Get out the hot cocoa and the holiday cheer: The season of giving has arrived this year.

Check out our ultimate list of ways to get in the holiday spirit, from light display magic to chopping down a fir tree, Christmas movie classics to gift-shopping at local art markets. The winter holidays are never-ending in Asheville, and, with this list, you can find ways to keep the season going each day of the month.

Sift through the whole list or browse category-by-category in the list below: Places to see holiday magic, places to chop down a tree, places to catch a festive film, places to see a holiday show (theater), places to wear your Santa hat, places to do some holiday shopping and/or places to hear some tunes.

Places to see holiday magic

It's hard to think of a better place to celebrate holiday grandeur than at America's largest private residence. Christmas at Biltmore, running now through Jan. 8, uses the last century of winter traditions to create an unforgettable holiday experience. With more than 70 intricately decorated trees and thousands of lights, each room of the expansive Biltmore Estate shines with extravagance. The theme of this year's display is "Hearth and Home," emphasizing the destination's many fireplaces for a bit of added coziness. Hang around to experience the Candlelight Christmas Evenings, when the lights dim and the house is lit by the flickering flames of candles and fireplaces, much like it would have appeared during the Vanderbilt family's first Christmas in 1895. Head to biltmore.com for pricing and more information.

Asheville's brightest holiday celebration, open 6-10 p.m. nightly until Jan. 1, can be found in the picturesque landscape of the North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Olmsted Way. The Arboretum's Winter Lights features nearly 500,000 LED lights nestled into beautiful garden scenery and brings joy and wonder to children and adults alike. Guests are welcome to stroll the grounds and listen to holiday tunes while sipping cocoa, cider or a local brew — or grabbing a snack from the Savory Thyme Cafe's weekend buffet. Entry is $18 for adults, $16 for kids 5-11 and free for children 4 and younger. Winter Lights tickets are date-specific and can't be purchased at the gate, so head to ncarboretum.org to book a time or for more information.

Another bright and cheerful event is the annual Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland, now lighting up the night at the WNC Agricultural Center Fairgrounds. In coordination with some festive, rock-riff music, the pulsing light display is a great place for families to celebrate the holiday spirit — all from comfort of their vehicles in a drive-thru experience. New this year to Shadrack's is Santa's Village, featuring children's games, a bouncy house, s'more roasting, refreshments and pictures with Santa himself. The music begins from dusk to 10 p.m. each night, including holidays, and entry costs $25 per family vehicle. Visit shadrackchristmas.com/asheville for more information.

All aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: The Polar Express has arrived. The one-hour and 15-minute minute train ride departs the depot in Bryson City and travels through quiet wilderness, making a special winter-only trip to the North Pole. The ride uses sounds and stories from the popular animated movie, treating passengers to cocoa and treats en route to Santa's home base. Santa greets each child with a special gift before the train heads back home. Varying by day and by location on the train, adult prices range from $42-$88 and, depending on age (along with day/location), child prices range from free to $64. Visit gsmr.com for tickets and more information.

To have a historic holiday, visit the Smith McDowell House for the annual Victorian Christmas celebration. Guests can tour the historic home and hear a reading of Clement Moore's "A Visit From St. Nicholas." While history buffs might find the educational experience fascinating, children of all ages and tastes will enjoy participating in the 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt, held throughout the house. The exhibit runs Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Jan. 8, but is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day. Head to wnchistory.org for more.

On Dec. 3, Biltmore Park Town Square presents its annual, free Holiday Magic and Memories celebration from 1-5:30 p.m. Jugglers, magicians and stilt-walkers will fill Town Square Boulevard, along with face-painting stations, balloon art, crafts for kids and refreshments. Santa Claus arrives at 2:30 p.m. for photos with children (and, of course, young-at-heart adults), and the Roberson High band will perform just before the lighting of the Christmas tree, from 5-5:30 p.m.

On Dec. 2 and 3, Biltmore Village celebrates its annual Dickens in the Village event, lighting up its streets with more than 1,000 luminaries and a 25-foot tree. The old fashioned celebration features carolers, Santa visits and horse-drawn carriage rides. The Christmas tree lighting happens at 6 p.m. Dec. 2, with a festive singalong and freshly roasted chestnuts. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3, The Montford Park Players and other entertainers will be dressed in period costumes, caroling through the streets. Head to historicbiltmorevillage.com/dickens-festival for more about the celebration.

