It’s officially December today, which means it’s time for Foodtopia to get into full holiday swing!! Like most other holidays and celebrations- Asheville takes the winter season seriously, and we have many ways to get even though most grinchy of grinches into the holiday spirit!
First things first- go ahead and get your Christmas shopping out of the way with 2nd annual Holiday Craft Bizarre spanning both floors of One Stop and Asheville Music Hall. The event will be held Saturday December 3rd from 11am-5pm and will feature over 20 local venders, live music, a kids area, massage chairs AND a bloody mary bar! Whatever shopping is left over can be taken care of the next day at The Big Crafty. This locals-favorite craft fair will feature many indie arts and craft vendors from the area as well as local food and live music. The event is free and will be Sunday December 4th from 12-6pm at the US Cellular Center.
Don’t forget to snag your tickets to Rhubarb’s Holiday Dinner to benefit the POP 
project which will be held at Rhubarb’s event space in downtown Asheville on Monday, December 12. The event will start with beer and appetizers and will be followed by a four-course dinner and beer pairing. POP is partnering with Rhubarb, Catawba Brewing, and Gaining Ground Farm to offer this exclusive holiday meal. Meet Chef John Fleer, a four-time James Beard Award nominee. Enjoy great local brews, and learn about POP’s latest literacy initiatives. More information and tickets available here.
Other fun events include the Ugly Christmas Sweater bar crawl– which will be held on December 10th from 2-8pm and visits some of Asheville’s best bars including Ben’s Tune Up and Bier Garden. Another fun tradition, SantaCon, will be held Saturday December 3rd and is essentially a nationwide convention of Santa Clauses bar crawling their way through Christmas. Don your best santa outfit and head over to Asheville Music Hall where all the Saint Nick’s will be getting down for the evening!
If you’re planning on hosting any holiday parties this year be sure to attend this month’s bartending course at Imperial Life to get your seasonal cocktail game on point! During the course local favorite bartender, Ben Johnson, will be teaching participants the art of classic Christmas cocktails including traditional eggnog and hot toddies. This event will be held Sunday December 11th from noon-3pm. Tickets are $25 and include two cocktails, snacks, giveaways and new cocktail skills! Reservations required- email info@tableasheville to reserve your spot.
And of course there are many fun holiday flavors to partake in during the Christmas 
season in Foodtopia!! French Broad Chocolates just released their holiday collection, which includes gingerbread, eggnog, and peppermint truffles, amongst many others! For adult-friendly seasonal treats, we recommend warming up with a buttered rum from Storm Rhum Bar or a Hot toddy from Sovereign Remedies!!
And don’t forget one of the best ways to celebrate the season- enjoying a walking food tour with your family and loved ones! The holiday season books up fast, so be sure to snag your spots early!!
Cheers Asheville, and happy holiday season!!