Kick Off the Holiday Season with Jinglefest 2014!

WebThe holiday season in Asheville officially kicks off November 22, 2014, the week before Thanksgiving, with the 68th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the parade will follow the same route as last year: north on Biltmore Avenue from S. Charlotte Street, then left on Patton Avenue, heading west. The performance stop is located at Pack Square in front of the Vance Monument, at the corner of Biltmore and Patton Avenues.

American Idol winner and Asheville native Caleb Johnson will be Grand Marshal, riding on a float sponsored by Mission Health System.

The Asheville Holiday Parade will roll, march, and dance through downtown with nearly 100 entries from area nonprofits, schools, and businesses. Bojangles will have food and beverages available for sale along the parade route.

Following the parade is the Ingles JingleFest, at the U.S. Cellular Center from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

JingleFest will feature nonstop entertainment with performances from many of the groups that participated in the parade, inflatables and bouncy houses, kid’s activities, and of course, photos with Santa.

A handmade holiday craft market will also be held in the concourse area, featuring the work of local crafters and artisans.

Johnson, who grew up in Leicester before winning American Idol, will stop by JingleFest for a meet-and-greet with area fans and sign autographs.

The Parade and JingleFest are also an important seasonal toy drive for Toys for Tots. Everyone who can is urged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a deserving child to help ensure that every child feels special this holiday season!

All streets and connecting corridors along the parade route will be closed during the parade.