🎄 Holiday Markets and Town Lightings
Shopping and community celebration are the main themes this weekend as towns begin their holiday countdown.
Vintage Market Days: "Christmas in Asheville"
When: Friday, November 21, through Sunday, November 23.
Where: WNC Ag Center, Fletcher (near Hendersonville).
Details: This popular three-day, upscale market features over 130 vendors with vintage goods, unique antiques, holiday home décor, and gourmet treats.
Town Square Tree Lighting & Holiday Market (Asheville)
When: Friday, November 21, 6:30 p.m. (Market starts at 4:00 p.m.).
Where: Biltmore Park Town Square.
Details: Features dozens of local artisans, seasonal treats, and the official lighting of the South Asheville Christmas tree.
Newland Christmas Tree Festival (High Country)
When: Friday, November 21.
Where: Newland Town Square.
Details: Celebrations in the "Fraser Fir Capital" include vendor markets, music, and the town lighting ceremony.
Downtown Waynesville's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, November 22.
Where: Downtown Waynesville.
Details: The community gathers for the official lighting of the downtown Christmas tree.
🎉 Parades and Community Events
Saturday is a major day for holiday parades across the WNC region.
Asheville Holiday Parade
When: Saturday, November 22, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Downtown Asheville.
Details: The annual parade, themed "Toyshop Whimsy," features floats, bands, community groups, and the official appearance of Santa Claus.
Light Up Downtown North Wilkesboro
When: Friday, November 21, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown North Wilkesboro.
Details: A festive evening featuring extended shopping hours, live music, and the lighting of the downtown area.
Marion Christmas Parade
When: Sunday, November 23, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Marion.
Details: A smaller-town parade event with the theme "A McDowell Strong Christmas."
⛰️ Mountain Town Highlights: Franklin & Sylva
"Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella" (Franklin)
When: Friday, November 21 (Evening) and Saturday, November 22 (Afternoon).
Where: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (SMCPA).
Details: A live stage production of the classic musical, offering a high-quality theater option for mountain residents.
WCU Men's Basketball (Sylva)
When: Saturday, November 22.
Where: Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center (WCU Campus).
Details: The Western Carolina Catamounts take on the Stetson Hatters in a key non-conference match-up.
Grandfather Mountain Holiday Tree Arrival (Boone Area)
When: Friday, November 21.
Where: Grandfather Mountain, Linville.
Details: Watch the ceremonial harvesting and transport of the massive tree chosen to be the official state Christmas tree, complete with hot chocolate and holiday crafts.
🏆 Sports and Entertainment
2025 Ingles SoCon Volleyball Championship
When: Friday, November 21 (Quarterfinals), Saturday, November 22 (Semifinals), and Sunday, November 23 (Championship Match).
Where: Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville.
Details: The Southern Conference collegiate volleyball tournament concludes in downtown Asheville, determining the league's champion.
The Thanksgiving Play
When: Friday, November 21 (Evening) and throughout the weekend.
Where: Attic Salt Theatre Arts Space, Asheville.
Details: This satirical comedy about political correctness and Thanksgiving wraps up its limited run this weekend.
Disclaimer: Please check event details with the organizer before attending, as times and dates are subject to change, especially due to weather.
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