Asheville Holiday Parade November 22, 2025
The festive Asheville Holiday Parade in downtown is a fun way to kick off the Christmas season, complete with local personality for plenty of smiles. It starts at 11 AM, so several downtown streets will be closed that morning. Come early to find a spot along the one-mile route. (Lead image, the Cherokee Float. Above, see the Veterans Float. Both photos courtesy of Asheville Downtown Association.) For more fun in November and December, see our Top Holiday Season Things to Do.
Onesie One Miler
For 2025, there's a 10:30 am Onesie One Miler. That's right--runners will race the parade route in their favorite onesie and finish before the parade begins. Holiday-themed onesies are suggested but not required. The race begins and ends at Patton Avenue and Ann Street. Registration is required. Runners will receive a commemorative beanie and compete for awards based on finishing time as well as "best onesie".
Photo courtesy of Asheville Downtown Association.
Parade Lineup and Route
The parade lineup will begin at the intersection of Biltmore Street and Hilliard Avenue. The parade route travels up Biltmore Avenue from Charlotte Street towards Pack Square. Pack Square is the only performance area, the location for WLOS TV cameras and judges. The parade then turns left on Patton Avenue and ends on French Broad Avenue.
Photo courtesy of Asheville Downtown Association.
Celebrating 70+ years, the parade features 100 entries, including marching bands, dance and cheer squads, and festive floats.
Photo courtesy of Asheville Downtown Association.
The 90-minute parade features entertainment for all ages.
Photos courtesy of Asheville Downtown Association.
Since it's Asheville, you'll never know what you'll see along the way! Even the Christmas parade needs some weirdness.
Photo courtesy of Asheville Downtown Association.
Above, the Asheville Second Line (don't miss their Mardi Gras Parade).
Photo courtesy of Asheville Downtown Association.
LaZoom Tours is always a crowd favorite with its purple bus and variety of characters, led here by Sister Bad Habit.
Photo courtesy of Asheville Downtown Association.
After the parade, start your holiday shopping in downtown Asheville. All public parking garages will remain accessible throughout the parade.
Watch our 3-minute Asheville Holiday Parade Sampler from 2016!
