December Events in Henderson County, North Carolina

Olde Fashioned Christmas – December 5th

Join for an olde fashioned open house with all downtown Hendersonville’s wonderful assortment of destination shops, family-friendly entertainment and fabulous eateries!
Take a magical ride through Historic Downtown Hendersonville among its twinkling lights and festive decorations. The serpentine street adds to the leisurely pace of the horse, so you can slow down and savor the moment
Henderson County Parks and Recreation will accompany the event with Santa on the Square. It will include selfies with Santa, hot cocoa, games, crafts, specials guests and more. Santa on the Square will be hosted in front of the Historic Courthouse in Downtown Hendersonville.

28th Annual Santa on the Chimney – December 6th

Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: Included with Park admission.
Santa has a big job climbing down all the chimneys in the world on Christmas Eve. But where better to practice than one of the world’s largest natural chimneys? Santa will be back in the park this year for his Christmas trial run rappelling down Chimney Rock. Attendees can watch Santa rappel, pose for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, make holiday crafts, listen to live music, meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and more.

Hendersonville Christmas Parade – December 6th

Enjoy an evening parade in downtown Hendersonville with the theme “Light up the Night” The parade steps off at at 6pm heading south down Main Street.

HVL Theatre: Dashing Through the Snow – Varying Dates in December

By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten
Presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)

December 11-21, 2025

Thursday, 12/11 at 7:30pm (pay what you can available)
Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturday at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Director: Abigail Dover Thomas

Approximate Run Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Rating: PG due to adult content and mild language.

Holiday Train Rides with Mountain Fresh Orchards – December 20th

Mountain Fresh Orchards will provide holiday train rides on Main Street, hop on the train at the Historic Courthouse where they will have fresh baked and canned goods.

The Annual New Year’s Eve Apple Rise – December 31st

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Historic Courthouse, the official Apple Rise ceremony, starting at 5pm leading up to the raising of the apple at 7pm. Noisemakers, glow sticks and hot beverages will be given out while supplies last, plus a DJ will play the top hits of 2025.

Winter Lights at North Carolina Arboretum – November 15th – Jan 4th

We look forward to welcoming you back for another year of Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition from November 15 to January 4! Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. Troll sightings are anticipated at this year’s Winter Lights, as six of Dambo’s Trolls will be experiencing the show for themselves. Meet them in the gardens at Winter Lights! Tickets are sold per vehicle and there are 3 entry times daily, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.

2025 National Gingerbread House Competition – November 18th – January 4th

The Omni Grove Park Inn invites guests to experience the 33rd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition, showcasing over 45 extraordinary edible creations from bakers of all ages. Entries will be displayed throughout the resort from November 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The competition, held on November 17, offers more than $40,000 in cash and prizes. While judging is closed to the public, the public is welcome to view the displays after 6 p.m. on Sundays and anytime Monday through Thursday, excluding certain holidays and dates.

28th Annual Henderson County Toy Run – November 22nd

Join on Saturday, November 22 for the 28th Annual Henderson County Toy Run. This event collects toys and raises money for foster children and children in need. Registration is between 10am and 1pm at Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher, NC with kickstands up at 1:30pm when riders will head to the Henderson County Courthouse. Don’t have a bike? That’s okay, come drop off toys, donations and hang out. There will be live music, bbq lunch, door prizes, 50/50 drawing and t-shirts available.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas – November 28th – December 21st

It’s like a big, warm holiday HUG! The tradition everyone loves continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,’ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright!

Art Night @ Shakedown Lounge – Weekly on Mondays

7-11 PM, Art Night is an opportunity to get creative with a bunch of other people wanting to get creative, materials provided. Shakedown Kava Lounge is located at 706 7th Avenue East, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Blind Draw Cornhole Tournaments @ The Main Event – Weekly on Tuesdays

8-11:30PM, Join The Main event every Tuesday for a night of cornhole, drinks, and fun that goes as late as you want to play.

