As winter wonder moves to the North Carolina mountains, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has plenty of festive celebrations to make the 2025 holiday season merry and bright for the young and young-at-heart during Holly Jolly Holidays in November and December. Space is limited, so advance registration is strongly recommended even if an event is free.
November 15-22 | December 1-7 | December 8-14 | December 15-21 | December 22-January 2
December 8-14
12 Days of Magic: Week 1 – December 8-12, 2-4pm
Grove Street Community Center (36 Grove St.)
FREE | Ages 18+
Unwrap a new holiday surprise each day to celebrate the magic and wonder of the season.
- December 8: Name That Tune: Holiday Songs Edition
- December 9: Snowy Window Art
- December 10: Holiday Card Making
- December 11: Gingerbread House Decorating
- December 12: Holiday Trivia
Calls from Santa – December 8, 5-6:30pm
FREE | Ages 3-6
Ensure all good little children in your life receive a personal call from the North Pole. Sign up and one of Santa’s helpers will schedule a call.
Toddler Discovery Time: Animal Track Holiday Cards – December 9, 10-10:45am
Stephens-Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave.)
$5 | Ages 2.5-5 with adult
Toddlers’ creativity and imagination gets the winter treatment with cards featuring snowy prints from rabbits, deer, racoons, and more mountain wildlife.
Therapeutic Recreation Adult Crafting: Cinnamon Ornaments – December 9, 10-11am and 11am-12pm
Murphy-Oakley Community Center (749 Fairview Rd.)
FREE | Ages 17+ with disabilities
Create new heirloom ornaments from cinnamon and applesauce perfect to hang on trees year after year. Advance registration required.
Therapeutic Recreation Adult Movement: Winter Olympics – December 10, 10-12pm
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Dr.)
FREE | Ages 17+ with disabilities
Discover the fun of winter sports with stations inspired by popular ice and snow Olympic disciplines adapted for individuals with disabilities. Advance registration required.
Oakley Community Closet – December 10, 1-2pm
Murphy-Oakley Community Center (749 Fairview Rd.)
FREE | All ages
Shop and swap clothes, shoes, and toys at this monthly market that brings new life to gently-loved treasures. Please call (828) 232-4529 to coordinate donation drop-offs.
Holiday Luncheon & Bingo – December 11, 12-3pm
Harvest House Community Center (205 Kenilworth Rd.)
$5 | Ages 18+
Enjoy a spread of traditional Italian holiday foods like lasagna al forno (meat and veggie styles), spaghetti, grilled vegetables, and plenty of cookies and desserts before taking a seasonal spin on everyone’s favorite game! Optional: Bring a canned good for donation to Loving Food Resources. Advanced registration required.
Youth Gingerbread House Building – December 12, 5:30-7pm
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Dr.)
$5 | Ages 7-11 with adult
Sweet and festive is the name of the game at this gingerbread house making factory where kids design and decorate holiday dream houses with colorful candies and icing.
Gingerbread House Contest – December 12, 6-7:30pm
Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton St.)
FREE | All ages
Join for a fun-filled night of building where teams compete to create the best gingerbread house and win prizes!
Breakfast with Santa – December 13, 9-10:30am and 10:30am-12pm
Stephens-Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave.)
$10 | Ages 2-9 with adult
A holiday tradition for local families, Mrs. Claus hosts a special breakfast with games, crafts, and a visit from her jolly husband. Advance registration required.
Santa’s Volleyball Slama Jama – December 13, 10am-4pm
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Dr.)
$50 per team | Ages 18+
Serve up your holiday spirit at Santa’s official 6v6 volleyball tournament featuring intense, top-tier team action and the chance to win fabulous prizes. Costumes encouraged! Advance registration required.
Holiday Free Store – December 13, 10am-6pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St.)
