Illustration of a santa visit scene (The Joys of Christmas Parade)
Other Christmas Activities

The Joys of Christmas Parade

Visitors line the streets of Downtown Christiansburg to watch the annual holiday procession. The parade showcases a variety of entries, including decorated floats, walking groups, cars, and marching bands. Participants compete for honors across designated judging categories.

What to Expect

Features judged floats, marching bands, walking groups, and vehicles.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Town of Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Department

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and local holiday crowds

Vibe

Festive and community-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Downtown Christiansburg
Christiansburg, VA
24073

Know Before You Go

  • Hours: 7 p.m.

Tips & Advice

  • Come early to browse Christmas at the Market downtown, where Farmers' Market vendors, local crafters and food vendors set up before the parade.
  • Gather in Town Square before the parade starts to see the Mayor light the tree in a ceremony just before the floats roll.
  • Register your child online by November 30 for Calls From the North Pole so Santa can phone them on December 14 or 15.
  • Shop from vendors inside the official Market areas, since any vendors set up elsewhere aren't sanctioned by the Town as part of the event.
  • Dress warmly, because the parade is an evening event outdoors in Downtown Christiansburg in December.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Christmas at the Market downtown before the parade, with Farmers' Market vendors, local crafters and food vendors.
  • Ceremonial tree lighting with the Mayor in Town Square just before the parade.
  • Calls From the North Pole: Santa phones children 8 and under on December 14 and 15; register online by November 30.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What else is happening on parade night?

The parade is part of Christmas on Main. Christmas at the Market runs in Downtown Christiansburg earlier that evening. The Mayor also leads a ceremonial tree lighting in Town Square just before the parade starts.

Is there food?

Yes. Food vendors set up at Christmas at the Market alongside Christiansburg Farmers' Market vendors and local crafters.

How are parade entries judged?

There are three categories: Float, Non-Float (marching or walking groups, cars and bands), and Best Overall.

Can my child get a call from Santa?

Yes. Through Calls From the North Pole, Santa personally phones children 8 and under on December 14 and 15. You need to register online by November 30.

Can I sell at the Market?

Christmas at the Market is open to artisans, crafters and farmers market vendors. Vendors set up outside the official Market areas aren't sanctioned by the Town.

Tags

community celebrationparadesSanta visitsChristmas marketfamily friendlyholiday traditionfree eventseasonal activitiesfestive food

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team