James Beard Award winners lead holiday parade, Grove Arcade hosts winter festival
ASHEVILLE - Make the most out of a day spent downtown at two jubilant events ushering in the holiday season.
On Nov. 19, the 76th annual Asheville Holiday Parade and Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland will commence with family-friendly fun and a host of special guests leading the way.
The Asheville Holiday Parade will begin to roll at 11 a.m. with marching bands, dancers, decorated floats and many other festive marchers and performers joining in the revelry.
The Winter Wonderland seasonal event series will begin at Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., with special programming scheduled throughout the day and evening. The regular hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Both events are open to all ages and free to attend.
This year, Asheville Holiday Parade’s grand marshals are two local chefs and restaurateurs whose establishments were nationally recognized for their talents and services in and out of the kitchen.
Katie Button, of Cúrate, and Meherwan Irani, of Chai Pani, are sharing the role of grand marshal and will ride on a float leading the parade through downtown. The ceremonious role is in recognition of the duo bringing home the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards in the summer.
Cúrate, at 22 Battery Park Ave., won for Outstanding Hospitality.
Chai Pani, at 13 Biltmore Ave., won for Outstanding Restaurant.
More:Asheville restaurants Chai Pani, Cúrate win 2022 James Beard Awards
“I feel like Asheville has become my forever home and when you get to be in a float, I think that’s like the certificate of approval that the town has accepted you, also,” Irani said. “From a personal level, its feels like this real remarkable connection that I get to be a grand marshal for the town of Asheville.”
Button and her husband, Felix Meana, who own and operate La Bodega by Cúrate in downtown, have enjoyed the holiday parade for many years, but from afar and only as spectators.
Like Irani, it will be Button’s first time to ride in a parade and she said it’s a “huge honor” to do so as a grand marshal.
“In years past we have been working hard in the restaurants during holiday parade weekend because downtown is so full of energy. Then when our two children were born, we would sit at a window table in Curate for a family brunch and watch the parade through the window,” Button said in an email. “This year it is super special because not only will I be riding in the parade, but we will have a float in the parade and our team and their family members will be walking with the float and spreading holiday cheer through hot chocolate vouchers at La Bodega. It is going to be a blast, and I think this opportunity is serving as the catalyst for our forever participation in the parade. I'm really looking forward to it!!!”
The parade route and recommended viewing areas include Biltmore and Patton Avenues. The official performance stop will be near Pack Square. The parade route will end on Patton Avenue at South French Broad Avenue.
Button and Irani will be in good company with North Pole residents Santa and Mrs. Claus joining the Asheville Holiday Parade lineup.
More:What's new for 30th annual National Gingerbread House Competition in Asheville?
The jolly couple will then head over to Grove Arcade for the Winter Wonderland festival. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be offered from 2-4 p.m.
Winter Wonderland will be ongoing during retail business hours, and guests may enjoy live music performances and drinks and shopping specials from its diverse shops, service and food and beverage tenants.
The annual tree-lighting ceremony of a 20-foot tree will begin at 5 p.m. at the northwest corner of the building. Hosted by Aaron Price, the event will feature live music performances from the local community choir A Capella Alive! and the local band Random Acts of Music.
Grove Arcade’s halls will be decked with Christmas décor from Winter Wonderland and through the holidays from Nov. 19-Jan. 2. Holiday gift shopping specials and seasonal events will be offered, such as bar crawls, holiday movie screenings and kid’s activities.
Through December, Jason Probstein will demonstrate ornament glass blowing on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.
On Dec. 31, Grove Arcade will host an NYE Roaring Twenties party ― event and ticket sale details are to be announced.
For updates and to view Grove Arcade’s calendar of upcoming events and activities, visit grovearcade.com/events/ and follow on social media.
Downtown guests may park in the city of Asheville and Buncombe County parking decks, private decks and surface lots. Street closures and traffic slowdowns are expected due to the parade, so attendees are encouraged to ride ART public transit, bike or walk to ease congestion.
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter/Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 2022 Asheville Holiday Parade, Grove Arcade winterfest return
