2026 Middlesboro Christmas Parade at Middlesboro – Middlesboro, KY

This year, we present “Christmas Past”. Think back to those memories of growing up and the sights and sounds of Christmas: caroling, stockings hung by the chimeny, waking up early Christmas morning and running downstairs, etc. All parade entries should keep this in mind when deciding what to decorate with.

We are again having a nighttime parade. Line-up will begin at 2:00 pm at the Middlesboro City Parking Lot.

If you have a large entry (semi or oversize trailer) you will need to start line-up at 2pm, you MUST be set in place by 3:30pm.

ALL ENTRIES MUST be ready to go by 6:30pm.

Entry Rules:

? This year’s theme is “Christmas Past.”

? Individuals not associated with the parade floats will not be allowed to enter the parade area.

? Absolutely NO items may be handed out or tossed from floats! This includes but is not limited to: candy, flowers, beads, toys and pamphlets.

? There will be a virtual or live parade meeting TBD It is strongly recommended that all entries have at least one representative participate in this meeting. Parade officials will review all procedures, requirements and parade line up at this time, and this meeting is the best way to make sure you have the correct information.

? Entries must be decorated and reflect the theme. Please refrain from being predominately commercial in nature.

? Entries are encouraged to display the name of the organization and/or business.

? Only one entry per organization/business.

? No vans, utility vehicles, etc. are permitted without tasteful Christmas decoration, or an attached float in accordance with the theme.

? NO dressing in Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus costumes permitted. (The parade committee selects “official” Santa for the final float). Santa hats are permitted.

? Symbols that can be construed as offensive may not be permitted in the Parade. This includes, but is not limited to, the Confederate Flag and the Swastika.

? The Middlesboro Christmas Parade is a family-friendly event for all ages, and every entry in the parade is expected to respect this. All costumes, outfits, behavior, attitude, language, and dance moves must be appropriate for a young audience and will be held to a high standard. Failure to comply may result in being asked to leave the parade immediately with no warning and may jeopardize a group’s approval to participate in following years. All decisions are at the discretion of Parade officials and are final.

? No Changes to your Entry: Your parade entry must arrive at the parade location as it is described on your entry form. No changes are permitted to your entry after the entry deadline.

? Non-parade vehicles are not permitted into the staging area. Groups should establish a meeting place outside of the parade area to meet and then walk to their float.

? Parents dropping off members of your float should pre-arrange a meeting/drop off location outside of the parade route and then walk to the float.

? Line up begins at 2:00 PM. Please be patient as we get all floats in their designated location.

? Entries not in position by 6:30pm will not be allowed to participate and will forfeit their participation. Due to high volume traffic, we strongly recommend planning extra time for arrival.

? In the event of inclement weather, the parade will continue as scheduled unless City Police and Fire deem the weather to be extreme and raise safety concerns. Your attendance in the event during inclement weather is at your discretion. However, if you choose NOT to attend, please email the Parade Committee by 2pm the day of the event so we can adjust.

? There will be no postponement or rescheduling of the parade.

? Your entry fee is non-refundable even in the event of a cancellation.

? Use of alcoholic beverages by any and all parade participants is absolutely prohibited. Disregarding this rule will result in immediate removal from the parade. Violators will not be allowed to participate in any future City of Fredericksburg parade events.

? At the Committee's discretion, an officer will be inspecting the floats checking volunteers, participants, and staff for alcohol and you will be removed immediately from the parade, without a refund, at the officer’s discretion.