• First Friday on The Block | Friday, Dec. 1 | 5-8 p.m. | The Block (on Eagle and Market), 39 S. Market St., Asheville | Free | Shop at Noir Collective and the LEAF Global Holiday Bazaar, warm up with a cup of coffee from PennyCup, and connect with community at this monthly gathering.
• Floating Action + Scott McMicken and The Ever-Expanding | Friday, Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave., Asheville | $20.94 | Two local favorites are sharing the bill for a night of incredible tunes.
• New Queer’s Eve | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 16 | Times vary | The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St., Asheville | $25 | Be there for the opening night of this show exploring decades of New Year’s Eve celebrations from an LGBTQ+ perspective.

• Ugly Sweater Run | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 8:30-10 a.m. | Riveter, 701 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher | $37.50-$60 | Put on your quirkiest knits and run (or walk) the 5K or 10K presented by Hunter Subaru.
• The Big Crafty | Saturday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 3 | 12-6 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $0-$10 | Explore local works from 150+ artists at one of the region’s most popular art festivals.
• Lake Julian Festival of Lights Walk-Thru Night | Saturday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 3 | 6-8 p.m. | Lake Julian Park, 37 Lake Julian Rd., Arden | $0-$5 | Take a stroll through the light show and enjoy craft-making, snacks, and more family-friendly fun — after this weekend, you can drive through the display every evening through Saturday, Dec. 23.

• Taco Mosa Yoga | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 10:30 a.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | Free | After a donation-based class led by Clare Desmelik, stop by the Taqueria and bar for the perfect Sunday Funday.
• 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 12 p.m. | Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr., Asheville | Free | Eat, drink, shop local, and get your picture taken in the photo booth — bring a toy or donation to help BeLoved Asheville spread joy this holiday season.
• “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” 48 ½ Anniversary | Sunday, Dec. 3 | Times vary | Grail Moviehouse, 17 Foundy St., #20, Asheville | $10 | See this medieval tale with a special quote-along track so you can shout out your favorite lines as you watch.

• Dr. Alisa Hove, Chair of the Biology Department at Warren Wilson College, will return to Jeopardy! tonight, Thursday, Nov. 30, to compete in the Wildcard Champions Hearts Tournament. In this tournament, Dr. Hove will compete for an opportunity to win $100,000 and the chance to appear in the 2024 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions.

• Have you been wondering how people transport their confectionary constructions to the Omni Grove Park Inn’s Gingerbread Competition? Take a peek behind the scenes to learn about the journey, from the houses’ arrival on the property to how they’re judged. Plus, learn how to see them for yourself.

• Something magical is brewing. The 3rd Annual Wizards of Mixology - Themed Cocktail & Culinary Competition is happening Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. The Urban Gastronome will turn Cultivated Cocktails Distillery into your favorite magical school, with four restaurants + bars representing each house — and it’s up to you to choose your favorite. Find tickets.

Why go?

• Harrisonburg is a smaller city within driving distance of hiking trails, caving, wineries + world-class collegiate sports. It’s always buzzing with action, which means every season brings a new restaurant, new place to stay, and festival.

Act like a local:

• Learn: Make like a Duke and check out the John C. Wells Planetarium, it hosts multiple Saturday shows that show off the constellations, planets + new photos from the James Webb Telescope.
• Listen: Get some friends together and jam out at Golden Pony restaurant. Pro tip: Head downstairs to watch the performers up close, or listen from the barcade.

Where to stay:

• Vrbo: Tiny house near JMU Campus (~$92/night)*