December 2023 calendar of events

Find weekly updates and highlights online at wncparent.com. Send your organization’s family events to chris@worthyplace.com.

Friday, Dec. 1

An Old Fashioned Christmas is on Main Street in Hendersonville. Stores and galleries extend their hours to serve holiday treats, and choirs and carolers stroll the sidewalks. Santa visits with kids on the courthouse plaza, while carriage rides return to Main Street. The llamas of Ellaberry Llama Farm dress in their holiday finest for festive photo ops. For more information about Hendersonville’s Home for the Holidays, call 828-693-9708 or visit VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/home-for-the-holidays.

Holly Jolly events begin today in Black Mountain. For details, visit exploreblackmountain.com.

The Dickens Festival is in Historic Biltmore Village. For details, visit historicbiltmorevillage.com/events.

Parent’s Night Out is 5 – 10 p.m. at XP League Asheville. Pizza dinner is included. The cost is $40 for the first child and $20 for each additional sibling. Register online at asheville.xpl.gg/home.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Saturday, Dec. 2

Breakfast with Santa is Dec. 2 at River’s End Restaurant at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Reservations are required and must be booked online. The restaurant will be exclusively open for this special event. Bring your own camera or phone, a photographer will not be provided. Register at noc.com/events/breakfast-with-santa.

Up On the Rooftop Jingle and Mingle is 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel. Register in advance for free tickets at eventbrite.com/e/up-on-the-rooftop-jingle-and-mingle-tickets-751758087677.

Preschool Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Call the library at 828-250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org for details.

Hora Del Cuento/Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library. Call 828-250-6488 or email skyland.library@buncombecounty.org.

The 26th Annual Santa on the Chimney event is at Chimney Rock State Park. Santa will rappel down the Chimney each hour on the hour from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Between trips down the Chimney, Santa will meet up with Mrs. Claus and take a break to pose for photos with attendees. Santa's elves will lead a hike to Hickory Nut Falls for explorers of all ages. Live animal ambassadors and their naturalist counterparts will make appearances on the Outcroppings Deck. Breakfast with the Elves is 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Old Rock Café. For details, visit chimneyrockpark.com/event/26th-annual-santa-on-the-chimney.

Jingle Bell Jamboree is at 1:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

The Black Mountain Christmas parade is today. For details, visit exploreblackmountain.com.

The Dickens Festival is in Historic Biltmore Village. For details, visit historicbiltmorevillage.com/events.

A Christmas Farmers Market and Christmas parade are in Hendersonville. For more information about Hendersonville’s Home for the Holidays, call 828-693-9708 or visit VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/home-for-the-holidays.

Sunday, Dec. 3

$10 Sunday Fundays are at Kolo Bike Park. Call 828-225-2921for conditions. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Monday, Dec. 4

Holiday Story Time is at 10 a.m. at the Edneyville Library and at the Mills River Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.

Tuesday, Dec. 5

Holiday Story Time is at 10 a.m. at the Etowah Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.

Read with Flora the Golden Retriever 4 – 5 p.m. at the East Asheville Library. All participants must register and sign a waiver to take part. Call the library at 828-250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org for more information.

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Holiday Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. at the Fletcher Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.

A Rudolph Party is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.

A Candy Cane Flashlight Hunt is 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Carrier Park. Bring your own flashlight. This event is designed for teens and adults, but kids ages 10 – 12 are welcome with an adult. For details, visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation.

Thursday, Dec. 7

Stadium Golf Tour is 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Clemson Memorial Stadium. The event is for all ages. Entry is timed, but guests can stay to enjoy the experience for as long as they want. The course traditionally takes two to three hours to complete. General admission, which includes 18 balls, starts at $65. VIP packages, which include additional balls, a swag bag as well as food and beverage items from the clubhouse, start at $100. For tickets and details, visit StadiumGolfTour.com.

Holiday Story Time is at 10 a.m. at the Green River Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.

A silent auction fundraiser to benefit the completion of nonprofit Asheville Music School’s Sound Lab, the school’s rehearsal space and sound production studio, is 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Archetype Brewing North, downtown Asheville. Tickets are $10 each and include a complimentary drink ticket. A cash bar will serve wine and local beer. Music will be provided by AMS teaching artists and will include a special student performance. Tickets are available at bitly.ws/XVXa. Up for bidding will be luxury regional experiences, vacation getaways, wine tasting events, fine art, pampering packages, restaurant and wellness gift certificates, concert tickets and more.

