ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — It may be 80 degrees out now, but Christmas is right around the corner. Participant applications for the 80th annual Asheville Holiday Parade are open.

The Asheville Downtown Association has declared the theme of the 80th parade “A Vintage Holiday,” celebrating eight decades of holiday cheer in Asheville. The parade will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, in downtown Asheville.

Vintage winter wonderland

“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,” the ADA said in a press release.

The deadline for participation applications is Friday, Oct. 9. Apply here.

In addition to the parade, the annual ADA Winter Window Display Contest will return in 2026. The contest will follow the same vintage theme as the parade. Downtown storefronts are encouraged to decorate their storefronts with vintage cheer by Nov. 21.

For more information about the parade, visit www.ashevilledowntown.org.