Downtown Asheville Celebrates the Season with A Vintage Holiday
Winter Window Displays, festive lights, new holiday decorations, and the 80th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade bring seasonal magic Downtown.
The holidays are making their way to Downtown Asheville, and this year, we're celebrating with a little nostalgia! The Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) and Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID) are working together to bring festive cheer to downtown streets, storefronts, and public spaces throughout the season.
From vintage-inspired window displays and twinkling park lights to new holiday wreaths and the return of the Asheville Holiday Parade, there's plenty to look forward to this winter.
Winter Window Display Contest Returns
The Asheville Downtown Association is excited to bring back its annual Winter Window Display Contest, inviting Downtown businesses to transform their storefronts into festive works of art.
This year's theme, A Vintage Holiday, celebrates the charm of holidays past with nostalgic decorations, classic colors, timeless traditions, and plenty of seasonal sparkle.
Participating businesses are encouraged to have their displays installed by Saturday, November 21, just in time for the Asheville Holiday Parade, and keep them up through January 1, 2027.
The goal is to create a festive trail of storefronts that encourages visitors to explore downtown, discover new businesses, and enjoy the creativity of our local merchants. Whether you're shopping for gifts, grabbing dinner, or simply taking an evening stroll, these displays offer another reason to experience Downtown Asheville during the holidays.
Downtown businesses interested in participating can register here. Early registration is encouraged to help organizers prepare signage and promotional materials.
Shop Small, Win Big Is Back!
The Asheville Downtown Association is also bringing back its popular Shop Small, Win Big program presented by Explore Asheville, encouraging residents and visitors to support locally owned businesses throughout the holiday shopping season.
The program will complement the Winter Window Display Contest, giving shoppers even more reasons to visit multiple Downtown businesses and keep their holiday spending local.
Stay tuned for more details on how to participate!
Daylight Savings Lights Return to Three Downtown Parks
As the days get shorter, Downtown Asheville is getting a little brighter!
ADA and ADID are once again partnering to bring back the Daylight Savings Lights initiative, adding warm, festive lighting to three Downtown public spaces:
Pritchard Park
Pack Square Park
Triangle Park
Installation begins the week of October 19, and the lights will remain in place through Valentine's Day 2027.
The initiative is designed to make Downtown's public spaces feel welcoming, vibrant, and inviting during the darker winter months, encouraging residents and visitors to continue enjoying Downtown after sunset.
New Seasonal Wreaths Coming Downtown
Downtown Asheville's streets will also receive a festive refresh this year!
Asheville City Council recently announced a $90,000 contract with ADID for the purchase and installation of new seasonal wreaths throughout Downtown.
The new decorations will complement the holiday window displays and park lighting, creating a more cohesive and festive atmosphere throughout the Downtown district.
The 80th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade Returns November 21
One of Asheville's most beloved holiday traditions returns on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Presented by Bojangles, the 80th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade will bring marching bands, colorful floats, community organizations, and plenty of holiday spirit to the streets of Downtown Asheville.
This year's parade shares the A Vintage Holiday theme, celebrating eight decades of holiday memories and traditions.
With Downtown businesses encouraged to have their window displays ready by parade day, the celebration will extend beyond the parade route and into storefronts throughout the district.
Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown Asheville
Whether you're visiting for the parade, exploring festive window displays, shopping for the perfect gift, or enjoying an evening under the lights, Downtown Asheville is the place to celebrate the season.
These holiday initiatives are about more than decorations. They're about creating memorable experiences, supporting local businesses, and bringing our community together during one of the most special times of the year.
We can't wait to celebrate A Vintage Holiday with you in Downtown Asheville!
