Asheville Weekend Wrap: Arrests, Holiday Fun, and Chilly Temps Ahead

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Saturday, December 13, 2025. We start today in West Asheville, where police say a weeks long operation with federal partners has led to 16 arrests on drug charges and the seizure of significant amounts of fentanyl, crack cocaine, marijuana, cash, and a handgun.[1][3] The department describes it as one of its largest operations of the year and says it was launched in response to a high volume of complaints from neighbors about illegal drug activity, highlighting how community reports are directly shaping enforcement priorities.[1][3] If you are heading out, bundle up. Local forecasters are calling for cold sunshine today, with highs only in the 30s, ahead of a surge of arctic air that will drop temperatures even further Sunday into Monday, when Weather Warn Days are in effect.[11] Plan for slick spots overnight and be ready to protect pets, pipes, and plants as we move deeper into this cold snap.[11] On to things to do, and Asheville is in full holiday mode. Downtown, the big marquee event is Warren Haynes Christmas Jam tonight at Harrahs Cherokee Center Asheville, bringing an all star lineup of rock and jam talent to raise money for local charities and keep a long running Asheville tradition going strong.[2] Before the main show, you can warm up at Warren Haynes Xmas Jam by Day at Asheville Music Hall, running from 3 to 7 this afternoon with live sets and a more intimate club feel.[4] If you are looking for daytime family fun, The Horse Shoe Farm is hosting Breakfast with Santa and cookie decorating this morning, with a breakfast buffet from 10 to noon and plenty of chances for kids to meet Santa and get into the holiday spirit.[12] Over in the River Arts District, Trackside Studios is holding its Holiday Market from 10 to 5 30, with about 60 local artists selling fine art, ornaments, cards, and more, plus hot apple cider, snacks, and live art making throughout the day.[8] Nearby, Jeffrey Burroughs is throwing a holiday party featuring new jewelry debuts, limited drops, and light bites from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., a good stop if you are hunting for unique, locally made gifts.[8] Sports fans have options, too. UNC Asheville mens basketball hosts St Thomas at 2 p.m. at Kimmel Arena, with kids in K 12 getting free admission for this non conference matchup as the Bulldogs look to bounce back from a narrow overtime loss earlier in the week.[9] Over at the Justice Center pool, UNC Asheville swimming wraps up its dual meet with Georgia Southern at 11 a.m., a chance to see local collegiate athletes in action.[13] Tonight, the music continues beyond Christmas Jam. At Eulogy on Buxton Avenue, Rickshaw Billies Burger Patrol brings its heavy, high energy sound from 7 to 11, adding some fuzzed out fun to the night scene.[5] And for late night electronic fans, Third Room hosts violinist and producer Josh Teed with Daggz and more, with doors at 8 and music starting around 8 45, blending li This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.