ASHEVILLE • NOVEMBER 6-JANUARY 10
Biltmore’s holiday preparations include erecting a 35-foot Christmas tree, stringing miles of garland, and arranging multi-hued poinsettia displays. If you’re not a big decorator, you can enjoy this holiday ambience without dragging a single box out of your attic. If you’re a bit of a crafter, you might consider taking one of Biltmore’s seminars on how to make traditional wreaths and other decor.
Admission $25-75. (800) 411-3812. biltmore.com.
BRYSON CITY • NOVEMBER 13-JANUARY 3
This 1-1/4-hour round-trip train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad departs Bryson City to travel through a winter wonderland to Santa’s workshop in the North Pole. Children receive gifts and their own silver bell, just like in the Caldecott Medal-winning story that inspired this attraction. In 2014, more than 70,000 passengers made the round-trip.
Admission $28-76, depending on age and car class. gsmr.com.
ASHEVILLE • NOVEMBER 18-JANUARY 3
This is one of the most deliciously competitive holiday events in the country, and it’s been featured on Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and Food Network. Last year’s contest featured 150 entries, which ranged from traditional houses to upright gingerbread pianos.
Free admission. $10 parking. (800) 413-5778. omnihotels.com.
ASHEVILLE • NOVEMBER 20-JANUARY 2
There are many drive-through light exhibits in the state, but the North Carolina Arboretum uniquely invites you to get out of your car to stroll through this one on foot. The three-acre display is intended to highlight the natural beauty of western North Carolina, and this year it includes animated displays.
6-10 p.m. Admission $13-$18, depending on age and member status. (828) 665-2492. ncarboretum.org.
LAKE LURE • JANUARY 1
This time of year, the water’s so cold at Lake Lure, jumping into it ought to require a permit, but you’ll be “freezin’ for a reason” at the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge. There’s a competition for best costume and proceeds benefit local first responders. When you emerge from the lake, teeth chattering, you might be glad to see some of the event’s beneficiaries in attendance.
Plunge at noon. Plunge fee $20. hickorynutchamber.org.
FLAT ROCK • NOVEMBER 28 & DECEMBER 19
For two Saturday mornings during the holiday season, the Carl Sandburg Home will be offering music and storytelling, hot cider, cookies, and holiday craft-making demonstrations. While you’re there, you can also tour the house and grounds.
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Free admission. http://www.nps.gov/carl/index.htm.
HENDERSONVILLE • DECEMBER 4
This annual tradition makes Christmas shopping a communal experience. Enjoy holiday music while browsing small businesses in downtown Hendersonville. Shop owners stay open late, and many offer visitors special treats just for walking through the door.
5-9 p.m. Free admission. downtownhendersonville.org.
BREVARD • DECEMBER 5
After Brevard’s hometown parade at 3:00 p.m., locals start lining the streets with luminaries. In candlelight, you’ll find ballet performances, craft stalls, and an elf workshop. If you’d like to sit for a bit, you can even take in an outdoor holiday movie.
3-8 p.m. Free admission. (828) 884-3278. brevardnc.org.
CHEROKEE • DECEMBER 5, 10-12, 17-19 & 31; JANUARY 1-2
There will be an ice skating rink at this Cherokee Fairgrounds event. Santa will be here, too. But the main attraction is a bonfire where visitors can circle up to hear traditional Cherokee stories about the coldest season.
6-9 p.m. Free admission, with varied pricing for events. visitcherokeenc.com.
ASHEVILLE • DECEMBER 6
This juried crafts show — which takes place at the Asheville Art Museum — features some of the finest artisans in western North Carolina. Here, you will find jewelry and knits, pottery and prints. Buy your holiday presents here, from the hands that created them, and you’ll have stories to pass on, as well.
1-6 p.m. Free admission. thebigcrafty.com.
ASHEVILLE • DECEMBER 6
On the first night of Chanukah, held at Crowne Plaza Expo Center, you can witness a grand menorah-lighting ceremony, dance along to live music, and get your fill at the kosher food court and sushi bar. The festival, which attracts hundreds of people from around the region, is Asheville’s largest Chanukah, or Hanukkah, event. Kids can visit Judah the Maccabi’s Dreidel House while adults browse the on-site gift shop.
3-6 p.m. Free admission. chabadasheville.org.
ASHEVILLE • DECEMBER 20
This concert—which celebrates solstice-inspired traditions in the Appalachian Mountains and beyond—is one of the most popular hosted by the Diana Wortham Theatre each year. Award-winning artists perform seasonal music, intermingled with stories and poetry, that highlights the region’s Scots-Irish heritage. This year’s headliners include Grammy Award-winner David Holt and acclaimed flatfoot dancer Phil Jamison.
2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Admission $20-$45, depending on age and student status. dwtheatre.com.
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Tucked into a historic neighborhood, a backyard in Forsyth County holds hundreds of Southern wildflowers collected by one wild flower woman.
John Champlin has traveled across the state — and the nation — in search of hard-to-find spots that serve an unforgettable hot dog. After 11 years, what he’s discovered goes way beyond the bun.
In the early 20th century, textile mill owners sponsored baseball teams, providing entertainment for their employees and nurturing a passion for the game that’s been handed down through generations of North Carolinians.
Our writer reflects on where his love of vinyl began, and how the snap, crackle, and pop of a needle sliding across a turntable will always satisfy his soul.
