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Parading the Holidays in Highlands
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: November 2023
Highlands’ Olde Mountain Christmas Parade set for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, December 2, caps a flurry of holiday fun.
While so much about the Christmas season is anticipated, the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade is undoubtedly a “must” on many calendars throughout the Plateau.
This season’s parade is Saturday, December 2, and the more than 40-year tradition in Highlands begins at the end of Main Street near the Hudson Library and will proceed for a few blocks, ending near Reeve’s Ace Hardware.
Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to line the sidewalks and balconies along the route from 10:00 A.M. to Noon for a magical display of creative floats and live music and entertainment.
In fact, a whopping 60 participants are involved in the parade, including representatives of local businesses, non-profit organizations, churches, fire departments, and other local groups. Some generous volunteers will hand out candy and goodies to treat children and “big kids” attending, and spectators can look for dogs, llamas, camels and other furry friends to be paraded as well.
Further, Highlands School’s Homecoming Court, Smoky the Bear, classic cars, local politicians, bagpipes and – of course – Santa and Mrs. Claus are just a few of the parade favorites expected to return this year. The parade will also feature local school bands and, for the second year, Western Carolina University’s award-winning Pride of the Mountains Marching band wraps up the festive gathering.
For more information about Highlands Christmas Parade, call the Highlands Welcome Center at (828) 526-2112 or email [email protected].
