Asheville Downtown Association Opens Applications for 80th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade
80th annual Holiday Parade returns to Downtown Asheville Saturday, November 21 with “A Vintage Holiday” theme
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Asheville Downtown Association is now accepting applications for the 80th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, taking place in Downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11 a.m.
This year’s theme, “A Vintage Holiday,” celebrates 80 years of holiday tradition in Downtown Asheville and invites participants to bring the nostalgia, charm and cheer of holidays past to the parade route.
Businesses, nonprofits, schools, community groups, performance organizations and other local participants are encouraged to get creative with vintage-inspired entries. Ideas might include 1950s holiday storefronts, old-fashioned ornaments and tinsel, vintage cars, Victorian holiday scenes, mid-century décor, nostalgic holiday movies, classic winter wonderlands, or entries inspired by holiday traditions from decades past.
Whether drawing inspiration from the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s, ’70s or another favorite era, participants are encouraged to put their own spin on what makes the holidays feel timeless.
The deadline to apply to participate in the 2026 Asheville Holiday Parade is Friday, October 9.
Winter Window Display Contest Returns with Matching Theme
In keeping with tradition, the Asheville Downtown Association’s annual Winter Window Display Contest will share the parade theme of “A Vintage Holiday.”
Downtown storefronts are encouraged to join the celebration by transforming their windows with vintage-inspired holiday displays. From retro ornaments and nostalgic toys to classic department-store windows, aluminum trees, handmade decorations and scenes inspired by holidays gone by, businesses are encouraged to have fun with the theme and help create a festive experience throughout Downtown Asheville.
Participating storefronts should have their windows decorated by Saturday, November 21, allowing Downtown to come alive with “A Vintage Holiday” just as the 80th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade makes its way through the city.
The Asheville Holiday Parade has been a beloved community tradition for generations, bringing families, businesses, performers and neighbors together to kick off the holiday season in Downtown Asheville. This year’s 80th anniversary offers an opportunity to celebrate that history while creating new traditions for years to come.
More information about parade applications, the Winter Window Display Contest and holiday programming in Downtown Asheville will be available through the Asheville Downtown Association.