In downtown Asheville at the Grove Arcade, 20 competition gingerbread houses are on display from the Omni Grove Park Inn's annual Gingerbread House Competition. For its Winter Wonderland festivities, the beautiful downtown building is decked out in holiday decorations — and, each Sunday, Santa arrives in the building from 1-5 p.m. for story time and photos. To see the winners of the national gingerbread competition, head up the mountain to the Grove Park Inn, where the display is open to the public Sunday through Thursday after 3 p.m. until Jan. 5.

Santa gets extreme out at Chimney Rock State Park. The thing is: In order to climb down (and back up) millions of chimneys on Dec. 24 and 25, Santa needs a lot of practice. To keep in shape, he can be spotted each day from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3-10, swinging from a 200-foot rappel on one of the world's largest (natural) chimneys. Santa on the Chimney gives kids a chance to both meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and see him in action. The event promises live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies and kids' activities. Hanging out with Santa is included in the park's admission cost, which is $13 for adults and $6 for kids 5-15. Learn more at chimneyrockpark.com.

For a closer, shorter (and less expensive) train ride, drive out to North Asheville for the Jingle Bell Trolley Train with the Craggy Mountain Line. Operating out of the depot at 111 N. Woodfin Ave., the renovated 1927 Asheville streetcar pulls into the station adorned with twinkling lights and blasting jolly music. The ride is short, but fun — a three-mile open-car roll through the woods — and passengers can wait for their ride in a parked train car filled with cookies and cocoa. The ride ends back at the station and guests are herded into another car to meet with Santa. Rides run every hour on the hour from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 23. Rides are $10 per person and free for kids 3 and younger. Head to craggymountainline.com to learn more.

Honorable mentions: The Olde Fashioned Holiday celebration and parade in Hendersonville on Dec. 2 (parade beginning 10 a.m. Dec. 3), Brevard's Holiday Twilight Tour and Parade from 3-8 p.m. Dec. 3, Weaverville's Candlelight Stroll from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 9 and the ice skating rink in Hendersonville, open daily from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Places to chop down a tree

While it's certainly easy to head to your nearest hardware store to pick out the annual family Christmas tree, it's a whole other ballgame when it comes to picking out (and chopping down) your tree yourself. Sorry, trees.

Out in Leicester, Sandy Hollar Tree Farm is open daily from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. until Dec. 18. Tree-pickers head out to the tree fields, past herds of farm animals, on a hayride with the farm's staff, then roam through the rows of firs. Guests can either (attempt to) saw the tree down themselves or opt for help from the staff (and their trusty chainsaws). A shop on the premises offers wreaths, garland, decorations, refreshments and crafts. Sandy Hollar is located at 63 Sandy Hollar Road. Reach the farm at 828-683-3645.

Over in Jackson County, Tom Sawyer Tree Farm and its Elf Village offer 80 acres of Fraser firs, open daily until Dec. 23. Sizes range from three to 12 feet, and after finding the perfect tree, guests can visit the elf-sized collection of houses in the Elf Village, where kids can make crafts, visit Santa Claus, write and mail letters to Santa, hear holiday stories, roast s’mores and take horse and carriage rides. Tom Sawyer farm is at 240 Chimney Pond Road in Glenville and can be reached at 828-743-5456.

Up in Marshall, pick a tree from Frosty Mountain Christmas Trees, at 13623 Highway 212. A short distance off the Interstate, near the Tennessee state line, the farm grows 80,000 trees on 55 acres up high in the mountains. Find the farm by looking for its enormous American-flag barn. Call Frosty Mountain at 828-656-8100 for directions or information.

Looking for one closer to you? There are lots of farms to choose from in Western North Carolina. Start by looking up these farms to figure out which farm (and tree): Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm and Mehaffey Tree Farm in Waynesville, Buck Knob Farm in Cullowhee, Hutch's Mountain Trees in Glenville (for more in Jackson County, check out jacksoncountytrees.com), Little Switzerland Fraser Firs in McDowell County and, way up in Avery County, Cartner Christmas Tree Farm.

