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Things to do in Asheville & WNC: Dec. 19-21

Things to do in Asheville & WNC: Dec. 19-21

Interior at The Whale West Asheville, which celebrates its 8th birthday this weekend. Photo: Saga Communications/Pruett Norris


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Looking for weekend plans? From winter solstice celebrations to a Grinch brunch to a town-wide bar crawl, we have you covered. Read more below.

Friday, Dec. 19

Reindeer Romp! A Black Mountain Holiday Pub Crawl – 5-9 p.m., Black Mountain

Black Mountain bars, breweries and pubs will come alive with the holiday spirit this Friday for the first annual Reindeer Romp. Participating locations include Lookout Brewing Company, Peri Social House, Old Town District, Black Mountain Brewing, The Station, Que Sera, White Horse Black Mountain and Town Pump.

Trolls: A Field Study and Winter Lights – North Carolina Arboretum

Get a good look at all 12 of Thomas Dambo’s troll statues before strolling through the annual Winter Lights display at the N.C. Arboretum. Find tickets and more information at www.ncarboretum.org/trolls-a-field-study.

Watch “Avatar: Fire and Ash” – Now playing in theaters

When “Avatar: The Way of Water” was released in 2022, it had been 13 years since James Cameron’s revolutionary sci-fi epic first hit the scene. “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” meanwhile, comes soaring into cinemas this weekend just three years after its predecessor. Read our review.

Saturday, Dec. 20

Holly Jolly Christmas Market – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 105C Montreat Road, Black Mountain

White Horse Black Mountain continues their third annual series of Holly Jolly Christmas Markets this Saturday in Black Mountain. Shoppers will discover seasonal treats, locally handcrafted gifts and live music at the event, which will also be attended by Santa himself.

Grunch: A Grinch Christmas Brunch – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive, 161 Biltmore Ave.

Daddy Mac’s will host the Grinch from noon to 2 p.m. at their holiday “Grunch,” featuring a special Grinch-themed menu and photo opportunities with the green grouch.

The Whale 8th Anniversary Oyster Roast and Bluegrass Shindig – 1 p.m., The Whale West Asheville, 507 Haywood Road

The Whale will celebrate its 8th birthday with roasted oysters and live bluegrass music from The Greenliners on the patio. There will be a bonfire, a robust tap rotation and more at the “eight years deep” celebration.

Sunday, Dec. 21

Candlelight Caroling at the Cathedral – 6 p.m., The Cathedral of All Souls, Biltmore Village

The Biltmore Village “It’s a Wonderful Village!” series of events will conclude with a community candlelit caroling event. Gather at The Cathedral of All Souls this Sunday for Corner Kitchen hot chocolate, caroling and “the spirit of togetherness.”

Marshall Winter Solstice Lantern Walk – 6-7:30 p.m., 165 S Main St., Marshall

Marshall is calling on the community to bring their flame-free lanterns to Main Street for a winter solstice walk and celebration. The walk will last about 15 minutes, up and down Main Street, before soup and warm drinks will be served on-site by Sweet Monkey.

Read more. . .

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