The Canton Christmas Parade is in downtown Canton on Dec. 7. For details, visit visitncsmokies.com/events/#/event/250243-canton-christmas-parade.

Friday, Dec. 8

Stadium Golf Tour is 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Clemson Memorial Stadium. The event is for all ages. Entry is timed, but guests can stay to enjoy the experience for as long as they want. The course traditionally takes two to three hours to complete. General admission, which includes 18 balls, starts at $65. VIP packages, which include additional balls, a swag bag as well as food and beverage items from the clubhouse, start at $100. For tickets and details, visit StadiumGolfTour.com.

Holidays Lights and Cozy Movie Night is 6 – 8 p.m. at the Burton Street Community Center. Admission is free. For details, visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Candlelight Christmas Tours are at Historic Johnson Farm. For more information about Hendersonville’s Home for the Holidays, call 828-693-9708 or visit VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/home-for-the-holidays.

“The Nutcracker” featuring the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville is at 7:30 p.m. at the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. For details, visit arts.wcu.edu/nutcracker-23. For tickets, visit arts.wcu.edu/tickets.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Hendersonville Theatre. The performance is rated PG due to mild language and details about Santa. This is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday traditions. For tickets, visit hendersonvilletheatre.org.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Stadium Golf Tour is 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Clemson Memorial Stadium. The event is for all ages. Entry is timed, but guests can stay to enjoy the experience for as long as they want. The course traditionally takes two to three hours to complete. General admission, which includes 18 balls, starts at $65. VIP packages, which include additional balls, a swag bag as well as food and beverage items from the clubhouse, start at $100. For tickets and details, visit StadiumGolfTour.com.

Breakfast with Santa is at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at the Stephens Lee Recreation Center. Registration is required. For details and registration, visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation.

Mountain Biking 101 Clinic for ages 15 and older is 1 – 3 p.m. at Kolo Bike Park. The clinic will cover the basic operation of your bike, braking, shifting gears, what to check before going on a ride, basic positioning, and learning some fundamental maneuvers to build your skills, followed by practice on the trails and features at Kolo Bike Park. The cost is $75 each ($100 each if bike rental needed). Reservations are required. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park or call 828-225-2921.

Jingle Bell Jamboree is at 1:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Candlelight Christmas Tours are at Historic Johnson Farm. For more information about Hendersonville’s Home for the Holidays, call 828-693-9708 or visit VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/home-for-the-holidays.

The 26th Annual Santa on the Chimney event is at Chimney Rock State Park. Santa will rappel down the Chimney each hour on the hour from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Between trips down the Chimney, Santa will meet up with Mrs. Claus and take a break to pose for photos with attendees. Santa's elves will lead a hike to Hickory Nut Falls for explorers of all ages. Live animal ambassadors and their naturalist counterparts will make appearances on the Outcroppings Deck. Breakfast with the Elves is 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Old Rock Café. For details, visit chimneyrockpark.com/event/26th-annual-santa-on-the-chimney.

A Studio Stroll arts event is in the River Arts District. Events include artist demos, exhibits and more. For details and locations, visit riverartsdistrict.com.

A Critter Checkup is 10 a.m. – noon Dec. 9 at WNC Nature Center. Sign up for a vet checkup for your child and their favorite stuffed animal. Vet techs and veterinarians will be present to examine stuffies and issue a special health certificate. Children, parents, and plushies are then free to explore the WNC Nature Center. Tickets are $10 – $15. For details, visit wildwnc.org/events.

Cookies with the Clauses at Beech Mountain is 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the 4 Seasons Hotel, 608 Beech Mountain Parkway. The event is free. Santa and Mrs. Claus will host visitors in the lobby and serve cookies. Visit beechmtn.com/event/cookies-with-the-claus.

Merry Market with Santa is at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Shop handcrafted treasures made by local artisans. Santa will also make an appearance. For details, visit noc.com/events/merry-market-with-santa.

“The Nutcracker” featuring the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville is at 3 p.m. at the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. For details, visit arts.wcu.edu/nutcracker-23. For tickets, visit arts.wcu.edu/tickets.

