Perhaps cooking isn’t your strong suit. That’s alright, because there are several Asheville restaurants that have your back this holiday season. We’ve rounded up some local spots that are ready to serve up takeout and even host on the big day.
Pro tip: Tables go quickly, so make sure to get a reservation at the spots that accept them.
Christmas Day dining
Bargello, 7 Patton Ave.
From 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can enjoy a four-course, family-style prix fixe meal including dishes like whipped hummus and puff pastry wrapped salmon.
The Blackbird Restaurant, 47 Biltmore Ave.
Make a reservation to enjoy this nine-course meal beginning with crispy, fried mushrooms and ending with a layered pistachio cake.
Pre-order a meal
Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food
After moving into its new digs at Hi-Wire’s Biltmore Village brewery, Guajiro is back to serving up delicious dishes like Ropa Vieja and Vaca Frita — both of which are available for holiday catering.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 A Telethon Celebrating Entrepreneurial Resilience | 6-9 p.m. | The Orange Peel, virtual option | $0+ | Attend in person or tune in via Facebook as Venture Asheville aims to raise $1 million for Optimist Ventures to aid WNC small businesses.
Thursday, Dec. 12 Swannanoa Watershed Sample Blitz | 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | MountainTrue | Free | Meet up at the MountainTrue office before heading out with instructions and supplies to take water samples to assess Helene’s impact — be sure to bring your PPE.
Cocktails with Kris Kringle | 5 p.m. | Soprana Rooftop Cucina | Free | Join the big man himself to sip on a spritz and shop local pop-ups.
Sing-Along: “The Sound of Music” | 7:30 p.m. | Asheville Community Theatre | $18+ | Grab a lyric sheet and sing your heart out with Maria and the von Trapp family — bonus: the show kit amps up the fun with props and more surprises.
Friday, Dec. 13 Asheville Mindreading Show | 7-9:30 p.m. | Story Parlor | $40+ | See if mentalist John Pritchard can get inside your head during this interactive show.
Lamplight AVL Fundraising Gala | 7-11 p.m. | Drop of Sun Studios | $50+ | Dress up to enjoy food, drinks, and karaoke to raise money for the nonprofit’s Art Remains grant fund.
Saturday, Dec. 14 Sock It To Me Santa 5k | 9-11 a.m. | Asheville Middle School | $5+ | Lace up your running shoes to benefit the Asheville City Schools band program — the musicians will soundtrack your run at the start and finish lines.
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Second Gear has reopened in its new location at 52 Westgate Pkwy. The shop is currently open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but be on the lookout for special holiday hours coming soon. There’s plenty of gear to browse, with more on the way now that consignment is open.
Regional
The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance has been extended to Tuesday, Jan. 7 in 39 NC counties, including Buncombe. People who are unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for benefits. Reminder: Tuesday, Jan. 7 is also the deadline to apply for FEMA assistance.
Opening
New Belgium will reopen its West Asheville taproom on Monday, Dec. 16, and thus resume regular hours. Since Helene hit, the brewery has offered its space for water distribution and residential recycling. Raise a glass to its outreach efforts on Monday from 12 to 8 p.m. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Cause
The Rotary Club of Asheville has launched a Disaster Relief Grant program, offering grants of up to $5,000 to aid WNC nonprofits, schools, and government agencies with 501(c)(3) status. Rotary clubs across North America have contributed more than $150,000 to support the initiative. Grant applications can be submitted online.
Number
300+. That’s how many handmade quilts Earth Fare is distributing to community members in need this Saturday, Dec. 14. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., quilts, scarves, books, and toys will be given out at the Westgate Parkway store to anyone who needs them.
Eat
As Baba Nahm draws closer to opening in its new Biltmore Avenue location, you can still get your fix of marvelous Mediterranean fare at its South Asheville pop-up. Head to Biltmore Park near Thirsty Monk through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Try This
Did you know? Annual Passholders at Biltmore get to enjoy perks like unlimited daytime admission (with a reservation), discounts on shopping, dining, and special exhibits like Chihuly at Biltmore — which ends Feb. 2, 2025. Save $90 on new Annual Passes for a limited time.*
Cause
The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is providing free home repairs to those most impacted by Hurricane Helene. Help support their mission of building hope (and homes) this holiday season by making a donation.*
Wellness
Thinning hair doesn’t stand a chance with KilgourMD’s dermatologist-developed serums. Increase follicle growth by 200% when you get the bundle for $150, featuring 15% + free shipping.*
Announced
Meet Jobs, our virtual job board for all industries that can connect you with top local talent. Post your first listing for free and watch those applications roll in.
Category
Shop
Local finds under $20
Including delicious biscuit mix and a candle and lotion in one. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shopping local? Browse some of our favorite finds that will brighten up anyone’s holiday, all available for $20 or less.
Biscuit mix | $8.50 | Make Biscuit Head’s delectable biscuits right at home. Bonus: They also sell a vegan + gluten-free mix.
Custom beaded bracelet | $14 | Choose a gemstone they’ll love, and personalize it with their name.
Autumn Moonlight lotion candle | $18 | As this candle from Element Tree Essentials burns, it turns into lotion, leaving you with a sweet-smelling moisturizer.
A great gift for a significant other or someone you love — a personalized song plaque you can customize with their favorite song + a photo of you together.
Friday the 13th is coming up, so you know what that means... flash tattoos. It’s time I head back to Drawing Board Tattoo for some more ink at its Friday the 13th tattoo event — artists will be tattooing from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but get there early to sign up and claim your spot.
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