Asheville, NC, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Asheville’s annual Holiday Parade, themed ‘Toyshop Whimsy,’ will launch the holiday season on November 22. This beloved event aims to enhance community spirit and support local businesses through a month-long celebration, featuring exciting floats, music, and interactive activities. With additional events like light displays and pop-up markets, the parade reflects Asheville’s resilience and dedication to cherished traditions, promising memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Asheville is set to kick off its holiday season on November 22 with the return of the annual Holiday Parade. This year’s parade, themed “Toyshop Whimsy,” marks the beginning of a month-long celebration throughout downtown Asheville, promoting community spirit and local businesses.
The Holiday Parade is a collaborative effort between the Asheville Downtown Association and the City of Asheville. The event aims to rejuvenate the local economy while creating a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The parade will feature vibrant floats, marching bands, and costumed characters, capturing the essence of childhood wonder during the holiday season.
Accompanying the parade will be a series of events intended to stimulate local shopping and celebrate the season. Downtown Asheville will be adorned with magnificent light displays, enhancing the city’s holiday spirit. A storefront window decorating contest will add to the visual appeal of the area, inviting businesses to participate creatively.
In addition to these festivities, the promotional campaign “Shop Small, Win Big” aims to encourage residents to support local merchants during the holiday shopping season. Seasonal celebrations also include tree lightings at various locations and pop-up markets that will highlight local artisans and food producers, providing the community with unique shopping opportunities.
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer expressed pride in this partnership, emphasizing the importance of traditions that build community and celebrate local culture.
The Executive Director of the Asheville Downtown Association, Hayden Plemmons, noted that events like the Holiday Parade play a crucial role in not only strengthening the local economy but also in creating memorable experiences for attendees. The combination of lights, entertainment, and festive cheer is expected to draw visitors from near and far.
Concerns about potential budget cuts that may have affected the parade in past years were addressed by city officials. They confirmed that this year’s event has been appropriately budgeted and will proceed as planned, putting to rest any uncertainty that lingered from previous seasons.
Last year, Asheville replaced its traditional parade with a Holiday Jamboree due to adverse weather conditions that rendered an outdoor event unfeasible. The return of the parade this year is seen as a sign of resilience and a desire to restore cherished traditions as the community embraces the holiday spirit.
For more information on the Holiday Parade and how to participate, interested individuals can refer to official city and association resources, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun and festivities.
FAQ
When does the Asheville Holiday Season begin?
The Asheville Holiday Season begins on November 22 with the Holiday Parade.
What is the theme of this year’s Holiday Parade?
This year’s Holiday Parade is themed “Toyshop Whimsy.”
What additional events are planned during the holiday season?
Additional events include downtown light displays, a storefront window decorating contest, tree lightings, and pop-up markets.
Is the Holiday Parade budgeted for this year?
Yes, city leaders have confirmed that the Holiday Parade is fully budgeted for this year.
What replaced the Holiday Parade last year?
Last year, the parade was replaced by a Holiday Jamboree due to weather-related issues.
Key Features of Asheville Holiday Season
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Start Date | November 22 |
| Parade Theme | “Toyshop Whimsy” |
| Key Events | Light displays, window decorating contest, tree lightings, pop-up markets |
| Promotions | “Shop Small, Win Big” |
| Event Organizers | Asheville Downtown Association and City of Asheville |
| Parade Status | Confirmed and budgeted for this year |
| 2022 Replacement Event | Holiday Jamboree |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Prepares for an Unforgettable Fourth of July
Asheville Plans Festive Fourth of July Celebration
Western North Carolina Parade of Homes Returns in 2024
Community Spirit Shines at 17th Annual Hot Cocoa Run
Asheville Tea Company Rebuilds After Hurricane Helene
Santa Spreads Holiday Cheer at Asheville Hospital
Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Holiday Parade in Asheville
- Kidding Around Greenville: Christmas in Asheville
- WLOS: Asheville Holiday Parade Updates
- Shelby Star: Holiday Events in NC & SC
- Google Search: Asheville Holiday Parade
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
