Members of the Brevard High Marching Band perform in the December 3, 2022 Christmas parade in Brevard. File photo.

The Christmas parade in downtown Brevard, to be held at 3 p.m. this Saturday, is a big event for the people who attend it. The theme this year is “A Storybook Christmas!”

The town has been holding this parade before Christmas for over 50 years. In 1972, the event was started by the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce, according to its website, and always brings the community together.

The Sheriff’s Office joined the tradition and started hosting a toy drive for families in need in 2015.

There are many fun things to do at the parade, such as going into all the downtown stores to shop or just walking down the strip looking at all the cool food trucks and activities. Most people watch the big Christmas tree as it is being lit up in front of the courthouse. 

“I think it’s pretty nice. I love how it brings everybody together to enjoy the festive time,” said student Anna Cantrell.

Brevard High students are known for giving amazing performances for the crowd. The cheerleaders dance and throw candy as the football players throw even more candy for the kids on the sidewalks.

Members of the Brevard High Marching Band perform in the December 3, 2022 Christmas parade in downtown Brevard. File photo.

There are many cool and unique floats, and some people drive in convertible cars as they also throw candy to the children.

“My mom has taken me and my sister to this event since we were 4 years old, and this event is by far the most nostalgic memory from my childhood,” said student Jaylen McCall. “I loved when they would throw us so many different kinds of candy, and after me and my sister would trade.”

The parade route begins at Brevard High, travels down Country Club Road and Broad Street, moves through downtown and concludes at Brevard College, the Chamber said. For more information, call Kasie Kubilius at 828-883-3700.

After the parade, Brevard’s Christmas tree will be lit at the courthouse during the Light Up the Night celebration, which also includes ice skating, music, hayrides, food trucks, shopping and a merry makers market from 2-8 p.m., according to Heart of Brevard.

By Amaree Swarn