Business Promotional Opportunities

The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville are excited to announce the 2025 Downtown Holiday Window Display Competition!

This year’s theme is “Hometown Christmas Lights” which coordinates with the Hendersonville Christmas Parade theme. We invite your business to help us make Main Street and 7th Avenue Districts sparkle with creativity, joy, and holiday spirit!

• Entry Deadline: Monday, November 21
• Judging: On or around Wednesday, December 3
• Winners Announced: Via press release & social media

We also want to promote all the ways downtown businesses are spreading cheer this holiday season! If you’re planning to stay open late, host a special activity, or participate in downtown events, let us know so we can include you in promotions.

Key Holiday Dates:

• Nov. 22 – Thanksgiving Farmers Market (7th Ave District, 9am–1pm)
• Nov. 28 – Holiday Tree Lighting (Main Street, 5pm)
• Dec. 5 – Olde Fashioned Christmas (Main Street, 5pm)
• Dec. 6 – Christmas Farmers Market (7th Ave District, 9am–1pm)
• Dec. 6 – Hendersonville Christmas Parade (Main Street, 6pm)
• Dec. 20 – Holly Jolly Train Rides (Main Street, 5pm)

SUBMIT YOUR WINDOW APPLICATION AND HOLIDAY INFO HERE

Find out more about Hendersonville Mardi Gras and register for T-rex parade here

TEXT ALERT UPDATE – We continue to update our downtown list for text alerts so we can make sure you and your employees are all getting updates when there are downtown-specific issues or concerns. This came to light as a serious need last week. This is for anyone but will include updates on street closures AND if there are ever emergency updates that need to get to downtown people quickly. UPDATE INFORMATION HERE

Please also always make sure your Smart911 information is up to date! https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/alert-hvl 

Opportunities for Businesses: We encourage you to open your storefronts during the event to take advantage of the lively atmosphere and the hundreds of runners, walkers, and spectators who will be downtown.

We are putting together a Runner Discount Card to help drive traffic directly into your businesses!
If you would like to participate, simply submit a special offer or discount for runners — along with your business logo — by Monday, April 21 at 3:00 PM.

This is a great way to introduce new customers to your shop, restaurant, or service and to show the runners and their families just how special Hendersonville is.

To submit your offer or ask questions, please contact us at iDaph Events: (828) 684-0812, support@idaph.net  [More info about the event HERE.] 

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
  
  
• Race Time: Set up starting downtown at 5:30 AM | Course cut-off is NOON | Break Down will be completed by 1:30pm, the 400 block will be opened at approximately 11am.
  
  
• Location: 400 and 500 blocks of Main Street, Downtown Hendersonville
  
  
• Event Beneficiaries: YMCA of Western North Carolina and Blue Ridge Humane Society
  
  
• Produced by: iDaph Events
  
  

Important Information:

• No parking will be available on the 400 or 500 blocks after midnight on Friday, May 9. Vehicles left overnight will be towed.
  
  

Access to these blocks will be limited during the event hours. Please plan ahead for travel, deliveries, and staffing.

SEE YOU IN 2026!

Theme - "Orchard Roots, Mountain Spirit" AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2025

The 79th Annual North Carolina Apple Festival will be here before you know it, and the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville are inviting your business to participate in the annual window display contest. This is a fun tradition that supports your local NC apple growers.

The Window Display Contest WINNER WILL RECEIVE: 

• Winner will be announced at the Opening Ceremony

• Winner will be featured on the contest page of the Apple Festival Website

• Social Media Shoutouts from the Downtown Hendersonville & Apple Festival Social Media pages

• Apple Treats for your Whole Staff

• Apple Trophy & Bragging Rights!

 Entries must be received by Friday, August 22. Entries must be submitted via this online form. 

Please submit your information below to qualify for judging.

Window displays should remain in place through the conclusion of the NC Apple Festival.

If after submitting this form, you are not able to participate, please contact Terrye Jacobs at tjacobs@hvlnc.gov or 828-233-3205

Helpful Websites: blueridgeapplegrowers.com or ncapples.com