Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has announced a series of holiday events for the 2025 season, offering activities for residents of all ages throughout November and December. The Holly Jolly Holidays program features community gatherings, craft sessions, sports tournaments, and themed celebrations at various community centers across the city.
Events begin on November 15 with “Warmth & Wags,” an adoption event hosted in partnership with Mountain Pet Rescue at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center. Other highlights in November include the Grove Street Pie Contest on November 20 and several Thanksgiving-themed potlucks at local centers.
The Asheville Holiday Parade is scheduled for November 22 in downtown Asheville, co-hosted by the City of Asheville and the Asheville Downtown Association. Residents are invited to watch or volunteer to help create floats under this year’s theme: Toyshop Whimsy.
December brings additional programming such as therapeutic recreation activities for adults with disabilities, craft workshops, family movie nights, and children’s parties inspired by popular holiday characters like the Grinch. Special events include a gingerbread house contest, breakfast with Santa, and Santa’s Volleyball Slama Jama tournament.
A three-week “12 Days of Magic” series offers daily surprises at Grove Street Community Center from December 8 through December 23. Other recurring programs include candy cane flashlight hunts at Jake Rusher Park and Carrier Park.
Holiday camps will be held during school breaks at multiple locations for children ages 5-13 and youth with disabilities up to age 21. Registration opens November 1.
The season concludes with a Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party on January 2 at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center.
APR encourages advance registration due to limited space at many events. More information about these activities can be found by searching Asheville Parks & Recreation programs online or subscribing to their newsletters through official channels.