Whether you’re a cornhole pro or just want to toss a few bags with friends, this is the perfect way to kick back and have a blast. Each week, they’ll mix things up with blind draw teams, so it’s anyone’s game!

• Blind Draw Cornhole Tournament: New partners every week, keeping the competition fresh and exciting!
• Football Night: Watch the big game on our giant screen while tossing bags and sipping on drinks.
• Full Bar: Enjoy our wide selection of beers, cocktails, and more as you play and relax.
• Late Night Fun: We’ll stay open as late as you want to play—because Tuesdays just got much more fun!

So grab your friends, bring your A-game, and come down to The Main Event every Tuesday night for a laid-back evening of cornhole, football, and good times. The Main Event is located at 125 South Main Street Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Round Robin Open Mic @ Trailside Brewing – Weekly on Tuesdays

6-9 PM, Open Mic in the round, one song at a time round the circle. A comfortable, encouraging environments for all styles and skill levels, a true music community event! Everyone is welcome! Trailside Brewing is located at 893 Lenox Park Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

French Broad Valley Mountain Music Jam – Weekly on Wednesdays

6-8 PM, Join Trailside Brewing Company for a weekly mountain music JAM with players in a round, where the session is focused on regional fiddle tunes and songs. You are welcome to come and listen or to learn and join in. This event supports the Henderson County Junior Appalachian Musician (JAM) Kids Program, Free but donations are accepted. Trailside Brewing is located at 893 Lenox Park Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

Dance Lessons @ Honeysuckle Holler – Weekly on Thursdays

7-9 PM, Every Thursday Join Honeysuckle Holler for FREE dance lessons taught by the wonderful Tianna Miller. Doors open at 7pm, lessons will start between 7:15-7:30. They’ll be teaching 3 dances every week. Honeysuckle Holler is located at 101 E. Allen Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Flat Rock Farmers Market – Weekly on Thursdays

Join us every Thursday from 3pm-6pm at the Pinecrest ARP Church parking lot an exciting array of produce, baked goods, crafts and more! We are located at 1790 Greenville Highway.

Every Friday from 4-7PM plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase – small batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome! During winter months enjoy playing under the covered heated porch! Sideways Farm & Brewery is located at 62 Eade Road, Etowah, NC 28729.

BOLD Bonfire @ Bold Rock – Weekly on Fridays

6-9PM, Every Friday night, sit back, grab a cider, and relax at BOLD Bonfires at Bold Rock Mills River! Enjoy fire pits burning, S’mores kits available for purchase, live music from some of your favorite local acts, & delicious cider available to kick your weekend off right! Bold Rock is located at 72 School House Rd.
Mills River, NC 28759.

HVL Farmers Market – Weekly on Saturdays

Discover a taste of local at The Main Street Farmers Market! Explore fresh, local produce in Downtown Hendersonville from 9AM-1PM. The Farmers Market aims to support local farmers, bakers & makers in the off season of the City’s popular Farmers Market. Hosted on beautiful Main St. in Downtown. This weekly market continues building the sense of community that a full season market brings and provides continued opportunities for our town’s small business owners. The Farmers Market is located at 310 Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Mills River Farmers Market – Weekly on Saturdays

This weekly market is a producer-only market, selling only products raised or produced within 50 miles, special events include live music, educational stations, a demonstration station and a Kid’s Zone, vendors sell items including vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, high-quality crafts and more.

Located at Mills River Elementary School, 94 School House Rd, Mills River.

Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market – Weekly on Wednesdays

3PM-6PM on Wednesdays through October, check out the Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market, which showcases local farmers, vendors and artisans and the delicious produce the area is known for, all items sold here are made by or grown by the vendor.

Located at 447 Etowah School Road

Jackson Park Bird Outing – Second Saturday of Each Month

Join the Blue Ridge Audubon, a chapter of the National Audubon Society for their monthly bird walk at Jackson Park, a renowned birding location. On the 2nd Saturday of each month, meet at the Administration Building parking lot, located on Glover Street, and join the group to see the many wonderful birds found at Jackson Park, Hendersonville’s largest park