• Curated Brew & Taste Experience With Local Coffee Roasts | Friday, Dec. 22-Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Coffee Curious Workshops, 45 South French Broad Ave., Asheville | $49-$64 | Toni Oreck will teach you the science behind a well-balanced brew — plus, you’ll get to sip on a variety of local roasts.
• Candlelight: Holiday Pop Classics and Modern Favorites | Friday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $38-$62 | Bask in the candlelight for a multi-sensory musical experience of seasonal classics.
• Holiday Comedy Showcase | Friday, Dec. 22 | 9-11 p.m. | Catawba Brewing Company South Slope, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | $15 | Have a laugh hearing stories of dating, love, and everything in between — the show is 21+.

• Krampus & Santa in the Cat Lounge | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic, 841 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $15+ | Bring your little ones to the holiday set to get photos with Santa or Krampus (or both) — plus 12 friendly kitties.
• December Live Series: Laura Boswell | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 12-2 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville | Free with admission | Listen to the guitarist’s transcendental brand of chamber-folk in the atrium and the Counter/Balance exhibition.
• Jingle & Mingle | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 4-6 p.m. | Atelier Manson & Co., 121 Sweeten Creek Rd., Ste. 50, Asheville | Free | Join in a festive social gathering with seasonal drinks, refreshments, music, and holiday cheer.

• Rise + Shine: Pre-Holiday Yoga Flow | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 10 a.m.-11:15 p.m. | West Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $14-$22 | Relax and recharge during a Christmas Eve yoga flow as you take some time for yourself before the holiday.
• Reggae Sunday | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 3-6 p.m. | French Broad Brewing, 101 Fairview Rd., Asheville | Free | Put your holiday on island time with an afternoon of music from mountain reggae powerhouse Chalwa.

• Whether you want to avoid the stress of the kitchen, aren’t celebrating the holiday, or just need some good food this weekend, check out our list of local restaurants that are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And don’t forget to make a reservation.

• Introduce your holiday visitors to Asheville’s history with a stroll through the newly opened Asheville Black Cultural‍ Heritage Trail. After 13 years of work and development, you can explore the 14 stops + 20 informational panels highlighting some of the figures and accomplishments of Asheville’s Black community.

• Ready to hit the road? We understand the seasonal wanderlust — so we teamed up with other 6AM City Editors to share a list of Carolina cities with festive celebrations. Start planning your holiday roadtrip.

• If you haven’t yet seen your share of holiday lights, this weekend is your last chance to drive through the Lake Julian Festival of Lights. Pick up a ticket to see the magical illumination + hear holiday tunes tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23.

Why go?

• Despite only having a population of ~545 people, this alpine village is one of Georgia’s most visited cities (with plenty of reason) with fun for the whole family.
• Spend a day touring a vineyard + tasting Georgia wines at the Yonah Mountain Vineyards. Pro tip: spend $35 for a wine flight and receive a commemorative wine glass to take home with you.

Act like a local

• Outdoors: Take a ride on the wild side (or the Georgia Mountain Coaster). No matter your age this activity is a blast. There are also plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, ziplining, tubing + kayaking (if it’s warm enough), and other outdoor activities to try out.

Where to stay

• VRBO: Spectacular mountain chalet, short walk to downtown + activities ($222/night)