Holiday parades are lining up participants throughout the region. Below is a list of parades and brief summaries of regulations. Contact parade organizers for applications and a full list of rules. Note that the throwing of candy generally is prohibited, though walkers may hand out candy to audience members. Also, Santa outfits are prohibited so as not to confuse audience members with “the real” Santa.

Franklin — “Christmas in the Mountains,” 3 p.m. Nov. 29

Line up at East Franklin Shopping Center on Highlands Road. Participants encouraged to decorate floats using a favorite Christmas memory. Prize money will be awarded. Judging of the floats will take place prior to the parade. Prizes for Best Use of Theme, Most Creative and Grand Champion will be given.

Fees: $475 for a commercial float; $25 for others.

Entry forms can be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce office at 425 Porter Street or are available online at www.franklin-chamber.com.

For additional information, contact the Franklin Chamber of Commerce by calling 828.524.3161.

Canton — “Celebrate the Season,” 6 p.m. Dec. 3

Parade held in downtown. Participants are encouraged to enter as soon as possible.

Fees: free if you create your own float/drive a vehicle; $257 for half or $515 for a full commercial float. Commercial floats must be reserved by Nov. 15.

Call 828.235.2760 to register or for more information.

Bryson City – “35th Annual Christmas Parade,” 2 p.m. Dec. 5

Held in downtown. Clowns, an old time boom bah band, floats, homecoming queens and marching bands.

Call 828.488.3681 or 800.867.9246 for more information or to register.

Highlands – “Olde Mountain Christmas Parade,” 11 a.m. Dec. 5

Held on Main Street. Applications available at the Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. Call 828.526.2112 for more information.

Sylva – “A Storybook Christmas,” 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5

Parade starts from Scotts Creek Road. Lineup will be at 1:30 p.m.

Every entry is required to be decorated in holiday fashion. A cash prize will be awarded this year based on the theme. Meeting places have changed this year. Parade entrants must read all requirements at www.downtownsylva.org.

Fees are $25 for one float or vehicle, $5 per additional vehicle; $25 for vendors; $10 for walking groups with no vehicle.

Maggie Valley – “Christmas in the Smokies,” 6 p.m. Dec. 5

Line up begins at 4 p.m. at Ghost Town. Judging begins at 5 p.m. with trophies awarded in several categories. Parade begins at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

Participants are encouraged to use music. Vendors may sell novelty items but must register with the Town of Maggie Valley. The Town of Maggie Valley will be participating in a countywide food drive to benefit Haywood Christian Ministries and will accept items at lineup and through out the parade route.

Fee: free.

For more information or to register, contact Ondrea Murphy at 828.926.0867.

Waynesville – “A Smoky Mountain Christmas,” 6 p.m. Dec. 7

Parade held on Main Street. All entries are required to use lights. Theme honors the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s 75th anniversary.

Applications are available at www.downtownwaynesville.com or can be picked up at Town Hall,

Fees are $15 for non-profit groups not entering the float contest; $20 for non-profit groups entering the contest; $25 for all commercial entries. Sponsored by the Town of Waynesville, Waynesville Kiwanis Club, and the Downtown Waynesville Association.

All applications must be returned to the Downtown Waynesville Association, 9 S. Main Street, by noon, Friday, Nov. 20. For more information, contact the Downtown Waynesville Association at 828.456.3517.

Cashiers – “Christmas Parade,” 1 p.m. Dec. 12

Held downtown.

Call 828.743.5191 for more information.