News

Turkey Trot to Apple Rise, city glows for holidays

St. James Episcopal Church hosts advent services at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, and Sunday, Nov. 30.

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 26, 2025

From the city's annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day to the countywide Apple Rise New Year's Eve celebration on Dec. 31, the city has an abundance of holiday events, Christmas cheer and sights of the season. Here's a roundup.

Thanksgiving Day

Turkey Trot 5K

8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, First Citizens Plaza, Main Street. Presented by Hunter Subaru, the Turkey Trot offers runners, walkers, trotters and even pets the chance to support local families. The race takes place in rain, shine or snow. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather. Fun prizes will be awarded for Fastest Male, Fastest Female, Best Costume, Best Pet Costume and Farthest Traveled. Race packet pickup times and locations include Wednesday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hope Coalition Recovery Community Center, 225 S. Grove St.; Race Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the race start-finish, First Citizens Plaza, 539 N. Main St. Packet pickup ends promptly at 8:30 a.m. For more information or to register, visit https://elementsofhope.org/. The 13th annual family event this year will support the work of the Hope Coalition.

Ongoing

Winter Lights display at the 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. Visit ncwinterlights.com.

Friday, Nov. 28

Santa Claus lights town Christmas tree

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the lively sounds of Drayton & The Dreamboats. Santa arrives just before 6 p.m. to lead the tree lighting countdown. Following the tree lighting, festivities continue with visits with Santa inside the Historic Courthouse and free carriage rides until 8 p.m. Hot cocoa, hot cider and an assortment of sweet treats available for purchase from A Wild Moose Cafe, Black Bear Coffee and Mini Batch Bakery.

Saturday, Nov. 29, Sunday, Nov. 30

Advent Service

5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, and Sunday, Nov. 30 (doors open at 4). St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main St. The soul-stirring sounds of the St. James Choir and Montreat Scottish Pipes and Drums will once again fill the nave at St. James Episcopal Church for our annual Advent Service of Lessons and Carols, one of the parish’s signature choral services that draws attendees from across the area. Once again this year, following the earliest traditions of the service that originated in Cambridge, England over a century ago, local people representing areas of community life will read lessons at the Sunday service. The St. James Choir will sing carols and anthems of the Advent season, joined by trumpet, flute, bagpipes and drums. A donation of $10 per person is suggested. 

Saturday, Nov. 29

Small Business Saturday

Plan your Christmas shopping downtown. Support downtown businesses on Small Business Saturday and all holiday season.

Friday, Dec. 5

Olde Fashioned Christmas, downtown

Take a magical carriage 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. Santa on the Square will include selfies with Santa, hot cocoa, games, crafts, specials guests and more.

Saturday, Dec. 6

Holiday Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Historic Seventh Avenue District

Christmas Market and Holiday Cookie Stroll celebrate the season. Local businesses will be serving up tasty cookies and festive fun at stops throughout the district.

Hendersonville Christmas Parade, 6 p.m. 

Enjoy an evening parade in downtown Hendersonville with the theme “Light up the Night.” Parade steps off at 6 p.m. heading south on Main Street.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Holiday Historic Inns Tour & Cookie Caper

Sponsored by Hendersonville's Historic Preservation Commission and the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, this self-driving tour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. invites participants to explore the charm of historic inns and vacation rentals decorated for the holidays while enjoying unique holiday treats along the way. Participating Historic Inns are Elizabeth Leigh Inn, Osceola Lake Inn, Echo Mountain Inn, Brightwaters Guest House, The Waverly Inn and The Charleston Inn. Tickets are available for purchase now and quantities are limited. Sales end on Saturday, Dec. 6. Adult tickets are $20 and $10 for children younger than 18. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitors Center, 201 S. Main St. 

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.