ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Downtown Asheville storefronts could have an old-fashioned holiday look this year as businesses prepare for a seasonal decorating contest.
The Asheville Downtown Association is bringing back its annual Winter Window Display Contest, this time with the theme “A Vintage Holiday.”
Businesses are encouraged to get creative with nostalgic decorations, classic holiday colors, vintage ornaments, twinkling lights and other touches that bring back memories of holidays past.
The idea is to create a trail of decorated storefronts that encourages people to explore downtown, visit local shops and restaurants, and discover businesses they might otherwise overlook.
“Some of the most memorable parts of the holiday season are the traditions we share, and decorated storefronts have always been part of that experience,” said Hayden Plemmons, executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association. “We want to create a Downtown-wide celebration that encourages people to wander, explore, and support our local businesses while enjoying a little holiday nostalgia.”
Businesses have until Nov. 1 to register for the contest. Displays should be ready by Saturday, Nov. 21, the day of Asheville’s annual holiday parade, and remain up through Jan. 1, 2027.
Early registration is encouraged so participating businesses can be included in promotional materials and receive signs identifying their displays.
The window contest is just one part of a larger effort to bring holiday cheer — and shoppers — to downtown Asheville.
The Downtown Association is also bringing back its Shop Small, Win Big program, presented by Explore Asheville. The initiative encourages people to support downtown businesses during the holiday shopping season. More details about this year’s program will be announced later.
Meanwhile, seasonal lights are returning to Pritchard Park, Pack Square Park and Triangle Park. The Downtown Association Foundation and Asheville Downtown Improvement District are coordinating the installations, which begin the week of Oct. 19.
The lights will remain up through Valentine’s Day 2027.
New holiday wreaths are also planned for downtown streets. The city recently announced a $90,000 contract with the Asheville Downtown Improvement District for the purchase and installation of the decorations.
The celebration also includes Asheville’s 80th annual Holiday Parade, scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.
Presented by Bojangles, the parade will share the “A Vintage Holiday” theme with the window display contest, tying the celebration together throughout downtown.
Organizers hope the decorations, parade and shopping promotions will give residents and visitors more reasons to spend time downtown and support local businesses throughout the holiday season.