Find Holiday Magic + Shop Local with Bizzy Bear

This holiday season, we’re thrilled to bring you Bizzy Bear, a fun and festive way to support local businesses while embracing community spirit. Presented by Spectrum and Duke Energy, Bizzy Bear encourages residents and visitors alike to explore Asheville’s vibrant downtown and beyond, shopping small and local.

The Hunt Begins: Saturday, November 23rd

Bizzy Bear kicks off during the Holiday Jamboree in downtown Asheville! Here’s what to expect:

• Start your journey downtown: Stop by the Chamber booth in front of Hotel Arras for hot chocolate and popcorn, and pick up a handy map of downtown alongside a list of clues.
• Spot the Bizzy Bears: 20 adorable stuffed bears, adorned with festive ribbons and Chamber tags, will be hidden in businesses across downtown. 
• Snap and share: On Instagram, follow the Chamber (@avlchamber) and find a bear, take a selfie, and tag the Chamber and the business on Instagram using the hashtag #AVLBizzyBear. Share the selfie as a post, not stories. Carousel posts are accepted as multiple entries.
• Win big: Each selfie you take will be entered into a drawing for some incredible cash prizes:
  • $250 Grand Prize
  • $150 Second Prize
  • Two $50 Third Prizes

Winners from the kickoff will be announced at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 23rd, at the Holiday Jamboree. If the winner has left the Jamboree, we’ll contact you via Instagram and share how you can pick up your prize.

Bizzy Bears About Town: November 24th – December 20th

After the Jamboree, the fun continues! Bizzy Bears will roam beyond downtown, spotlighting businesses throughout Asheville and Buncombe County. Each week, we’ll highlight a handful of bear locations on social media. 

• Clue-based exploration: Follow our Instagram (@avlchamber) for hints about where the bears are hiding.
• Weekly prizes: Find a bear, post a selfie with #AVLBizzyBear and tag us to enter the weekly gift card drawings ($25–$50).
• Grant Prize: All entries go into a grand prize drawing on Monday, December 23rd, featuring local products and gift cards.

Support Local and Win

Many participating businesses are offering exclusive discounts for those who find Bizzy Bear in their store—another reason to get out and explore!

How to Enter

1. Follow us on Instagram (@avlchamber).
2. Post selfies with the Bizzy Bears you find on your Instagram. Share the selfie as a post, not a story. Carousel posts are accepted as multiple entries.
3. Use the hashtag #AVLBizzyBear and tag @avlchamber + the business if possible.

Let’s make this holiday season one to remember by supporting the businesses that make Asheville special. Whether you’re uncovering clues downtown or venturing into new neighborhoods, Bizzy Bear is your perfect guide to local holiday magic. Happy hunting!