Blue Ridge Orchestra’s Revels! 2023 is at 3 p.m. at the Charles Beall Auditorium, Haywood Community College. Tickets are $25 general admission, $15 students, free under age 5. For details, visit blueridgeorchestra.org/bro-revels-2023-dec-23.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Hendersonville Theatre. The performance is rated PG due to mild language and details about Santa. This is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday traditions. For tickets, visit hendersonvilletheatre.org.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Stadium Golf Tour is 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Clemson Memorial Stadium. The event is for all ages. Entry is timed, but guests can stay to enjoy the experience for as long as they want. The course traditionally takes two to three hours to complete. General admission, which includes 18 balls, starts at $65. VIP packages, which include additional balls, a swag bag as well as food and beverage items from the clubhouse, start at $100. For tickets and details, visit StadiumGolfTour.com.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

$10 Sunday Fundays are at Kolo Bike Park. Call 828-225-2921for conditions. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.

Blue Ridge Orchestra’s Revels! 2023 is at 3 p.m. at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church in Swannanoa. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 friends, $5 students, free for ages 6 and younger. For details, visit blueridgeorchestra.org/bro-revels-2023-dec-23.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” is presented at 3 p.m. at Hendersonville Theatre. The performance is rated PG due to mild language and details about Santa. This is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday traditions. For tickets, visit hendersonvilletheatre.org.

Monday, Dec. 11

Tuesday, Dec. 12

Preschool Story Time for ages 3 – 5 is at 10:30 a.m. at the Fairview Library. Call 828-250-6484 or email fairview.library@buncombecounty.org.

Read with Rascal the King Charles Spaniel 4 – 5 p.m. at the East Asheville Library. All participants must register and sign a waiver to take part. Call the library at 828-250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org for more information.

Wednesday, Dec. 13

Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Tiny Tots Yoga is at 11 a.m. at the Swannanoa Library. Call 828-250-6486 or email swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org.

Thursday, Dec. 14

Zaniac Learning presents “Predator or Prey” at 3:45 p.m. at the Fletcher Library. Registration is required. Visit hendersonpl.libcal.com/event/11420404.

Friday, Dec. 15

Jingle Bell Toddler Party is 10 a.m. – noon at the Stephens Lee Recreation Center. Registration is required. The cost is $5 each. Ages 2 – 5 with an adult. For details, visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation.

Hora Del Cuento/Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library. Call 828-250-6488 or email skyland.library@buncombecounty.org.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Winter Wonder Walk is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Winter Wonder Walk follows the pages of the storybook of Winterland – full of holiday magic for all ages. The event also includes a holiday market with locally made gifts, a kids’ play area, and a warm festival tent with local vendors, concessions, and activities for the whole family. Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail will also be available for guests ages 4 years or older. Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful lights. This is available with a combo pass only. Events begin at 6 p.m. The Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 p.m., with the last entrance to the Winter Wonder Walk at 8:30 p.m. This event raises money for meals for Manna Foodbank with the Adventure Center’s Memories Making Meals program. Every ticket purchased donates $1 or four meals. For tickets and details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.

View the Geminids Meteor Shower at PARI – Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. Overnight cabin and camping packages are also available. For details and registration information, visit pari.edu.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Hendersonville Theatre. The performance is rated PG due to mild language and details about Santa. This is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday traditions. For tickets, visit hendersonvilletheatre.org.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Merry Market with Santa is at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Shop handcrafted treasures made by local artisans. Santa will also make an appearance. For details, visit noc.com/events/merry-market-with-santa.

A Night Before Christmas is in downtown Waynesville. Hundreds of luminaries will line the sidewalks, trees will be decorated with twinkling balls and lamp posts will be wrapped in red ribbon and garland. During this annual holiday tradition, there will be carolers, live music and old-fashioned wagon rides. Visitors can discover handcrafted goods from downtown shops, explore local art galleries and savor culinary delights from the many eateries. Visit downtownwaynesville.com.

Holly Jolly Train Rides with a pop-up market from Mountain Fresh Orchards are on Main Street in Hendersonville. For more information about Hendersonville’s Home for the Holidays, call 828-693-9708 or visit VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/home-for-the-holidays.

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR opens Under the Big Top, Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte. The show continues on select dates through Jan. 14. For details and tickets, visit cirquedusoleil.com/usa/charlotte/bazzar/buy-tickets.

Jingle Bell Jamboree is at 1:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

“Elf the Musical Jr.” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Winter Wonder Walk is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Winter Wonder Walk follows the pages of the storybook of Winterland – full of holiday magic for all ages. The event also includes a holiday market with locally made gifts, a kids’ play area, and a warm festival tent with local vendors, concessions, and activities for the whole family. Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail will also be available for guests ages 4 years or older. Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful lights. This is available with a combo pass only. Events begin at 6 p.m. The Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 p.m., with the last entrance to the Winter Wonder Walk at 8:30 p.m. This event raises money for meals for Manna Foodbank with the Adventure Center’s Memories Making Meals program. Every ticket purchased donates $1 or four meals. For tickets and details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Hendersonville Theatre. The performance is rated PG due to mild language and details about Santa. This is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday traditions. For tickets, visit hendersonvilletheatre.org.

