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Welcome to three issues of Xpress holiday goodness

Welcome to Holiday Central at Mountain Xpress, our annual guide to the season. This year, we're publishing three weeks' worth of seasonal delights and we've called in all the experts. Arts writer Alli Marshall rounds up some terrific holiday craft markets, outdoor guru Jonathan Poston offers a bevy of ideas for warming up during the winter, thoughtful pagan Byron Ballard presents her take on the solstice holiday — along with a complete guide to holiday events and volunteer opportunities, and charming kids art. And don't forget photos from the holiday parade.

Illustration created with art from Simone Randazzo.

Since so much has been turned on its head of late, maybe its time to shake up your holiday traditions and create some new ones. Why not mix things up this year? Take your family on a different sort of cold-weather outing. Go local with the gifts and show your love for the community and your loved ones all at the same time. Or forget material gifts, and give of yourself by volunteering.

In the upcoming weeks, watch for stories on making garlands with Sue Millions, cutting your own tree, the real Santa Clauses, buying local gifts around town, keeping the kids entertained, and reflections from writers in the spiritual community.

It's time for festivities and fellowship. From the most of these to the least, we wish you the happiest of holiday seasons.

December 2 Holiday Guide Articles

Midwinter revels and holidays of light

Why the solstice season is a time to slow down

by H. Byron Ballard

Winter warm ups

Fun times for the cold months

by Jonathan Poston

Shopping with meaning

Local craft markets offer one-of-a-kind handmade gifts

by Alli Marshall | 1 Comment

December 9 Holiday Guide Articles

Are the holidays in full effect yet?

by Staff

As the dreidel turns

by Richard Chess | 2 Comments

What to do with the kids (and their adults)

Some fun ideas for local holiday family fun

by Anne Fitten Glenn

Junker's Blues

Elbo Elf rides again

by Whitney Shroyer

From felted figures to burlesque dancewear, it’s gonna be a party in West Asheville

Holiday art walk plus shopping event equals bargains and good times
Check out a map of participating businesses.

by Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt and Alli Marshall

Check out a map of participating businesses.

December 16 Holiday Guide Articles

So many miracles to celebrate

by Howard Hanger | 3 Comments

Keep some local gifts on hand

Some one-size-fits-many ideas to stock up on

by Alli Marshall

All the real trees

Traditional is the new unconventional

by Melanie M. Bianchi

A liberal dose of liquor

Spirits can liven up holiday foods

by Hanna Rachel Raskin

Shopping, eating, fireworks

It's all in a day's fun in Asheville with the Seasonal Sizzle

by Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt

Download coupons (PDF)

Today's holiday events

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