Places to catch a festive film

On Dec. 12, don't miss a double feature of holiday favorites at one of Asheville's largest entertainment venues. The Orange Peel will first screen the Will Ferrell classic "Elf" at 6:30 p.m. (rated PG) for a free seated show, and then, at 8:30 p.m. the R-rated holiday drama "Love Actually" rolls onto the screen for a second free show.

Down on Asheville's South Slope, Grail Moviehouse is planning to get in the spirit with "It's a Wonderful Life." In fact, the owners credit a scene from the movie for one-half of the theater's name (the other half, of course, from "The Holy Grail"): When George Bailey runs down the street shouting Christmas wishes in the movie, he shouts, "Merry Christmas, Moviehouse!" The theater also expects to have a few kids' holiday favorites as well, along with a holiday-themed film for its "Bad Movie Night!" series, which celebrates cheap and cheesy B-movies. Check in to grailmoviehouse.com for show times and dates.

Places to see a holiday show

Nothing quite says "holiday season" like the magic of classic Christmas theater. Of course, plays are wonderful any time of year, but there's just something about watching an old favorite on stage that instantly puts you right into the seasonal spirit.

To start off with a true classic, from the classic North Carolina state theater, Flat Rock Playhouse is bringing "A Christmas Carol" to stage this season, now through Dec. 17. The Charles Dickens tale comes alive on the theater's Mainstage in Flat Rock, Wednesday through Sunday, with shows at 2 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15-$40 at flatrockplayhouse.org.

Also kicking off the holidays with "A Christmas Carol," The Montford Park Players are straying from the troop's normal Shakespearean lineup. Shows start at 5 p.m. on Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater, 92 Gay St., in Asheville's Montford neighborhood. Shows are free, though, for this show, the Players suggest bringing along some dry or canned goods to be donated to MANNA FoodBank in the giving spirit.

Over in the River Arts District, the Magnetic Theatre presents another year of comedy with "The 45th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular."The sketch comedy romp delights audiences in Asheville every year with new material and delightfully drunken family traditions. The R-rated performance sells out nearly every year, so advanced ticket purchase is recommended. The show opens Dec. 2 and runs Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m. until Dec. 23. On Dec. 10 and 17, the theater will present extra 10 p.m. late shows. Tickets are $24 and are available at themagnetictheatre.org.

Also hilarious at Magnetic is the monthly SuperHappy Trivia Challenge live game show, which is doing its holiday special at the theater at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. A combination of "The Match Game" and NPR's "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me," SuperHappy invites panelists of Asheville personalities to answer brain-tickling questions in front of a live audience. Tickets are $16 at themagnetictheatre.org.

At downtown's North Carolina Stage Company comes history-laden entertainment with "All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914." The show tells the unexpected tale of a peaceful moment during World War I, when Allied and German soldiers laid down their weapons to celebrate the holiday together. The show runs Dec. 7-23, Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $16-$34 and can be purchased at ncstage.org.

On the other side of downtown, at Asheville Community Theatre, "Snowbound" invites the audience to travel back in time, to Christmas Eve in 1955. Set in a small town train depot in the mountains, some snowy weather has delayed the trains and trapped passengers at the station. Over the course of the evening, strangers become friends and the warmth of human connection is deepened through stories and songs. The show runs Dec. 2-18 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12-$22 at ashevilletheatre.org.

Also at Asheville Community Theatre, in its intimate 35Below performance space, "Santaland Diaries" tells the story of Macy's department store elf. Shows run from Dec. 14-18. Visit ashevilletheatre.org for more information.

Holiday performances are also underway at the Hendersonville Community Theatre, the Brevard Little Theatre and the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Places to wear your Santa hat

Get out your ugliest holiday sweater and hang out with like-minded individuals at the event that's describing itself as Asheville's "largest and ugliest bar crawl." From 2-8 p.m. Dec. 10, hoards of ugly sweater-wearers will participate in Asheville's Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl, which is scheduled to hit spots downtown and the South Slope, like Wild Wing Cafe, Banks Avenue bars, Twin Leaf Brewery, Ben's Tune Up and The Bier Garden. Of course, you're free to drink at any spot in an ugly sweater, but to officially participate in the event, you can purchase a $25 ticket to get an ugly sweater event drink koozie, a wristband that'll get you drink specials at participating bars, a detailed map of where to head next and possibly even more. Buy tickets at uglysweaterbarcrawls.com.