FREE | All ages
‘Tis the season for sharing what we have in abundance, coming together to build community resilience, and lightening the financial burden for someone who may need or want an item. Volunteer, donate, and “shop” clothing, shoes, home goods, toys, books, electronics, sporting goods, and more for personal use or gifts. Sign up to help with sorting and operations.
Holiday Bingo & Festive Fun – December 13, 12-2pm
Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton St.)
FREE | All ages, advance registration required
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at festive Holiday Bingo.
December 15-21
12 Days of Magic: Week 2 – December 15-19, 2-4pm
Grove Street Community Center (36 Grove St.)
FREE | Ages 18+
Unwrap a new holiday surprise each day to celebrate the magic and wonder of the season.
- December 15: Ornament Making
- December 16: Holiday Show and Tell
- December 17: Cookie Exchange
- December 18: Holiday Minute to Win It
- December 19: Christmas Carol Karaoke
Toddler Discovery Time: Winter Wonderland – December 16, 10-10:45am
Stephens-Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave.)
$5 | Ages 2.5-5 with adult
The gym turns into a winter playground of toys, craft and science stations, and holiday activities to inspire toddlers’ creativity and imagination.
Therapeutic Recreation Adult Crafting: Cookie Decorating – December 16, 10-11am and 11am-12pm
Murphy-Oakley Community Center (749 Fairview Rd.)
FREE | Ages 17+ with disabilities
Decorate delicious holiday cookies perfect for enjoying in the final magical weeks of the year. Advance registration required.
Jingle Bell Toddler Party – December 17, 10am-12pm
Stephens-Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave.)
$5 | Ages 4 and under with adult
Jingle bells, reindeer magic, and a snowball toss are part of the celebration in the magical Castle on the Hill packed with inflatables, toys, activity stations, and festive refreshments.
Therapeutic Recreation Adult Movement: Igloos – December 17, 10-12pm
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Dr.)
FREE | Ages 17+ with disabilities
Explore indoor snow huts designed to mimic outdoor shelters traditionally used by native peoples in the snowy Central Arctic and Greenland. Advance registration required.
Candy Cane Flashlight Hunt – December 18, 5:30-7pm
Carrier Park (220 Amboy Rd.)
FREE | Ages 5-18
Search for candy canes and merry treasures – in the dark! Bring your own flashlight or headlamp. Another hunt takes place on December 3 in Jake Rusher Park.
Ugly Sweater Trivia Night – December 19, 6-7:30pm
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Dr.)
$5 | Ages 18+
Throw on your most chaotic holiday sweater for a night of competitive trivia covering everything from holiday classics to pop culture to general knowledge. Advance registration required.
Grinch’s Grub – December 21, 2-4:30pm
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Dr.)
$5 | All ages
Celebrate the first day of winter with holiday cheer (and maybe a touch of green) at a whimsical Grinch-themed indoor picnic and movie viewing inspired by the beloved Dr. Seuss classic about a cranky, solitary creature who realizes that Christmas is not all about money and presents.
December 22-January 2
12 Days of Magic: Week 3 – December 22-23, 2-4pm
Grove Street Community Center (36 Grove St.)
FREE | Ages 18+
Unwrap a new holiday surprise each day to celebrate the magic and wonder of the season.
- December 22: Holiday Movie & Hot Chocolate
- December 23: Gift Exchange
Holiday Camp – December 22-23, December 29-31, and January 2, 8:30am-6pm
$40 for first child, $30 for each additional child | Registration opens November 1
Spend winter break at APR Holiday Camp featuring games, crafts, sports, arts, and every kind of festive fun! Advance registration required.
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center: Ages 6-12
- Tempie Avery Montford Community Center: Ages 5-13
- Therapeutic Recreation: Ages 6-21, please review eligibility criteria prior to registration
Kids’ New Years Eve Party – January 2, 6-7:30pm
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Dr.)
$5 | Ages 5-10 with adult
Kick off the new year with new vibes at a festive party packed with activities to welcome new possibilities and opportunities with open arms.
