Applications for the 2026 Charleston Christmas Parade are now open online, city officials in Charleston, West Virginia announced.
This year’s procession will feature a “Country Christmas” theme, according to a news release from the city. The design encourages participants to incorporate rustic holiday charm, country-inspired decorations, and festive music into their floats and entries.
The application window closes on November 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. Groups and local businesses can submit their paperwork through the charlestonwv.gov/christmasparade portal.
Participation faces a strict cap of approximately 125 entries to maintain a manageable and safe route for both crowds and participants. Organizers will review submissions on a first-come, first-served basis, accepting no more than one application per entity.
If submissions surpass the 125-limit threshold, officials will weigh them in the order received. Early registration remains encouraged.
“The Christmas Parade is a tradition that so many families look forward to, and every year our community finds new ways to make it memorable,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “With Country Christmas as this year’s theme, I’m looking forward to seeing a little country flair mixed in with the lights, music, and holiday cheer that make this night so much fun.”
The parade route steps off on Thursday, December 10, at 7 p.m. The procession begins at the intersection of Kanawha Boulevard and Capitol Street.
From that starting point, units will move up Capitol Street toward Washington Street, make a turn onto Summers Street, and finally exit westbound onto Kanawha Boulevard.
Anyone with questions regarding the application process can email [email protected] before the November deadline.
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