out the December class schedule here https://www.waynesvilleartschool.com/december-classes

Christmas at Biltmore

Where: Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

When: Through Jan. 9, 2021is happening until Jan. 9, 2021

How: Find dates, times and tickets at https://www.biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/christmas/

The annual “Polar Express'' train ride

Where: Now departing from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City. 

When: Through Dec. 31

How: For a complete listing of departure dates and times, call 800.872.4681 or go to www.gsmr.com. 

Drive-Thru Christmas Story

Where: Long’s Chapel church grounds, 133 Old Clyde Road, Waynesville, NC 28785

When: From 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20. 

How: There is no charge to attend, for more information call 828.456.3993 ext. 101 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The annual “Handmade Holiday Sale”

Where: Normally held at Western Carolina University, the event will go virtual this year. 

When: Available now, through Fall 2021 when vendor submissions will begin for the 2021 sale.

How: Those interested can view and purchase the handmade items by clicking on https://affiliate.wcu.edu/handmadeholiday/

Winter Wonderland Nights

Where: Downtown Franklin

When: Throughout the holiday season

How: Visit www.franklin-chamber.com for more information. Downtown will feature living window displays of the holidays, live sounds of the season outdoors at the gazebo and inside stores, free holiday attractions (weather permitting), refreshments, hot cider, great sales from local merchants, and much more.

Drive-in screening of the classic holiday film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”

Where: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

When: The screening will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11.

How: The “Carpool Cinema” will be free of charge to attend.

The annual celebration “A Night Before Christmas”

Where: Main Street in Waynesville 

When: From 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12

How: For more information visit  www.downtownwaynesville.com or call 828.456.3517.

Outdoor Holiday Market

Where: Innovation Station in Dillsboro

When:  From 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 

How: For more information, click on www.innovation-brewing.com. To become a vendor, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Bethlehem Experience: A Live Drive-Thru Nativity

Where: At the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, presented by Cartoogechaye Baptist Church

When: At 6 p.m. Dec. 11-13 

How: This event is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information call 828.524.1598 or go to www.greatmountainmusic.com. 

A Christmas with Family & Friends Dinner

Where: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, presented by the Overlook Theatre Company.

When: The dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 &15. 

How:  Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call 828.524.1598 or click on www.greatmountainmusic.com. 

Mini Holiday Photo Shoot 

Where: Marianna Black Library in Bryson City 

When: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 21 

How: Area families are invited to schedule a shoot at the festive backdrop, set up by the library, complete with a Christmas tree and stockings hanging above a fireplace. Appointments can be made the day of the shoot. No walk-ins. Three prints of your choice will be provided and photos will also be emailed upon request. 828.488.3030. 

Asheville Nativity: Creche-Fest

Where: The event will be held virtually this year. 

When: Through Dec. 31

How: Hosted at First Baptist Church in downtown Asheville (5 Oak Street). Go to their website for details https://www.ashevillenativity.org. See a display of 300+ Nativity sets from 60+ countries.

Holiday Lights Events:

The 37th annual “Lights & Luminaries”

Where: Downtown Dillsboro

When: From 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11-12

How: For more information visit www.visitdillsboro.org

Christmas Wonderland Lights

Where: Tryon 

When: Open through Jan. 3, 2021.

How: Drive through an extravagant, 2-mile Christmas light show, synchronized to music at the Tryon International Equestrian Center - open every night of the week. For more information visit https://tryon.com/page/winterfest

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

Where: North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville

When: Open through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. 

How: Drive through a one-mile stretch of impressive light displays and unique exhibits at the Arboretum. Visit www.ncarboretum.org/winter-lights/ for more information

Lake Julian Festival of Lights

Where: Lake Julian in Buncombe County 

When: Open each night from 6 to 9 p.m. until Wednesday, Dec. 23. 

How: Cost is $10 per car. Tickets must be purchased online at buncomberecreation.simpletix.com/e/60387.