Transform your parade entry into a festive gingerbread-inspired masterpiece! Think candy canes, gumdrops, peppermint swirls, icing details, cookies, colorful sweets, charming gingerbread houses, and plenty of holiday magic. Creativity is encouraged as we bring an entire Gingerbread Village to life through this year's parade.

Parade Information

Parade Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Parade Makeup Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Lineup: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Parade Begins: Promptly at 5:00 PM
Entry Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026
No late applications will be accepted.
Entry Fee: $50.00

Payment must be received by November 20, 2026. Entries without payment by the deadline will not be permitted to participate. No exceptions.

Important Information for the 2026 Parade

• To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators, the following rules will be strictly enforced:
• 4:30 PM is the final cutoff for all participant drop-offs, float lineup, walking groups, bands, and single vehicle entries.
• Any entry arriving after 4:30 PM will not be permitted to participate. No exceptions.
• Throwing or distributing items from parade entries is prohibited. This includes candy, toys, food, coupons, promotional items, souvenirs, or any other objects. The Athens Police Department will monitor compliance throughout the parade. Violations may result in disqualification from future Athens-Limestone County Christmas Parades.
• Horses are not permitted in the parade. The only exception is approved horse-drawn carriages or miniature horses that are part of an authorized parade entry.
• Float entries are limited and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the maximum number of float entries has been reached, registration for floats will close.

 
Before You Register

The document also includes float and vehicle judging criteria, as well as other important participation guidelines to help you prepare your entry.
We can't wait to see your creative interpretation of Gingerbread Village as we celebrate the holiday season together in Downtown Athens!
 
Thank you for participating in the Athens-Limestone County Christmas Parade! Questions? Phone 256-232-2600 or mailto: casey@alcchamber.org