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Holiday happenings: Tree lightings, parades and more this weekend in Asheville

Holiday happenings: Tree lightings, parades and more this weekend in Asheville

Christmas snow in Asheville, 2020. Photo: Saga Communications/Pruett Norris


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As November comes to a close, communities all over Asheville are preparing for the advent of the holiday season with tree lightings, parades and more. Check out our list of the festivities below.

Friday, Nov. 21

Town Square Tree Lighting & Holiday Market – 6:30 p.m., Biltmore Park Town Square

Biltmore Park will officially light up for the holidays during its Holiday Market, which features over 35 local vendors offering seasonal food, gifts and other festive treats. Locally-farmed Christmas trees and wreaths will be for sale as well. At 6:30 p.m., join in on the Tree Lighting Ceremony, where the large Biltmore Park tree will officially come to life with the holiday spirit.

Vintage Market Days Asheville Holiday Event – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., WNC Ag Center

Over 130 vendors from 16 different states will congregate in Asheville this weekend for a holiday shopping bonanza. Two indoor buildings and several outdoor booths filled with vintage items, original art, plants, antiques and more will be joined by food trucks and live music for holiday fun all weekend long.

Saturday, Nov. 22

Asheville Holiday Parade – 11 a.m., downtown Asheville

The Asheville Downtown Association will hold the Asheville Holiday Parade at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 across downtown Asheville. The parade lineup will begin at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and Hilliard Avenue. All public parking garages will remain accessible throughout the event. Before the parade begins, attendees can participate in the Onesie One Miler, a one-mile downtown dash designed for runners in pajama accoutrement. Find more information here.

Santa’s Arrival + Tree Lighting Ceremony – 4-8 p.m., Tanger Outlets

Santa Claus is coming to town at the Tanger Outlets. This Saturday, guests at the outlet mall can enjoy festive booths and displays, as well as live music from the Enka High School Marching Band, stilt walkers, treats from The Hominy and appearances from the Grinch, Ted E. Tourist and Bluey. Santa himself will arrive at 5:45 p.m. in the Santa Parade, after which he will be in the food court for photos until the end of the night.

Holiday Book Sale – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Black Mountain-Tyson Library

Black Mountain readers are encouraged to participate in the library’s holiday book sale. A bag of books can be purchased for $5, with early entry for Friends of the Black Mountain Library members at 9:30 a.m.

Ross Farm Holiday Market – Noon to 4 p.m., 91 Holbrook Road, Candler

Ross Farm in Candler, N.C. will host a farm market this weekend, featuring local crafts, baked goods, a dessert food truck, caroling, holiday hot dogs and more.

Sunday, Nov. 23

Show & Tell Holiday Pop Up Shop – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Asheville Mall

Show & Tell has transformed an empty storefront at the Asheville Mall into a holiday shopping mecca. Over 120 vendors have been gathered for the 11th year of the event, featuring everything from spice blends and gourmet popcorn to vintage clothing and candles. This is the preview weekend for the main event, to be held Nov. 28-Dec. 24.

Read more. . .

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