A singer, lyricist, and mandolin player, Sierra Hull is a distinguished bluegrass musician. She’s won several International Bluegrass Music Association awards for Best Mandolinist and has collaborated with artists like Béla Fleck. At this bluegrass Christmas celebration, Hull will be playing classic holiday tunes and new favorites. » Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center, 1028 Georgia Rd.; Friday, 7:30 p.m.; $15-$18; (866) 273-4615; www.greatmountainmusic.com
event-calendar
EVENTS
This family holiday showcase captures the beauty of Iceland, Brittany, Scotland, and Ireland with music, dance, poetry, and stories from Tryon-based violinist, acclaimed storyteller, and host Jamie Laval. Renowned Celtic performers, including Irish stamp dancer Claire Shirey, bagpiper and multi-instrumentalist Rosalind Buda, Celtic harpist Christine Vanarsdale, and soprano Megan McConnell, bring Celtic classics to the stage. » Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St.; Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; $35-$40; (828) 254-1320; www.ashevilletheatre.org
Downtown Franklin closes to traffic for a New Year’s Eve street party with music, lawn games, and a ball drop to honor the town’s nickname of Gem Capital of the World. The main event is the lowering of a seven-foot ruby comprised of more than 1,300 LED lights. » 5 W. Main St.; Monday, 8:30 p.m.-midnight; free; (828) 524-0099; www.franklin-chamber.com
Cirque Musica combines the grace and athleticism of acrobats, contortionists, and jugglers with classical music and pop favorites performed by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. A full sensory experience, it’s a memorable way to ring in the new year. » Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 87 Haywood St.; Monday, 8 p.m.; $32-$85, $15-$43 youth; (828) 254-7046; www.ashevillesymphony.org
On New Year’s Eve, take in a free alpine torchlight parade and fireworks show on the ski slopes at Sugar Mountain Resort. There will also be indoor fun, including live music by The Johnson Brothers, hors d’oeuvres, and a midnight champagne toast. » Sugar Mountain Resort, 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr.; Monday, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; $45, $80 per couple; (828) 898-4521; www.skisugar.com
Ring in the New Year with skiing and fireworks during Appalachian Ski Mountain’s 57th season. From 10 p.m. to midnight, ice skate by moonlight and or hit the slopes, which will be illuminated by torchlight. » Appalachian Ski Mountain, 940 Ski Mountain Rd.; Monday, 9 p.m.-midnight; free with purchase of lift ticket; (828) 295-7828; www.appskimtn.com
Midnight Masquerade at Capella on 9 - $75 - entry price includes a welcome cocktail by Asheville’s new gin distillery, Chemist, hors d'oeuvres from 10p- midnight, door prizes, a dueling DJ line up for both sides of Capella, and a champagne toast at midnight. Dress is party professional; bring your favorite masquerade mask to get the full experience. Doors open at 9pm and party goes until 1am. A portion of all ticket proceeds benefit the Asheville Fire Fighters Association.
Don a costume and participate in this chilly challenge or watch from the sidelines as hundreds of people race into the icy waters of Lake Lure on the first day of the New Year. In honor of the event’s 10th anniversary, registration fees net all plungers a commemorative medal. Awards are given for the best costume, oldest and youngest plunger, and more. Reflecting the event’s motto, “freezin’ for a reason,” proceeds benefit The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge and Hickory Nut Gorge First Responders. » Lake Lure, 2724 Memorial Hwy.; Tuesday, noon; $20; (828) 243-0540; Facebook: Lake Lure New Year’s Day Polar Plunge
Start the New Year by catching the first sunrise atop Grandfather Mountain. Afterwards, enjoy a community breakfast buffet. Attendees who leave before 9:30 a.m. will have their general admission charge refunded. » Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy.; Tuesday, 6:30-9:30 a.m.; $20 plus general admission; (828) 733-2013; www.grandfather.com