Editor Laura here. This weekend, WNC celebrates the launch of three new eateries:Mikasa Criolla at The S&W Market and Foothills Grange in downtown Black Mountain. The former opens today, Dec. 1 and the latter will host a grand opening party Sunday, Dec. 4, 2-8 p.m. A new food truck, Good AF, will also be set up at The Getaway River Bar this weekend (more on that below).
Have more of a hunger for music? Then don’t miss the 21st annual NewSong Music Competition at Citizen Vinyl this Saturday. Bonus: Pre-game that singer-songwriter magic with local folk band Tina & Her Pony, who will perform at Story Parlor the night before.
Finally, we’ve heard reports that Santa Claus has touched down in the mountains for the weekend — see him at Ginger Revenge’s Santa Paws event on Saturday or at the Asheville Outlets on Sunday (pets are welcome, too).
Friday, Dec. 2
Miracle at Marquee | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Marquee Asheville, 36 Foundy St., Asheville | Free | Participate in the “Uglier Sweater Competition,” shop for ornaments, sip drinks by Saint Brighid’s bar, and enjoy live music from Asheville jazz band Bill Bares Trio.
Elf The Musical | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville | The city’s longest-running playhouse brings beloved modern classic Elf to the main stage with “Elf The Musical” with jolly costumes, dancing, and tunes.
An Evening of Folk Music with Tina & Her Pony | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $15 | Celebrate the release of two new singles from this indie Appalachian folk band.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Ugly Sweater Run | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 8:30 a.m. | The Riveter, 701 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Asheville | Don your ugliest sweater for the second installment of this holiday 5K/10K event featuring post-race activities and sips from The Riveter.
The Big Crafty | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 12 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, 87 Haywood St, Asheville | $9 | Celebrate the holidays and the creative spirit of our city while shopping selections from Asheville’s finest artists and makers.
Santa Paws | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 3-6 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr. 100, Asheville | Free | Enjoy seasonal brews and photo opps with Santa at this family-friendly event.
Mars Hill University Music Department’s Annual Holiday Concert | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Moore Auditorium, Mars Hill University, 79 Cascade St., Mars Hill | Free | This holiday concert features music performed by the Mars Hill University Choir, Wind Symphony, Woodwind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble.*
Sunday, Dec. 4
Jettie Rae’s Oyster Roast | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 12-4 p.m. | Whippoorwill Farm, 6751 NC-126, Nebo | $55 | Gorge on Lowcountry roasted oysters, pickled shrimp, cod fritters, pimento cheese, and beyond at this pop-up dining event.
Live From WVL Radio Theater: It’s A Wonderful Life | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7:30-9 p.m. | The Main Stage, 743 Haywood Rd, Asheville | In this live radio play set in the 1940s, four characters take the stage to tell the story of George Bailey’s fateful Christmas Eve.
Pet Photos With Santa | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 2-4 p.m. | Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd., Asheville | Free | Visit the Asheville Outlets with your pets or children to take photos with Santa Claus.
Fancy a visit to the farmers market? Lucky for us, nine local markets have extended their hours through the winter, including Asheville City Market and the North Asheville Tailgate Market. See the full list of participating markets.
There’s a new food truck in town. Good AF, a collaborative kitchen featuring Pan Asian flavors from Jatuporn Namvised, Sunil Patel and Executive Chef David Van Tassel, will have its grand opening at the Getaway River Bar this weekend. Stop by Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, 1-7 p.m.
Community
If your birthday is coming up, first off — happy early birthday. Secondly, bookmark our roundup of birthday freebies in Asheville so you can make the most of your special day. Included on our list is free mochi from Heiwa Shokudo and a free burrito from Neo Burrito. Happy celebrating.
Number
200,000. That’s how many people contribute to Asheville’s $20 billion economy. Making up this $20 billion economy are six key industries, with the education and health services industry leading the pack. See our complete guide to Asheville’s top industries and employers.
Planning a getaway? Check out Atlanta, GA, a historic city with world-class arts, eats, and experiences.
Why go? The Georgia Aquarium — the largest aquarium in the country and among the largest in the world — is an awe-inspiring spot that’s perfect for the entire family.
Act like a local: Eat your way along Buford Highway, making sure to enjoy the pillowy, budget-friendly Dim Sum at Dim Sum Heaven.
Where to stay: This charming home that’s within walking distance to the Atlanta Zoo and the BeltLine.
Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Scott’s Cheap Flights offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*
The perfect gift doesn’t exi — meet our local makers gift guide. Browse unique, handmade gifts crafted right here in Asheville by sellers on Etsy. We’re talking high-quality botanical jewelry, candles that smell like national parks, and personalized leather sketchbooks. Get shopping. 🎁
Wellness
It’s officially December. The key to keeping your spirits up and avoiding seasonal affective disorder this time of year? Sunlight. Magic up more sunshineindoors with a light therapy lamp. This glare-free mood light is height and angle adjustable, while this subtly designed lamp lets you adjust light warmth and brightness. ☀️*
Pets
A holiday gift your pet (or your friend’s pet) will love: a monthly BarkBox filled with treatsand toys, all customized to your pup. There’s even monthly themes — we can’t wait to see what cuteness the December box will bring. 👀*
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