Christmas Parade - Guidelines

Please review the following procedures and requirements before submitting your parade application. These guidelines help ensure a safe, organized, and enjoyable experience for all parade participants and spectators.

Application Rules

Application Required. A parade application must be received from any entity wishing to participate in the 2026 Charleston Christmas Parade. Only one application will be accepted per entity. Businesses with multiple locations may submit only one entry.

Participation Limit. Submission of an application does not guarantee a spot in the parade. To ensure a safe and manageable experience, participation will be limited to approximately 125 entries. If applications exceed this number, they will be considered in the order received. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Confirmation. Applicants who secure a spot in the parade will receive confirmation and additional instructions by email following the application deadline.

Unable to Participate? If you are unable to participate, please notify SpecialEvents@cityofcharleston.org no later than December 1, 2026. No-shows without prior notice may be ineligible for future participation.

Check-In & Exit Procedures

Check-In & Lineup

• Only the primary or secondary contact listed on the application may check in the parade entry. Confirmation of participation will be required.
• Only one vehicle per entry is permitted on Kanawha Boulevard, with no exceptions. This vehicle must transport any decorations needed to complete the entry or be fully decorated before lineup.
• Entry and placement are on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Once assigned a lineup number, entries must remain in place for the duration of the event. First responders are exempt from this requirement.

Parade Exit & Dispersal

• No offloading, unloading, passenger removal, or decoration removal is permitted within the parade route or on Kanawha Boulevard.
• Each entry is responsible for identifying a safe, designated meeting location away from the route and Kanawha Boulevard for passenger pickup and unloading.
• Walkers must move to the sidewalk on the hotel side of Kanawha Boulevard and proceed to their designated meeting location. For safety reasons, walkers should not use the sidewalk on the river side.
• Officers will be present to assist with traffic movement and help walkers reach sidewalks safely.

Vehicle & Trailer Requirements

Maximum Entry Dimensions

• Vehicle and trailer combination: 50 feet long
• Straight truck (such as a fire truck): 40 feet long
• Maximum height: 14 feet
• Maximum width: 10 feet

Tractor trailers are not permitted.

Driver & Passenger Safety. Each entry is responsible for ensuring that its vehicle is insured and operated by a licensed driver. Entries must have handholds for standing participants and secure, safe seating for others. Decorations and participants may not hang over the sides.

Vehicle & Trailer Approval. Following confirmation of participation, any entry involving a vehicle and trailer must be discussed with the Parade Coordinator.

Prohibited Driving Behaviors. Engine revving, spinning tires, unnecessary stopping, excessive acceleration or deceleration, and similar unsafe behaviors are strictly prohibited. Violations will result in removal of the entry and associated participants from the parade.

Horns & Sirens. Police, Fire, and EMS participants may only use horns and sirens at intersections along the parade route. This helps provide a more comfortable experience for individuals sensitive to loud sounds.

Movement & Flow

• All parade entries should maintain a steady, consistent pace throughout the route. Stopping to perform is strongly discouraged, as it can create gaps and delay the parade.
• Minimize gaps between entries to help maintain a continuous parade flow.
• Follow instructions from parade volunteers and public safety personnel stationed along the route to assist with spacing, movement, and participant safety.

Parade Entry Guidelines

Family-Friendly Event. The Charleston Christmas Parade is a family-friendly event for all ages. Costumes, behavior, language, and dance moves must be appropriate for young audiences. Noncompliance may result in removal from the parade and may affect future participation.

Christmas Decorations. All entries must feature Christmas themes and decorations. Participants are strongly encouraged to incorporate lights into their designs. Vans and utility vehicles are permitted only when tastefully decorated or attached to a float consistent with the parade theme.

Organization Identification. Displaying the name of your organization or business is encouraged. Telephone numbers, addresses, and advertising statements are not permitted.

Candy Distribution. Candy may be handed out by walkers participating in the parade. Throwing candy or distributing it from vehicle windows is strictly prohibited.

Elected Officials & Political Activity. Elected officials may participate in their official capacity. Political campaigning, advocacy for or against candidates or ballot measures, and messaging promoting political parties, policy positions, or political causes are prohibited. Entries must remain focused on the holiday celebration.

Animals. Dogs are the only animals permitted during the parade. All dogs must be leashed and remain with their parade entry at all times. Other animals, including cats and horses, are not permitted.

Parade Entry Judging

Parade entries will be judged based on the following criteria:

1. Incorporation of the Parade Theme: Country Christmas — Celebrating the warmth, music, and traditions of the holiday season through rustic charm, country-inspired decorations, festive lights, and creative interpretations of the theme.
2. Creativity and Originality
3. Design and Workmanship

Application Acknowledgments

The following acknowledgments were included in the 2026 Charleston Christmas Parade application.

I have read and understand the above application rules, the Santa Clause, check-in/exit procedures, vehicle and trailer requirements, movement and flow guidelines, parade entry guidelines, and parade entry judging information.

I understand the City of Charleston and its designees reserve the right to disqualify and remove any entry before the parade, at parade lineup, or during the parade due to noncompliance of any of the above procedures/requirements/rules. Additionally, I understand that if the City of Charleston or its designees determine that anyone participating with my organization is behaving inappropriately during the parade, they will be removed immediately from the parade, and my entire organization may be removed from the parade.

I hereby attest that I am duly authorized representative of the above named Individual or Organization, authorized to act on their behalf, that I have carefully read the description of the program for which we are registering, and in consideration for being permitted fully understand that my participation in the 2026 Charleston Christmas Parade exposes myself/my organization to the risk of personal injury, death or property damage. I hereby acknowledge that I/WE are voluntarily participating in this event and agree to assume any such risks.

I hereby release, discharge and agree to hold harmless the City of Charleston, its officers, vendors, event manager, volunteers or staff for any injury, death or damages to or loss of personal property arising out of, or in connection with, my participation in the event from whatever cause, including the active or passive negligence of the City of Charleston, its officers, vendors, event manager, volunteers or staff or any other participants in the activity.

In consideration for being permitted to participate in the event, I hereby agree, for myself, my organization, my heirs, administrators, executors and assigns, that I shall indemnify and hold harmless the City of Charleston, its officers, vendors, event manager, volunteers or staff from any and all claims, demands actions or suits arising out of or in connection with my participation in the 2026 Charleston Christmas Parade.

I also hereby grant permission to the City of Charleston and its agents and employees the irrevocable and unrestricted right to reproduce the photographs and/or video images taken of me, or members of my organization, for the purpose of publication, promotion, illustration, advertising, or trade in any manner or in any medium. I hereby release the City of Charleston and its legal representatives for all claims and liability relating to said images or video or any injury associated with participating in the 2026 Charleston Christmas Parade event. Furthermore, I grant permission to use any of my statements that were given during the 2026 Charleston Christmas Parade, with or without my name, for the purpose of advertising and publicity without restriction. I waive my right to any compensation.

By typing your name below and submitting this form, you agree that you have read and understand all information included in this application and that all submitted information is correct.