The Laurel of Asheville’s Community Events Calendar
If you would like to submit an event to appear in our online Community Events Calendar, please visit our submission page.
The Laurel of Asheville is a lifestyle magazine focused on the arts, culture, and communities of Western North Carolina, and submitted events should fall within this context.
All submissions are subject to editorial approval and edits for clarity and style before being published online. If you are going to include a photograph, please be certain that you have the rights to utilize that image. If there is a question about image rights, we may remove the image. Also, images should be no larger than 2000 pixels wide. Large images will prevent the event from being submitted.
Please allow up to 5 days for your event to be posted. If you encounter difficulties submitting an event, please email amy@thelaurelofasheville.com.
Deck the Trees — Making Spirits Bright
Deck the Trees will be Making Spirits Bright across the Swannanoa Valley December 3, 2026 – January 1, 2027! Now in its 16th year, Deck the Trees is an annual Christmas fundraiser for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) Fuel Fund, helping neighbors in need to keep their homes warm during winter. Visitors can drop by participating locations during business hours to enjoy dozens of beautifully decorated trees, all following this year’s theme of “Making Spirits Bright.”
Since 2011, Deck the Trees has raised over $545,000 to help low-income Swannanoa Valley residents afford the cost of heating their homes. The local cost of home heating oil has increased by about 64% since last winter. Amid rising needs for heating assistance, SVCM is calling on all who are able to give generously to Deck the Trees this season!
How It Works:
From December 3 to January 1, find the trees around town using our Google Maps Tree Trail or tree locations brochure. Then vote for your favorite tree(s) by donating $1 per vote. Vote as many times as you’d like. Every dollar goes directly to the SVCM Fuel Fund. Voting is easy:
-Scan the tree’s QR code to donate online
-Or drop cash or checks in the tree’s donation box
-(Online donations encouraged.)
Can’t Visit in Person?
Photos of every tree will be available on the Deck the Trees homepage, so you can vote from anywhere.
Follow the Festivities:
Follow this year’s dazzling displays and special moments on SVCM’s Facebook (svcmcares) and Instagram (svcmwnc).