Thanksgiving Prep, Troll Trails, and a Pulse on Asheville's Local Arts and Music Scene

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Monday, November 24, 2025. Asheville is easing into Thanksgiving week with a crisp mountain morning and no shortage of ways to jump into the holiday spirit. For folks heading out today, the big buzz downtown is all about holiday prep—local bakeries are rolling out pies and breads, and there’s a steady hum at the farmers markets. Speaking of which, area markets are stocked with everything you need for your Thanksgiving meal, from just-picked greens to handmade pies, so if you want to keep it local for your holiday table, today’s a great day to shop. Turning to the arts, anticipation is high at the Biltmore, where the upcoming Egypt and Tutankhamun exhibition is promising a journey through the magic and mysteries of the ancient world. If you’re already in the holiday mood, don’t miss this year’s heartwarming holiday musical spectacular starting this Friday—the show is packed with lively new takes on classic favorites, perfect for getting your family in the festive spirit. Performances run through December, and tickets are still available for those eager to celebrate early. Families won’t want to miss “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical,” opening next week with shows perfect for all ages. It’s 90 minutes of nostalgia and holiday cheer, and accessibility is a top priority, so everyone can join in the fun. Meanwhile, just outside Asheville, Black Mountain’s beloved Deck the Trees tradition returns December 5, lighting up local businesses with more than 50 decorated trees and raising money to help neighbors heat their homes this winter. Nature lovers, the North Carolina Arboretum’s “Trolls: A Field Study” is drawing families outdoors to explore magical troll sculptures on a one-of-a-kind trail adventure. Kids and adults alike are loving the curiosity and playful spirit of these installations—all you pay is parking. And if you’re looking to support the next generation of entrepreneurs, the Winter Wonder Walk will feature a special children’s market with young vendors selling their creative wares. On the sports front, UNC Asheville’s Bulldogs are squaring off this week in basketball, offering another chance to cheer on our local teams. And for music fans, check out local breweries like New Belgium this evening for live music, food trucks, and good company. A quick public safety reminder as folks gear up for Thanksgiving: local fire officials warn that deep frying turkeys, while popular, can be dangerous. If you’re going this route, stay mindful of safety tips to keep your holiday mishap-free. And while the festive mood is strong, there has been some serious news this week: a new study has found a surge in toxic contaminants in the French Broad River after last year’s Helene incident, sparking renewed conversations on river health and community safety. Finally, if you’re looking for a classic Asheville experience, today’s Old-Time Music Heritage Hall session runs from noon to 2 with This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.