Show & Tell’s Holiday Market is open through Christmas Eve. | Photo by Rita Kovtun Photography
With all the creativity running through our community, it’s no surprise that this season’s schedule is teeming with holiday markets.
So make your list and check it twice — then stop by to find something special and support local makers.
Haywood Road Holiday Market | Friday, Dec. 12 | 2-8 p.m. | 387 Haywood Rd. | Free | Visit the cottage for real trees and garlands, holiday treats and drinks, flash tattoos, and festivities.
Holiday Sales Market | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Folk Art Center | Free | Guild artists are offering handmade work at special studio prices on select days this holiday season.
Yule Tide Pride Holiday Market | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | A-B Tech | Donation-based | Asheville Phoenix Fire brings Pride to the holidays with gifts, live music, treats, coffee, and an afterparty.
Alpaca Wonderland Winter Artisan Market | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 12-5 p.m. | Durrant Farms Estate, Leicester | Free | Celebrate the season with a magical day, featuring unique local gifts, holiday treats, and alpaca cheer.
Chorizo is officially open in the Grove Arcade, dishing out modern tapas and cocktails inspired by Southern Spanish tradition. Dine in Tuesday-Saturday, for breakfast + lunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 4 to 9 p.m.
Listen
Asheville rocker MJ Lenderman nabbed the No. 2 spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Best Songs of 2025" for his cover of This Is Lorelei’s “Dancing in the Club.” Play it on loop to prep yourself for his performance at Christmas Jam this Saturday, Dec. 13.
Traffic
Construction surrounding the Greenway Connector is underway through Saturday, Dec. 13, with McDowell Street closed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the future, the northbound slip lane to Southside Avenue and the Southside right turn to Short Coxe will be removed, improving pedestrian safety. Work continues into mid-2026.
Civic
Asheville City Council approved two Helene-related contracts — $20 million for ongoing storm debris removal, including at the Bee Tree reservoir, and $4 million for FEMA-required debris removal monitoring services. Both are expected to be fully reimbursed through FEMA and state funds. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Development
The area’s Economic Development Coalition opposes the proposed Costco at Enka Commerce Park, citing loss of the city’s last industrial park, tax concerns, and lower retail wages as opposed to manufacturing jobs. Debate continues as the project faces zoning approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. (Asheville Watchdog)
Learn
Registration is open for spring 2026 Great Smokies Writing Program classes at UNC Asheville. Professional writers can help you hone your skills in areas like creative nonfiction, poetry, and journalism. Explore the lineup of classes.
Seasonal
Applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program are open for qualifying 60+ adults with disabilities. The program keeps people warm by administering a one-time vendor payment for heating bills. Find application details and eligibility requirements.
Featured Apartment
Chorus Asheville is where 55+ active adults trade ordinary days for getaway living. Minutes from downtown, this modern community packs in wellness perks, resident-led fun, and endless ways to connect. Think yoga, pickleball, social events, and greenway strolls. Learn more.*
Seasonal
Winter Lights is in full swing at The North Carolina Arboretum. Grab tickets to experience traditional favorites like the 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with a few new surprises.*
Home
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Read
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Finance
If you’re paying interest on credit card debt, take this as your sign to stop. Instead,get this leading card for 18 months of 0% interest on a balance transfer. You’ll even earn cash back perks on additional purchases. Stop stressing about debt — apply now.*
Event Spotlight
A famous memorial visits Asheville
The memorial is displayed across the US — the full quilt stretches 50 miles in length. | Photo by the National Institute of Health
Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP), the National AIDS Memorial, Campaign for Southern Equality, and Revolve Gallery have partnered to bring seven panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Asheville.
Created by activist Cleve Jones in the 80s to honor lives lost to AIDS in San Francisco, the quilt has since grown into a national memorial with more than 50,000 panels and 110,000+ names stitched into its fabric. It’s considered the largest community art project in history.
Seven panels are on display at Revolve Gallery on Riverside Drive through Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibit is free, with donations being accepted to support the work of the WNCAP.
The Buy
A super powerful mini massage gun. It weighs less than a pound, making it the perfect recovery accessory for when you’re on the go.
Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn is celebrating Taylor Swift’s birthday this Saturday, Dec. 13, with a bejeweled bash at its Biltmore Village pop-up shop. Come rep your favorite era and dance to the DJ, snap pics in the photo booth, and make friendship bracelets — plus, enjoy 13% off the whole store.
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