Winterfest offers taste of Old Europe at Grovemont Square

Swannanoa holiday event to feature artisans, caroling, food and more

The Valley Echo
December 6, 2021

Olaf the Snowman greets children at the 2019 Swannanoa Winterfest in Grovemont Square. The holiday event will return, from 3 - 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11. Photo courtesy of the Swannanoa Community Council

Take a break from holiday preparations and enjoy the spirit of the season at Swannanoa Winterfest, a unique community celebration that brings a taste of Old Europe to the Swannanoa Valley. This free event takes place in Grovemont Square (adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Ave.), from 3 - 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11.

Modeled on the traditional European holiday markets, the Swannanoa Winterfest will feature a variety of artisans and vendors selling holiday-themed items under tents decked with festive lights. Attendees can warm their hands over a fire pit, while enjoying the delicious food, holiday treats and hot drinks that will be available for purchase. 

Offerings will include AVL Slice wood fired pizza, Cecilia’s Kitchen food truck, Bridge & Tunnel Coffee, BrewNaturals, Four Sisters Bakery and more. 

Caroling, sing-alongs and holiday lights will fill Grovemont Square with the sounds and sights of the season. Winterfest will also include performances by the ArtSpace Charter School dance group and band, the Asheville Ukulele Group, the St. James Episcopal Church Choir and a variety of additional entertainment options.                                             

Last held in 2019, the Swannanoa Winterfest will return, Dec. 11, to Grovemont Square. The holiday event, which is modeled after traditional European holiday markets, is free, and will include local food and art vendors. Photo courtesy of the Swannanoa Community Council

The festive family-friendly event will have activities for the kids, too, including a visit from Olaf the Snowman. Festival-goers can join in the spirit of the holiday by bringing nonperishables or monetary donations to support the Healthy Food & Fund Drive sponsored by local nonprofit Bounty & Soul.

The Swannanoa Winterfest is a gift to the community from the Swannanoa Community Council, Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS), and the Friends of the Swannanoa Library. The library’s used book sale, featuring a wide selection of books and located in the building’s basement, will be open throughout the event.

There are a few vendor spaces still available. Interested Winterfest vendors can contact Vendor Coordinator, Marco Rozenbroek, at 305-495-2666.

For more information about Swannanoa Winterfest, please call the Swannanoa Library at 828-250-6486.