Seasonal Sizzle in Asheville

GET YOUR HOLIDAY GROOVE ON WITH SEASONAL SIZZLE
-- Asheville Announces 21 Days of Not-So-Silent Nights --

Holiday nights in downtown Asheville get a glitzy makeover this December with Asheville Seasonal Sizzle: 21 days of not-so-silent nights. Merrymakers will enjoy free fireworks, live entertainment, seasonal appetizer specials at local restaurants, and extended hours of evening shopping in downtown Asheville’s eclectic boutiques and craft galleries.

Weekend firework displays–Seasonal Sizzle at Seven–will take place on Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at 7 p.m. in downtown Asheville. Participating independent restaurants will feature “Appy Hour” appetizer specials on Thursdays, Dec. 1 through 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Local restaurants will also offer “Sizzle Specials” on the Saturday evenings with fireworks (Dec. 6, 13 and 20). 

Asheville visitors will receive a warm holiday welcome as “Downtown Docent” guides walk the downtown streets directing guests to Seasonal Sizzle festivities, holiday happenings and other points of interest.

After the fireworks, visitors are encouraged to enjoy live music, theater and dance performances including the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, Asheville Ballet’s Nutcracker and holiday theater performances at North Carolina Stage Company, Diana Wortham Theater and Asheville Community Theater.

Visit AshevilleSeasonalSizzle.com for details.

 

Calendar Briefs: Free & Fun 2008 Holiday Events

Free Events

• Asheville Seasonal Sizzle: Enjoy 21 days of not-so-silent holiday nights as Asheville's nightlife explodes with holiday magic during Seasonal Sizzle in December. Merry makers will enjoy holiday firework displays, live entertainment, “Appy Hour” appetizer specials at local independent restaurants, and extended hours of evening shopping in downtown's eclectic boutiques and craft galleries. Seasonal Sizzle at Seven Fireworks: Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 & 20 at 7 p.m.

• National Gingerbread House Competition: The National Gingerbread Competition at Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa attracts competitors from around the country who create colorful confectionary and architectural wonders. Delight in the imagination shown in these creations from sugar-and-spice castles to gum-drop covered chimneys. Nov. 17 to Jan. 11

• Giant Puppets on Parade & Singing Santa: Asheville gets decked out for the holidays with a family-friendly parade where giant locally-crafted puppets will march the streets of downtown Asheville. Lisa Sturtz of Red Herring Puppets has created larger-than-life creatures for the likes of Disney, Jim Henson Productions and The Ice Capades. After the parade, Singing Santa will croon and greet children before collecting his mail from the North Pole Express Mail Box at Prichard Park. Nov. 22 at 11 a.m.

• Dickens in the Village:  Historic Biltmore Village transforms into a quaint Victorian village on the first weekend of December. Horse-drawn carriages will trot along decorated streets as carolers, storytellers and instrumentalists stroll the village in period costumes. Watch live excerpts from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol performed by the Montford Park Players while enjoying fresh roasted chestnuts. Dec. 5 to 7

• Big Deals on Appalachian Crafts:  Bargain shoppers receive the ultimate gift at the annual Southern Highland Craft Guild's Holiday Seconds Sale held at the Folk Art Center. Just before the gift-giving season, Appalachian crafters from across the region place overrun, discontinued stock and studio seconds on sale for one day of festive holiday savings. Get up to 50% off pottery, jewelry, woodwork, glass art, furniture and more from some the region's finest artisans. Dec. 6

Holiday Traditions

• Santa Climbs Chimney Rock:  Before he climbs down millions of chimneys around the world, Santa practices on 315-foot Chimney Rock. Soak in the park’s 75-mile views as Santa rappels down this famous Blue Ridge Mountain monolith. Dec. 6 & 13

• America’s Castle by Candlelight:  Lit by candles, firelight and twinkling Christmas trees, George W. Vanderbilt’s Biltmore House glows during the holidays. America’s largest home dazzles with dozens of Christmas trees; hundreds of wreaths, bows and poinsettias; miles of evergreen garland; thousands of ornaments, tinsel, and beading; and a magnificent 35-foot Fraser fir. Nov. 7 to Jan. 4

• All Aboard! The Polar Express:  The Polar Express comes to life when the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad departs Bryson City for a journey to the North Pole. Read along with the magical story, meet Santa and enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa and a special present for Santa’s believers. Nov. 7 to Dec. 23