Community News

YULE LOVE ... Ceremony of Carols, Polar Express, train rides

Drone photo by Jim Marshall shows the crowd that gathered at the Historic Courthouse for the annual Christmas tree lighting.

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 26, 2025

From downtown train rides to Polar Express to the Apple Rise New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, the city boasts an abundance of holiday events, Christmas cheer and sights and sounds of the season. Here’s a roundup.

Ongoing

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas

Showcasing a cast of Playhouse favorites, the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus and Pat’s School of Dance, A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas runs through Dec. 21 on Flat Rock’s Leiman Mainstage. Tickets are $60, $70 and $80. Child prices are available for ages 17 and under. For tickets, call the box office at 828-693-0731 or visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org. 

Winter Lights 

North Carolina Arboretum, nightly from 6 to 10 through Jan. 4.  Winter Lights also offers a return to the awe-inspiring experiences and magnificent moments familiar to the season including the 50-foot Tree of Light, the Polar Express-themed Rocky Cove Railroad and the illuminated Quilt Garden synchronized to holiday music, according to a press release from the arboretum. Tickets (one per vehicle) are sold in a three-tiered system based on the date guests want to attend, with off-peak dates costing less than those nights that are the most popular. The arboretum recommends purchasing tickets in advance online, as nights at Winter Lights sell out. For tickets visit ncwinterlights.com.

Historic Johnson Farm

Guided Christmas Tours, 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. While drop-ins are allowed, those with reservations take priority so please consider making a reservation. Guided tours are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (65 and over) and free for those 4 and under. Open for self-guided tours ($5) 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 19. No reservations needed.

Dashing Through The Snow

Dec. 12-21, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Hendersonville Theatre. Four days before Christmas in Tinsel, Texas, a colorful parade of eccentric guests arrive at the Snowflake Inn and deck the halls with holiday hilarity. Tickets $21-$32. hendersonvilletheatre.org/dashing-through-the-snow

Dec. 17, 18

Flat Rock Playhouse Holiday Market 

Visit Blue Ridge Artisan Market, 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and Thursdays, to discover beautiful handmade gifts from local crafters.

Dec. 12, 13

A Ceremony of Carols

Carolina Concert Choir Christmas concert featuring sing-along carols, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Ave. W. Tickets $25 for adults, $10 for students. Purchase at the Henderson County Welcome Center (cash or check only) or carolinaconcertchoir.org/tickets.

Saturday, Dec. 20

The Polar Express, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., historic train depot, 650 Maple St.

The Apple Valley Model Railroad Club will again host the reading of the popular  children’s book. Each reading takes about 45 minutes. Admission is free and open to the public. Donations are gladly accepted. The club recommends arriving at about 9:30 to line up on Maple Street as this is expected to be a popular event.

Holiday Train Rides with Mountain Fresh Orchards

Historic Henderson County Courthouse, 5-8 p.m. 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. Ellaberry Llama Farm will host a photo opportunity with two llamas and holiday cheer.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Apple Rise New Year’s Eve Family Countdown Celebration, 5-7 p.m. Historic Courthouse Plaza

New Year’s Eve swag, deejay dance party, hot beverages and more.