While some farmers tailgate markets have closed for the season, a growing number in Buncombe County offer special holiday markets or even run through the winter. These markets often have different hours or locations than their regular season counterparts, so check the list below to make sure you know when and where to find local food in December.
Asheville City Market: Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon, outdoors on N. Market St. The downtown market continues outdoors through December, featuring more than 40 farm and artisan vendors each week. Look for seasonal items like wreaths and garlands.
East Asheville Tailgate Market: Friday, Dec. 13 only, 3 to 6 p.m., indoors at Groce United Methodist Church (954 Tunnel Rd.). This one-day-only market and fundraising event features artisan and farm vendors as well as a silent auction, raffle, massage station, and more.
The Holiday Bazaar: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., outdoors at UNC Asheville (3300 University Heights Dr.). North Asheville Tailgate Market’s holiday incarnation still offers plenty of farm vendors and baked goods, but also adds more crafts like pottery, jewelry, baskets, clothes, and accessories.
River Arts District Farmers Market: Wednesdays 3 to 5:30 p.m., indoors at Plēb Urban Winery (289 Lyman St.). New for this year, the midweek market will continue through the winter down the road from its regular season location at All Souls Pizza. The indoor location will feature more than 20 farm and artisan vendors each week, and shoppers can stay for a flight of small-batch wines made from local grapes.
Riverside Tailgate Market: Fridays 4 to 7 p.m., indoors at Zillicoah Beer Company (870 Riverside Dr.). Though its regular season has ended, a micro-market is continuing through the winter with two vendors each week setting up inside the brewery. Check social media to see who will be there each week.
Weaverville Tailgate Winter Market: Wednesdays 1 to 5:30 p.m., indoors at Honey and the Hive (23 Merrimon Ave.). Weaverville’s market moved inside at the beginning of November and will continue to host farm and artisan vendors through Dec. 18 alongside the store’s regular stock of beekeeping supplies, honey, beeswax products, and more.
West Asheville Tailgate Indoor Holiday Market: Tuesdays 2:30 to 6 p.m., indoors at The Mothlight (701 Haywood Rd.). Just across the street from the regular season location on Haywood Rd., the holiday market features more than 30 vendors ranging from produce, cheese, and bread to handmade holiday gifts. Drinks are available from The Mothlight’s bar.
Even year-round markets will take an hiatus from Dec. 22 through the end of the year. Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.
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Locally grown Christmas trees are a great way to support local agriculture and get a tree you can feel good about. Use the online Local Food Guide to find a u-pick Christmas tree farm and turn picking out a tree into a family field trip! Not up for a the drive? Many farmers markets across the region will have tree growers at market through December. Check with your local market to find out more information.
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ASAP's mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food.
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Local Food & Farms in the News
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