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Highlands Christmas Parade
Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: December 2024
The annual Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade – a celebration winding its way down Main Street, with virtually every Highlander either somewhere in the parade itself or viewing from the sidelines – is held this year on Saturday, December 7, at 10:00 A.M.
The Christmas season is upon us, and there is no merrier way to ring in this season of family, fun, joy, and celebrations than to make your way to Main Street Highlands on Saturday, December 7, for the annual Olde Mountain Christmas parade. The parade begins promptly at 10:00 A.M. so don’t be late. Rumor has it that Santa will be on hand, and you’d hate to get on his naughty list by being tardy.
Sponsored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands NC this parade has been drawing an enthusiastic crowd for more than 40 years. The parade has grown and evolved throughout the years, now boasting more than
50 entries.
“The Highlands Christmas Parade is one of our most cherished traditions, capturing the nostalgic charm and small-town spirit that makes Highlands so special,” says Kaye McHan, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “There’s something truly magical about seeing Main Street lined with families and friends as marching bands, a myriad of animals, creative floats, and, of course, Santa Claus, bringing holiday cheer to our community.”
Some favorite entries return year after year in a properly spruced-up manner such as Santa, marching animals, fire trucks, politicians, high school homecoming courts, high school athletes, bands, vintage cars, veteran’s groups, and more.
Returning favorites, the dancing ladies of the Mountain Garden Club will once again delight the crowd with another of their carefully choreographed dance routines, as they have been doing since 1998. Their routine is carefully cloaked in secrecy until the day of the parade so it’s always a surprise to see what they’re up to each year. Which song will they perform, what will their costumes look like, and which props will they use? Who can forget those gardening shovels cleverly disguised as guitars during the club’s past Elvis performance?
Imaginative homemade floats are always a highlight and capture the heart and soul of our small town. Envisioned and created by area residents, businesses, churches, non-profits, and civic groups, these floats always bring a sense of wonder and awe to those watching,
Isn’t it wonderful to see a parade where you know almost everyone in it? Speaking from experience, a friendly shout-out might warrant an extra piece or two of Christmas candy being tossed in your direction.
The parade is held rain or shine so bring your family and friends and make Christmas memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