Sunday, Dec. 17

$10 Sunday Fundays are at Kolo Bike Park. Call 828-225-2921for conditions. Visit shevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.

A Swannanoa Solstice, an annual seasonal celebration of local and world culture, heritage and community through song, dance and storytelling, is presented at 2 and 7 p.m. in Diana Wortham Theatre at The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. For details and tickets, visit worthamarts.org/a-swannanoa-solstice-2023.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” is presented at 3 p.m. at Hendersonville Theatre. The performance is rated PG due to mild language and details about Santa. This is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday traditions. For tickets, visit hendersonvilletheatre.org.

“Elf the Musical Jr.” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Monday, Dec. 18

Tuesday, Dec. 19

“Elf the Musical Jr.” – Student Matinee is presented at 9 a.m. and noon at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Holiday Gift Making for Kids is at 10 a.m. at the Stephens Lee Recreation Center. Ages 6 – 9. $10 each. For details and registration, visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation.

Read with Flora the Golden Retriever 4 – 5 p.m. at the East Asheville Library. All participants must register and sign a waiver to take part. Call the library at 828-250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org for more information.

Wednesday, Dec. 20

YMCA Mobile Market is noon – 1 p.m. at the Enka-Candler Library (828-250-4758) and 2 – 3 p.m. at the Leicester Library (828-250-6480). Bring grocery bags and get fresh food. Distributions are free. The market provides fresh produce paired with healthy recipes and more. Visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library.

The Tanglewood Teen Holiday Show is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Thursday, Dec. 21

Beech Mountain’s Holiday Parade is at 4 p.m. The route begins at the Beech Mountain Ski Resort at 4 p.m. and ends at White Wolf Lodge. When the parade finishes, visitors can experience additional seasonal festivities with a special Santa’s Workshop, complete with photos with Santa, crafts, cocoa, cookies and more. For more information, call 828-387-3003. (If parade is cancelled due to inclement weather, Santa’s Workshop will still be open). Visit beechmtn.com/event/holiday-parade-2/.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Friday, Dec. 22

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Saturday, Dec. 23

Jingle Bell Jamboree is at 1:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

“Elf the Musical” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Sunday, Dec. 24

$10 Sunday Fundays are at Kolo Bike Park. Call 828-225-2921for conditions. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.

Monday, Dec. 25

Tuesday, Dec. 26

Wednesday, Dec. 27

Winter Wonder Walk is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Winter Wonder Walk follows the pages of the storybook of Winterland – full of holiday magic for all ages. The event also includes a holiday market with locally made gifts, a kids’ play area, and a warm festival tent with local vendors, concessions, and activities for the whole family. Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail will also be available for guests ages 4 years or older. Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful lights. This is available with a combo pass only. Events begin at 6 p.m. The Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 p.m., with the last entrance to the Winter Wonder Walk at 8:30 p.m. This event raises money for meals for Manna Foodbank with the Adventure Center’s Memories Making Meals program. Every ticket purchased donates $1 or four meals. For tickets and details, visit

ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.

Thursday, Dec. 28

Winter Wonder Walk is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Winter Wonder Walk follows the pages of the storybook of Winterland – full of holiday magic for all ages. The event also includes a holiday market with locally made gifts, a kids’ play area, and a warm festival tent with local vendors, concessions, and activities for the whole family. Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail will also be available for guests ages 4 years or older. Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful lights. This is available with a combo pass only. Events begin at 6 p.m. The Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 p.m., with the last entrance to the Winter Wonder Walk at 8:30 p.m. This event raises money for meals for Manna Foodbank with the Adventure Center’s Memories Making Meals program. Every ticket purchased donates $1 or four meals. For tickets and details, visit

ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.

Friday, Dec. 29

Hora Del Cuento/Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library. Call 828-250-6488 or email skyland.library@buncombecounty.org.