Don't be surprised if, for two Saturdays this month, you see a rowdy group of Santas stumbling down the streets. The annual Asheville SantaCon has, this year, split up into two events: SantaCon 9 3/4 and SantaCon 10. The first event, held 3:30-10 p.m. Dec. 3, invites Santas out to Pritchard Park for some food, caroling and dancing downtown. The eating starts at 6 p.m., the caroling at 8 p.m. and the dancing begins at 10 p.m. at The One Stop/Asheville Music Hall, with DJs and funk music blaring 'til 2 a.m. The next weekend, on Dec. 10, the Santa group will meet up at Pritchard Park at 4 p.m. Bring along donations of warm gloves, hats and socks for AHOPE, to give to those experiencing homelessness.

Places to hear some tunes

Though this year's Christmas Jam with Warren Haynes and crew is sold out, the annual jam fest at the U.S. Cellular Center marks the beginning of the holiday season for many local music fans. The Dec. 10 main event is preceded by two Christmas Jam by Day concerts at Asheville Music Hall, One Stop and Jack of the Wood on Dec. 9 and 10, featuring notable rockers and great local musicians. Check out the pre-jam lineup or buy tickets at xmasjam.com.

Bring $10 and a can of food or new toy to the Orange Peel on Dec. 8 and celebrate the season at the Hometown Holiday Jam XVI. The show benefits both Mission Children's Hospital and MANNA FoodBank, and features the music of McKayla Reece, Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats, Andalyn Lewis, Zach Haney, Calavera, Meghan Woods, Ginny McAfee, Porch 40, Joe Lasher Jr. and others. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Get in the giving spirit by heading to the Orange Peel for the Make-A-Wish Christmas Party benefit show, featuring The Dirty Soul Revival, White Soul, Log Noggins, The Company Stores, Up Dog and others. The 15th annual fundraiser concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 22 The show costs $12 and is open to all ages.

There are several holiday events going down at Isis Music Hall this month, like singer-songwriter Jeanne Jolly & The Mistletoes' Jolly Holiday Revue at both 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Dec. 17. The next night, Dec. 18, there's an early Barefoot Movement Holiday Show, featuring some acoustic folk and bluegrass seasonal favorites, at 5:30 p.m. and Russ Wilson's "Have Yourself a Swinging Little Christmas," featuring brass band Christmas classics in a TV-style show, at 7:30 p.m. On Dec. 22, Amanda Horton and Andy Jurik take the West Asheville stage for "Warm December: An evening of Yuletide jazz, carols and songs from Christmas past" at 7 p.m.

Seasons greetings from the Grey Eagle, where multiple holiday shows are underway this month. On Dec. 8, the weekly Contra Dance event takes on a seasonal spin for the annual Holiday Waltz, open to beginners and starting at 8 p.m. Chatham County Line will stop at the Grey Eagle on its Electric Holiday Tour on Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. At 8 p.m. Dec. 16, the fifth annual Holiday Hang benefit for MANNA FoodBank features The Honeycutters and Town Mountain. And, last but not least, The Secret Sisters stop by on their Christmas tour on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m.

Take your ears on a vacation and listen to island grooves at the Holiday VYBZ reggae, dancehall and hip-hop show at the One Stop. The free show begins the evening of Dec. 22 and features music from DJ Atreau and Haiku Bastard.

Biltmore Avenue's underground (literally) hip-hop bar, Timo's House, is hosting both The Rave Before Christmas and a Hip-hop Holiday on Dec. 24 and Dec. 30, respectively. The rave starts at 8 p.m. and features Andrew Ellington of Viva La Hop alongside DJs Your Allure and D3MS, and the event organizers promise "free swag and giveaways" at the door. On Dec. 30, Free the Optimus presents the fourth annual Hip Hop Holiday with DJ Jet, C.Shreve the Professor, Mike Live, Hunter Bennett, Tuscon and others, starting at 10 p.m.

Places to do some shopping

There are so many places to shop local for the holidays, but some notable pop-up markets are springing up through the month of December. Here are a few to choose from, in order by date: