When it comes to markets — the more, the merrier. | Photo via Show & Tell
With all the creativity running through our community, it’s no surprise that this season’s schedule is teeming with holiday markets. And they’re delivering an abundance of gifts, goods, and festive spirit.
So make your list and check it twice — then stop by to find something special and support local makers.
Single-day celebrations
Little Crafty at the Museum | Saturday, Nov. 23 | 12-5 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | The Big Crafty, Horse + Hero, and the Asheville Art Museum are offering a chance to support local artisans, visit the galleries, and sip on some cocoa.
Multi-day affairs
Holidays in the Park | Friday, Nov. 22, Saturday, Dec. 7 | Times vary | Biltmore Park Town Square | See the tree set all aglow on Nov. 22, then meet with Santa on Dec. 7 — and get your fill of shopping on both days.
Good Tidings Market | Saturday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Nov. 24 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Asheville Masonic Temple | Kick off the season by shopping the offerings of artisans, makers, and vintage vendors. Psst... you can get early access with a ticket to the Preview Party on Friday, Nov. 22.
A. I finished it ages ago. B. I usually buy gifts a few weeks before the day. C. I’m a last-second shopper. D. I still haven’t finished getting last year’s gifts.
Wednesday, Nov. 20 Savor Cozy Season | 6-7:30 p.m. | Black Mountain Public Library, Black Mountain | Free | Learn the art of hosting a holiday cookie exchange from author and teacher Ashley English.
Olive Klug | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $20 | Experience the artist whose music refuses to be put in a box and confronts life with reckless abandon.
Thursday, Nov. 21 Hurricane Helene Clean-Up | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Alexander River Park, Alexander | Free | Help the French Broad Riverkeeper clean up trash and debris at Whittier Branch — make sure to wear appropriate clothing and PPE.
New Beer Thursday | 12 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Enjoy $4 pints on all new beer releases every Thursday at the brewpub.*
Friday, Nov. 22 Wine Tasting | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Botanist & Barrel Tasting Bar + Bottle Shop | $0-$5 | Take a sip of Rise Over Run’s favorite winter wines.
Listen To This | 7:30-10 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl | $18+ | Settle in for “epicurroneous” storytelling of true tales of eating + drinking by mistake or misunderstanding.
Masterworks 3: “Messiah” | Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 23 | Times vary | First Baptist Church of Asheville | $25+ | Get into the spirit of the season with Handel’s iconic composition.
Saturday, Nov. 23 Ye Olde Whale Fair | 12-5 p.m. | The Whale West Asheville | Free | Enter a fantasy world of medieval magic, stilt walkers, fire performances, vendors, and more, presented in partnership with The Whale’s nonprofit of the month, Montford Park Players.
Tea + Meditation | 2-3 p.m. | West Asheville Yoga Studio | $28 | Cultivate mindfulness under the guidance of instructor Miles Cramer.
Don’t Tell Comedy | 7 p.m. | South Slope | $25 | Enjoy a night of laughs from a surprise lineup of comedians in a secret location.
More than 174,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected in Buncombe County. | Photo via @ashevilleparksandrecreation
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Contractors have begun substantial damage assessments
Buncombe County has begun the process of working through assessing damaged structures as a part of FEMA requirements. Over the coming weeks, you may see county teams working to complete the assessments within FEMA’s required timelines.
Here’s what to expect of the assessors and how to recognize them out in the field:
Teams will assess structural damage curbside from vehicles starting today, Nov. 19.
Teams may take photos of damaged structures from their vehicles.
In some instances, these teams may be on foot to take multiple photos and record basic information such as a property’s address.
Each team will be using handheld electronic devices such as tablets and smartphones to record necessary information.
Each contractor will wear a blue vest and carry credentials they can share via a QR code.
Buncombe County’s Private Property Debris Removal program is now accepting applications. Eligible property owners can get help with removing disaster debris from their private or small business commercial property at no cost. The program also covers demolition assistance for unsafe structures. Learn more — then submit an application.
