Warmest wishes, Asheville. We’re taking a pause on newsletters to spend time with our loved ones. We’ll see you back in your inboxes daily at 6 a.m., starting Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. In the meantime, peruse our archives here.
Culture
🎄 Yule be the judge
The holidays are full of traditions we love — and a few we love to argue about. | Graphic by 6AM City
Holiday traditions evoke warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia, gratitude, and togetherness. But for all the joy that traditions inspire, they also tend to spark something else: very strong opinions.
This year, we’re stepping in to settle classic holiday hot takes. After all, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a few friendly debates.
Real tree or fake tree?
Is cutting down a fresh spruce part of the magic, or does an artificial tree make more sense? Still team real tree? Boyd Mountain still has some inventory.
Big night out or stay home on New Year’s Eve?
Can a couch countdown by the television beat a sequin–filled night on the town? Going out with a bang? Here’s what’s happening around Asheville on NYE.
Should you leave festive decorations up past the holiday?
When is it time to say goodbye to the garland? When you’re ready to un-deck the halls, the Asheville Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts used holiday gear and decorations.
Is eggnog festive and flavorful or absolutely foul?
Don’t get us started on whether it should be served warm or cold. For warm, head to the Golden Pineapple. For cold, opt for The Hop’s eggnog ice cream.
Do you still send and receive holiday cards?
Is this tradition fading or holding strong in your household? Snail mail isn’t dead yet: It’s not too late to pick up some cute stationery from Whist.
Take the poll to put in your two cents — then stay tuned for the final results in an upcoming newsletter. Want to know our takes? Keep scrolling.
Thomas Dambo’s trolls can be found all over the world, and now they’re here in Asheville, too. | Photos courtesy of Fiasco Media
ICYMI, twelve of Thomas Dambo’s trolls are roaming The North Carolina Arboretum, and troll hunters from near and far are taking part in one of the season’s most special events.
Daytime visits to Trolls: A Field Study are included with the regular Arboretum parking fee. Six of the trolls are also visible after dark during Winter Lights — grab tickets to be part of the beloved holiday tradition.
Become a member at the Arb for free parking, discounted Winter Lights tickets, and magical experiences year-round.
Chicken tender chain Huey Magoo’s is now open in Weaverville in the former IHOP on Weaver Boulevard. There’s also a location in Arden on Long Shoals Road. If you’re craving a local chicken spot, Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack is one of our favs.
Civic
In the near future, the lot at 50 Asheland Ave. will be a skating rink, but in the long term, it could be affordable housing and an expanded ART center. The city will develop a permanent plan for the property with a $300,000 federal grant and will release a request for qualifications next month to begin the process. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Edu
Dr. Brian Norman is the new Provost and Dean of the Faculty at Warren Wilson College, beginning in June. Norman currently serves as provost at Antioch College and brings two decades of experience in academic leadership, curricular reform, and inclusive administration.
Read
A new mobile bookstore has hit the road in Weaverville. Willbloom Books is showcasing a variety of reads inside a mint green bus, popping up at markets and events across the region. Shop online and check the schedule for future events. (828 News Now)
Holiday
Some city and county offices + services will be closed later next week for the winter holidays. See which county programs and city programs will run on different schedules.
Asked
Want in on The Brief, AVLtoday’s new weekly business newsletter? Take a quick ~2-minute survey to help shape it — and if you’re interested in an exclusive launch partnership, email rjohnston@6amcity.com. Only five spots are available, so grab yours before they’re gone.
Your dog’s wagging tail hides more than love — it hides a world of genetic information. Uncover their ancestry, genetic traits, and potential health risks with 50% off Basepaws Dog DNA Test, now on sale for the holidays.*
Shop
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Health
Health
Comfort meets clarity
Presented by Oricle Hearing
Oricle Hearing aids can be charged wirelessly. | Photo courtesy of Oricle Hearing
Incredible advancements in hearing aid technology are now more accessible than ever.
Oricle Hearing offers the Rolls-Royce Of hearing aids, designed for comfort and discretion so users can hear clearly without the bulk of traditional models.
Users rave about the sound quality, which rivals that of more expensive models, helping them regain confidence and reconnect with loved ones.
Discover how Oricle is redefining hearing aid accessibility without the hassle of appointments or extensive fittings.
The Buy team here. We’ve recommended a lot of items this year, from home organization staples to wardrobe must-haves. Here are the top-shopped products:
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