Explore, Connect, Discover All Year
These events are just a sample of the APR action! APR’s current Program Guide is available in English and en español. Programs fill up fast and many require advance registration, so it’s worth spending some time planning which activities and events to attend. Use these resources to discover additional opportunities:
- Search Asheville Parks & Recreation programs online
- Subscribe to Asheville Parks & Recreation’s newsletters
- Follow APR on Instagram and Facebook
- Visit parks, greenways, playgrounds, and unique spaces throughout Asheville
Past Events
November 15-22
Warmth & Wags – November 15, 12-3pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St.)
FREE | All ages
Find a cuddly year-round companion and share the holiday spirit with Mountain Pet Rescue’s array of adoptable dogs ready to fill your life with joy and wagging tails, from playful puppies to gentle seniors.
Grove Street Pie Contest – November 20, 2-4pm
Grove Street Community Center (36 Grove St.)
FREE | All ages
Bring your best holiday pie to see if your unique taste, texture, and originality stand out to the judges. Submit pies by noon to be part of the fun!
Burton Street Friendsgiving – November 22, 11am-1pm
Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton St.)
FREE | All ages
Gather friends and family to share a free potluck meal, good company, and what you’re most thankful for. Advance registration required.
Asheville Holiday Parade – November 22, 11am-2pm
Pack Square Park and Pritchard Park (Downtown Asheville)
FREE | All ages
Join the City of Asheville in partnership with Asheville Downtown Association for a day of festive mountain spirit, creative community floats, and costumes brought to life by local groups and organizations under this year’s theme: Toyshop Whimsy. Look out for the APR float and take holiday cheer to the next level by volunteering to help create this treasured tradition (to volunteer, reach out to info@ashevilledowntown.org)!
Community Thanksgiving Potluck – November 22, 1-4pm
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center (121 Shiloh Rd.)
FREE | All ages
Celebrate the season of gratitude and fellowship with a shared meal where everyone brings their favorite Thanksgiving dish. Advance registration required.
December 1-7
Therapeutic Recreation Adult Crafting: Snow Making – December 2, 10-11am and 11am-12pm
Murphy-Oakley Community Center (749 Fairview Rd.)
FREE | Ages 17+ with disabilities
Experience the magic of making snow with simple, safe ingredients. Advance registration required.
Therapeutic Recreation Adult Movement: Snowball Fight – December 3, 10-12pm
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (34 Pearson Dr.)
FREE | Ages 17+ with disabilities
It’s all about strategy and the duck, dive, and dodge in this silly snowball sight using dodgeballs. Advance registration required.
Candy Cane Flashlight Hunt – December 3, 5:30-7pm
Jake Rusher Park (160 Sycamore Dr., Arden)
FREE | Ages 5-18 with adult
Search for candy canes and merry treasures – in the dark! Bring your own flashlight or headlamp. Another hunt takes place on December 18 in Carrier Park.
Day Trips: National Gingerbread House Competition – December 4, 10am-2pm
Meet at Harvest House Community Center (205 Kenilworth Rd.)
FREE | Ages 18+
Welcome back this beloved tradition that celebrates strength, creativity, and unwavering holiday spirit as Omni Grove Park Inn’s halls showcase heartfelt craftsmanship of the gingerbread community. Advance registration required.
Grinch’s Whoville Holiday Bash – December 5, 6-9pm
Grove Street Community Center (36 Grove St.)
$5 | Ages 4-12 with adult
Whether you’re a Grinch or a Who, feel your heart grow three sizes at this celebration featuring a scavenger hunt, crafts, games, hot cocoa, prizes, and a Cindy Lou Who hair station. Don’t forget to wear your best Grinch-inspired outfit!
Holiday Lights & Cozy Movie Night – December 5, 6:30-9pm
Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton St.)
FREE | All ages
Take a stroll under festive lights and enjoy a movie on the big screen with popcorn and holiday refreshments.