Winter Wonder Walk is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Winter Wonder Walk follows the pages of the storybook of Winterland – full of holiday magic for all ages. The event also includes a holiday market with locally made gifts, a kids’ play area, and a warm festival tent with local vendors, concessions, and activities for the whole family. Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail will also be available for guests ages 4 years or older. Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful lights. This is available with a combo pass only. Events begin at 6 p.m. The Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 p.m., with the last entrance to the Winter Wonder Walk at 8:30 p.m. This event raises money for meals for Manna Foodbank with the Adventure Center’s Memories Making Meals program. Every ticket purchased donates $1 or four meals. For tickets and details, visit

ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.

Saturday, Dec. 30

Hora Del Cuento/Story Time is at 3:30 p.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library. Call 828-250-6488 or email skyland.library@buncombecounty.org.

Winter Wonder Walk is at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Celebrate the Wonder of Winter with a live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. The Winter Wonder Walk follows the pages of the storybook of Winterland – full of holiday magic for all ages. The event also includes a holiday market with locally made gifts, a kids’ play area, and a warm festival tent with local vendors, concessions, and activities for the whole family. Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail will also be available for guests ages 4 years or older. Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful lights. This is available with a combo pass only. Events begin at 6 p.m. The Winter Wonder Walk opens at 6:30 p.m., with the last entrance to the Winter Wonder Walk at 8:30 p.m. This event raises money for meals for Manna Foodbank with the Adventure Center’s Memories Making Meals program. Every ticket purchased donates $1 or four meals. For tickets and details, visit

ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2.

Sunday, Dec. 31

$10 Sunday Fundays are at Kolo Bike Park. Call 828-225-2921for conditions. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.

New Year’s Eve Apple Rise is in Hendersonville. The free event features New Year’s Eve swag, a DJ dance party, games and hot cocoa, all leading up to a kid-friendly apple rise countdown at 7 p.m. For more information about Hendersonville’s Home for the Holidays, call 828-693-9708 or visit VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/home-for-the-holidays.

ENJOY STORY TIME, FAMILY FUN AND MORE

The North Carolina Arboretum offers field trips for schools and homeschool groups Tuesday –Thursday through mid-December. To register, visit ncarboretum.org/education-programs/school-programs/field-trips.

Naturalist Talks: Deer are at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday in December at Biltmore Estate’s Antler Hill Village’s historic Horse Barn. No reservation required. No minimum age required. Parent or guardian must accompany guests under age 18. To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s overnight properties. Visit biltmore.com/things-to-do/activities/outdoors/naturalist.

Theater Classes are offered at Asheville Community Theatre. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Small-scale Kids Art + Design Classes for ages 4 – 10 are offered by Ginger Huebner at the R+W Creative Campus. For details and registration, visit gingerhuebner.com/art-education-consulting.

Register now for School's Out Day Camp with XP League Asheville. The program is $70 per day, 8 – 4 p.m., bring your own lunch – Dec. 20 – 22 and 26 – 29, Jan. 2, Jan. 15, Jan. 23, March 5, April 1 – 5, May 27. Register online at asheville.xpl.gg/home.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn 5 years old, creating a home library of up to 60 books and instilling a love of books and reading. For details and registration, visit imaginationlibrary.com.

Buncombe County Farmers Markets offer extended dates:

• *Asheville City Market, 52 N. Market St., Saturdays through Dec. 16, 9 a.m.– noon

• *North Asheville Tailgate Market, 3300 University Heights Drive, Saturdays through Dec. 16, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• *River Arts District Farmers Market, 350 Riverside Drive, Wednesdays through Dec. 20, 3 – 5:30 p.m.

• *Weaverville Tailgate Market, 60 Lakeshore Drive, Wednesdays through Dec. 13, 3 – 6 p.m.

• *West Asheville Tailgate Market, 718 Haywood Road, Tuesdays through Dec. 19, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

• WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Road, Farmers Truck Shed #1, daily, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

*Starred markets offer ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription. Search for markets by location at appalachiangrown.org.

Highlands Nature Center is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday. Visit highlandsbiological.org.

Splash and Bubbles: Dive In, Lend a Fin is open at the Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, South Carolina through Feb. 4. Join Splash, Bubbles, and the Reeftown Rangers in exploring marine biology, ocean science and different ocean ecosystems. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org.

Group tours for grades pre-K – 12 are offered at Asheville Art Museum. For details and registration, visit ashevilleart.org.

Italian Renaissance Alive is open at Biltmore Estate. The multi-sensory experience immerses guests in the beauty and brilliance of the greatest artistic period in history as it comes to life all around you. Large-scale projections with 360-degree views set to a powerful operatic score tell the story of artists and the time periods within which they lived. Italian Renaissance Alive features Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio and more. It continues through Jan. 7. For details and ticket information, visit biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/italian-renaissance-alive.

