• Winter Wonder Walk | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 30 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr., Asheville | $18-$40 | Immerse yourself in the magic of the season during this live-action walk on an outdoor trail featuring characters, lights + Jack Frost himself.
• Dirty Dozen Brass Band | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7-11 p.m. | Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr., Asheville | $18-$22 | Get ready for a lively blend of genres including bebop jazz, funk, and soul from the GRAMMY Award-winning New Orleans-based band.
• Barbie Dance Party | Friday, Dec. 15 | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $12-$15 | Arrive in your best Barbie and Ken themed ‘fits to dance the night away to music from DJ Molly Parti.

• Holiday Hangout | Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 17 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O’Henry Ave., Asheville | Free | Shop vintage clothing from rEvolve, decorate gingerbread cookies, listen to live music, and get dining recommendations from Food Fan Stu Helm.
• Katarina’s Taylor Swift Saturday Cabaret | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 12-1 p.m. | Banks Ave Bar, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | $25-$60 | You’ll be “Enchanted” by performances of songs spanning the star’s career while enjoying a delicious spread from Biscuit Head — proceeds will benefit the Open Hearts Arts Center.
• 7th Annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 3-9 p.m. | Various locations, Asheville | $17-$22 | Arrive in your ugliest festive finery at Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive for registration before traveling to bars, pubs, and clubs around Asheville spreading holiday cheer.

• Sunday Jazz Jam | Sunday, Dec. 17, Sunday, Dec. 24 | 2-5 p.m. | One World Brewing - West Asheville, 520 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $5 suggested donation | Grab a seat to enjoy modern jazz at this longtime weekly jam hosted by Jason DeCristofaro and Connor Law.
• Gingerbread House Lunch | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 2-4 p.m. | Bargello, 7 Patton Ave., Asheville | $40 | The family can enjoy an afternoon dining on a buffet spread, sipping on their creations from the hot chocolate bar, and decorating festive pre-constructed houses.
• Butts & Boots Country Tea Dance | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 4-7 p.m. | Banks Ave. Bar, 32 Banks Ave. #101, Asheville | Free | Join Steppin’ Out AVL and get down to some country music while learning how to line dance and two-step — no partner or experience necessary.

• If you missed The Big Crafty earlier this month (or just want to shop more local art + goodies), head to the Grove Arcade Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 17, 12-5 p.m. for the festival’s little sister event, The Little Crafty. Enjoy live music, artist demonstrations, and shop unique items from some of Asheville’s most talented makers.

• If you love all things music, comics, and fandom, stop by the grand opening of Baby Rabiez this Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2144 Hendersonville Rd., Unit E. The shop will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m., filled with records, patches, snacks, and plenty of accessories + apparel.

• If you’re eager to hear the sweet sounds of the Appalachian dulcimer after reading up on its history earlier this week, head to the Enka-Candler Library this Saturday, Dec. 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for the Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra’s Holiday Concert. You’ll hear seasonal tunes spanning a variety of cultures and time periods at the free, family-friendly show.

Why go?

• As far as themed winter destinations go, Leavenworth wears the ice crown. It offers fun activities for every age, like Nordic and downhill skiing, unique holiday shopping, German dining, sleigh rides, and spa time.
• Oh, and by the way — Leavenworth was named one of the best places in the world to spend Christmas by Conde Nast Traveler. So there’s that.

Act like a local

• Outdoors: See if reindeer really know how to fly (and also pet and feed them) at Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, located a mere mile outside of town.

Where to stay

• Vrbo: Alpine View Haus on Main, a Bavarian-themed condo for up to four people (~$235/night)*