When & Where
Saturday, November 21 | 11am
Locations Throughout Downtown
Theme: Vintage Holiday
Application Deadline: October 9, 2026
Determination Notification: October 30, 2026
Background
The Asheville Holiday Parade, now in its 80th year, is a cherished tradition that draws 10,000 to 15,000 people to Downtown Asheville. Featuring more than 50 entries, dazzling floats, and lively performances, the parade is a massive undertaking, requiring countless hours of staff and volunteer time to bring it to life. To ensure a smooth, safe, and fun experience for everyone involved, we ask that all participants carefully read the following regulations before the event. Let's make this year's celebration one to remember!
The Asheville Downtown Association’s Events Committee will evaluate parade applications based on creativity and effort, so plan carefully before submitting. Your submission will also help with planning, so be as specific and accurate as possible. Vague submissions will not be accepted.
Rules & Guidelines
Decorations
- All vehicles must be fully decorated.
- Logo-only vehicles will not be accepted without decoration.
- Use of the 2026 theme, Vintage Holiday, is strongly encouraged. We encourage natural materials, handcrafted decorations, antique-inspired props, classic holiday characters, and scenes from historic holiday traditions.
Handouts & Candy
- No cards or handouts unless attached to candy, coupons, or other small gifts.
- No throwing items. All giveaways must be handed directly to spectators.
- Violations will result in immediate removal and denial of future participation.
Identification
- Each entry must include a sign or banner with the organization’s name.
- Your lineup number must be posted at the front of your entry.
Costumes & Appearance
- All walkers must wear coordinated outfits or costumes.
- Make your group entertaining and parade-ready!
- Santa costumes are not allowed. (There is only one Santa.) Santa hats, elves, and reindeer are welcome.
Entry Requirements
- The entry described in your application must be the one presented.
- Vehicles not listed in the application will not be admitted.
- Significant deviations from your application may result in dismissal.
- No political entries (including elected officials or candidates).
- No demonstrations or protests, positive or negative.
- The parade is not a venue for campaigning or advocacy.
- Entrants must provide a photo of their fully built entry by November 13 at 5 PM for evaluation.
- Applicants must provide an accurate estimate of entry length. Please overestimate to ensure enough lineup space.
- Lineup details and assembly instructions will be emailed prior to the parade, with lineup order determined solely by the Parade Committee
- Late arrivals may be denied participation with no refunds.
Weather
- The parade will not be canceled due to rain, cold, or heat.
- Dress in layers beneath costumes as needed.
Animals
- Pets are not permitted in individual entries.
- Only animal-related nonprofits may include animals.
- Include info on type/number of animals and designated handlers.
- At least one person must walk behind animals to clean up.
- Horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test.
Media Script
- Each group must provide a short description (max 40 words) of its entry, business, or organization.
- This description will be read by the TV anchors during parade coverage.
Performances
- Performance stop location: Corner of Biltmore & Patton (near Pack Square).
- Duration: 60 seconds + 15 seconds setup. (Overruns will be stopped.)
- Only choreographed and rehearsed performances are eligible.
- If requesting to perform for judges/TV anchors, provide a video link of rehearsal or similar performance; and submit video link + music file by October 9 at 5PM.
- Applicants using music must provide details, including speaker setup.
- All music must be family-friendly.
- No duplication of music (first come, first served).
Judging
- Performances will be competed for two awards: Best Overall and Best Use of Theme.
Diversity & Participation Policy
The parade celebrates and embraces the diversity of our community; however, it cannot be used to promote special interests. Participation is contingent upon submission of a completed online application by the October 9, 2026 deadline and payment of all applicable fees. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Asheville Downtown Association reserves the right to refuse any entry it deems political, partisan, issue-based, unlawful, obscene, vulgar, defamatory, offensive, or otherwise inconsistent with the parade’s theme, standards, or purpose.