Announced
The Town of Woodfin Water District has lifted its boil water notice, after testing confirmed that the water is safe for consumption. Source water contains no detectable lead, but residents with plumbing installed before 1988 are encouraged to flush their taps for 30 seconds to two minutes daily before consuming water.
Biz
Speaking of water consumption, Buncombe County shared guidelines for businesses that are resuming water operations now that the City of Asheville’s boil water notice is no longer in effect. The resource includes details on flushing ice machines and other water-dependent equipment.
Opening
The much-anticipated downtown public restroom is ready to open, and the City of Asheville is celebrating with a toilet paper ribbon cutting tomorrow, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. The Downtown Loo, located on the corner of College Street and Rankin Avenue, features 24/7 access and ADA accessibility.
Community
Starting Monday, Nov. 25, the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Asheville Mall will be open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays. The center will now close on Sundays and will be closed from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 for Thanksgiving weekend. The DRC will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.
Environment
Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance has decided to turn waste into art. The local ballet company is collecting 5,000 used water bottles to create the backdrop for the upcoming production of “Appalachian Phoenix.” To donate your uncrushed, 16.9 oz. bottles email or call 828-761-1371.
Arts
The deadline to apply for ArtsAVL’s Emergency Relief Grant is next Saturday, Nov. 30. Storm-impacted artists of any discipline are invited to apply for the $500 relief stipends. Since the grant launched in mid-October, 1,800+ applications have been received and 1,231 grants have been awarded.
Concert
After the competition was postponed due to the storm, NewSong has announced that the finals of the Music Performance & Songwriting Competition will take place on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Citizen Vinyl. The internationally recognized event will welcome eight yet-to-be-announced finalists to compete for the top spot. Get tickets.
No more feeling wired and tired. Seven forms of magnesium in Magnesium Breakthrough help you unwind + sleep deeper. Get 25% off bundles — Black Friday sale ends today.*
Finance
When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026.*
Home
Don’t risk a busted washer or drier in the middle of winter — get American Home Shield Home Warranty. For a limited time, they’re offering $150 off some of their most comprehensive plans.(Think: Peace of mind, for less.)Claim the discount. Read website disclaimer for important consumer information.*
Category
Seasonal
🎁 Holiday gifting class is in session
Embrace the holiday giving season with this guide full of local finds and something for everyone. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shopping for a student this holiday season? Check out gifts we love — all from local makers and our city’s small businesses.
Book club cats tote | $26.95 | They can carry this adorable bag from Seltzer Goods across campus — bonus points if you fill it with books from Malaprop’s or Firestorm.
Personalized pastel pencils | $12 | This set of 10 No. 2 pencils can be personalized with their name or a motivational reminder.
Lime grid knit beanie | $28 | This comfy beanie from Clad is made from upcycled deadstock yarn.
Embroidered bookworm necklace | $33+ | The student who loves to read will adore this hand-stitched necklace by Asheville biz Blackwell Stitches.
With friends and family visiting for the holidays, there’s no better time to break out the board + card games. Here are five for your next family game night:
🎲 Up to 20 players can participate in Herd Mentality for some udderly hilarious fun. 🎲 Ticket to Ride is a top-rated board game for 2-5 players ages 8+. 🎲 Everyone can put their poker face to the test in You Laugh You’re Out. 🎲 Ransom Notes is an easy-to-play game that will leave the entire family belly laughing. 🎲 Coup is a fast and fun bluffing game for 2-6 players ages 13+.
Sweater weather has officially spread to Downtown Asheville — and I don’t just mean the slight chill in the air. Purl’s Yarn Emporium and a host of volunteers have bundled the Flat Iron Sculpture on Wall Street in a cozy yarn art installation. The vibrant knit declares, “AVL Always Value Love.” Take a look at how the craft came together.