Hands On! Children’s Museum offers free admission to families who present their adult WIC card. Zoom passes from the Hendersonville Library have limited day passes as well. For details, visit handsonwnc.org.

Story Times are offered at Henderson County Public Libraries. Get full details at hendersoncountync.gov/library.

• Mills River and Edneyville (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Mondays

• Etowah (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Tuesdays

• Preschool story time at Main (ages 3 – 5) – 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays

• Fletcher (families welcome) and Toddler Time at Main (ages 18 months – 3) – 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays

• Green River (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Thursdays

• Music and Movement at Main (families welcome) – 10:30 a.m. Thursdays

• Bouncing Babies at Main (ages birth – 18 months with a caregiver) – 11:15 a.m. Thursdays

Story times are offered at Buncombe County Libraries. Get full details at buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/services/story-times.aspx.

Baby Story Time – ages 4 – 18 months:

• Oakley/South Asheville Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.

• Leicester Library – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

• Weaverville Library – Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

Toddler Story Time – ages 18 months – 3 years:

• North Asheville Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.

• Fairview Library and Leicester Library – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

• Enka-Candler Library – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Story Time – ages 3 – 5 years:

• East Asheville Library and West Asheville Library – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

• Swannanoa Library – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

• Fairview Library – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

• Black Mountain Library and Weaverville Library – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

• Pack Memorial Library – Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.

Hora Del Cuento/Story Time

• Skyland/South Buncombe Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.

• Oakley/South Asheville Library – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Zoom D&D with Raj for teens is 3 – 6 p.m. Saturdays through the Buncombe County Library. Sign-up is required. Email Raj at raj.bowers-racine@buncombecounty.org to request attendance.

Kindermusik for ages birth – 5 is offered at We Rock the Spectrum. For details, visit kindermusik.com/studio/58207.

Nantahala Outdoor Center offers adventure trips. For details, visit noc.com.

SUPPORT AND CONNECTION

St. Gerard House hosts Family Group Night from 5:15 – 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville. Family Group Night (FGN) is a free support meeting for whole families experiencing special needs. This group is not diagnosis specific and is open to families living in Henderson and surrounding counties. FGN occurs on the fourth Tuesday of each month and includes a meal and low ratio childcare. Find out more at stgerardhouse.org/familygroupnight/ or at facebook.com/stgerardhouse.

Kaleidoscope Play and Learn is offered in-person for children 0-5 and their parents/caregivers in Buncombe County. KPL in-person is a once-a-week, 90 minute adult-child group that features a mix of free play, outdoor play (where available), and group activities/circle time. It is free and open to 0-5 year olds who reside in Buncombe County and are not enrolled in licensed child care. Parents/caregivers attend with the child and support them in the activities. There are currently spaces in these preschool groups for 3-5 year olds: Mondays from 9 – 10:30 a.m. at Johnston Elementary School or Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 10 –11:30 a.m. at Burton Street Community Center (West Asheville). Families attend one day per week. Registration is required before attendance and registration is ongoing, either by email to marna.holland@acsgmail.net or calling 828-350-2904. In-person infant and toddler classes are currently full.

Community Connections: Free Parenting Resource meets noon – 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at We Rock the Spectrum Asheville. Ask questions, talk and build community. For challenges with toddlerhood, potty training, socialization, school or learning, challenging behaviors, wanting to increase connectivity to others, and experiences, supporting meaningful communication, etc. This free monthly question-and-answer session for parents is hosted by Dayna Lauren. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4na43kcp.

Perinatal Loss Support Group – Homegrown Families Perinatal Bereavement Parent Support Group is for families who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. For details, visit ashevillehomegrownfamilies.com.

The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is an evidence-based program that gives parents confidence and in turn, helps them raise confident children. Local parents and caregivers have access to this free, positive parenting course online. Access Triple P resources at triplepwnc.com or triplep-parenting.com.

GET READY FOR BABY

Mission Health offers prenatal classes, including a childbirth and hospital orientation class and a breastfeeding class. For details and registration, visit missionhealth.org/services-treatments/maternity-care/labor-delivery-mission.

Homegrown Families offers a variety of childbirth and prenatal classes. Learn more and register at ashevillehomegrownfamilies.com.

Prenatal Classes and a mom group are offered by Haywood Regional Medical Center. Call 828-552-8440 or visit myhaywoodregional.com/events.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: December 2023 calendar of events