event-calendar

November 13-16 » Highlands
Foodies and oenophiles gather annually at this four-day event featuring exquisite culinary creations and local wines. More than 60 renowned chefs and 100 beverage partners will be represented, along with live music. The grand tasting kicks off the event on Thursday. Enjoy concerts from The Psycodelics, Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves, Railroad Earth, Nikki Lane, the Wallflowers and Blind Boys of Alabama. » Downtown Highlands, various locations and times; $75-$375; highlandsfoodandwine.com 

November 15, 2025-February 17, 2026 » Asheville

Danish artist Thomas Dambo, in collaboration with Imagine, brings a unique, interactive, and whimsical exhibit to the NC Arboretum: 12 trolls sculpted from reclaimed wood such as tree branches, pallets, and twigs, and reaching heights of nine feet. Fun, curious pieces, these fanciful sculptures dot the arboretum’s gardens and trails, greeting guests, who are provided with a “treasure map” to track the trolls. Six of them will be part of the center’s Winter Lights program. “Thomas Dambo’s use of reclaimed wood resonates deeply, especially considering the changes to our landscape after Hurricane Helene,” notes Arboretum Executive Director Drake Fowler. “With these trolls, guests will discover a renewed sense of fun, exploration, play and adventure.” » NC Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmstead Way; daily, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; $20+ parking, no admission; (828) 665-2492; ncarboretum.org

November 18, 2025 -January 4, 2026 » Asheville
For more than three decades, the historic Omni Grove Park Inn has hosted this friendly and much-beloved holiday event. The hotel will host the 12 Days of Gingerbread from December 1-12, announcing one finalist via social media each day. Public viewing at the Omni is anytime after 4 p.m. on Sundays or either Monday-Thursdays, excluding December 7, 23-26, 30-31 and January 1. » Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave.; Sundays-Thursdays, free, $30-$40 parking; (800) 438-5800; omnihotels.com

November 28-December 21 » Flat Rock
For every local, the true start of the Christmas season begins with the beloved tradition of Flat Rock Playhouse’s annual production. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, this cherished holiday show is described by FRP Music Director Ethan Anderson as “a holiday love-letter to our community.” Since its inception in 1952, Flat Rock Playhouse has been a cornerstone of local entertainment, delighting audiences with its exceptional talent and creative flair. Experience the magic of Leiman Mainstage as the curtain rises on this festive production, featuring music, laughter, and heartwarming performances that capture the essence of Christmas in Flat Rock.  »  Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy; Various dates and times; $60-$80, $32-$52 17 and under; (828) 693-0731; flatrockplayhouse.org

December 5-6 » Asheville
Grovewood Gallery is the place to go for some festive, art-heavy holiday shopping, all while enjoying adult bevs, thanks to sponsor Metro Wines. Expect demos from on-site artisans, and discounts. There will be plenty of arts and crafts to choose from, representing numerous mediums, including pottery, glass, fabric, jewelry, and wood—all handcrafted in small studios across the US. » Grovewood Village, 111 Grovewood Rd.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 214-7768; grovewood.com

December 6 »  Brevard
Downtown Brevard’s annual holiday festival transforms the city into a snowy winter wonderland. On Main Street, witness the tree-lighting ceremony while perusing for gifts at various vendor booths. There will also be live music performances like the Tuba Christmas concert and Carolina Dance Collaborative dances, and savory local food and drinks for sale from Brevard’s restaurants. Activities include skating on the ice rink, hayrides, and shopping downtown for holiday gifts. Kids can visit the Letter to Santa station to send off their wishes. A local favorite is the Chamber Christmas Parade to usher in the holiday spirit in the heart of Brevard. » Courthouse, Downtown Brevard; Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; free; (828) 884-3278; explorebrevard.com