Illustration of a parade scene (Jonesboro Christmas Parade)
Other Christmas Activities

Jonesboro Christmas Parade

Spectators line the curbs of Main Street to watch decorated floats, marching bands, drumlines, dance troupes, and emergency vehicles travel through downtown. Participants walk alongside the entries to hand treats directly to children along the route. The procession concludes with an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus in their sleigh.

What to Expect

Annual holiday procession themed The Night Before Christmas rolling down Main Street.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Jonesboro

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Jonesboro Christmas Parade

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and traditional

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Downtown Jonesboro
Jonesboro, AR

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Watching is free for everyone.
  • Hours: 7:00—9:00 p.m.
  • Parking: Public lots and street parking around downtown open after 5 p.m. The page advises arriving early because the closest spots fill fast, and says a free parking map is available.

Tips & Advice

  • Get downtown early so you can grab a warm drink and treat from a local restaurant and claim a curbside spot before Main Street fills up.
  • Bring chairs, a blanket and warm layers, because it gets cold along the route once the sun goes down.
  • Keep little ones near the curb but behind the line, since walkers hand out candy and treats by hand instead of throwing them.
  • Stay until the very end of the parade, because Santa and Mrs. Claus bring up the rear with the sleigh.
  • Check the parade's Facebook page before heading downtown, since delays and weather calls for rain, snow or ice are posted there.

Special Events & Promotions

  • This year's theme is The Night Before Christmas, chosen by a town vote.
  • Judged awards, including Best Float, Best Band, Best Dance Performance and Best Overall Performance, are announced on Facebook after the parade.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What's this year's parade theme?

Jonesboro voted for The Night Before Christmas. Look for sugar plums, stockings hung with care, reindeer and a sleigh, with St. Nick at the end.

What should we bring to watch?

Bring chairs, a blanket or two and warm layers. It gets cold once the sun goes down.

Where should kids stand for candy?

Keep little ones near the curb but behind the line. Walkers hand out candy and treats by hand instead of throwing them from vehicles.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

Delays and cancellations for heavy rain, ice or other conditions get posted on the parade's Facebook page, so check there before heading downtown.

How can our group be in the parade?

Businesses, churches, schools and groups of every size can register online by November 27. Entries that follow the theme and show clear identification are judged for awards such as Best Float, Best Band, Best Dance Performance and Best Overall Performance.

Tags

paradesholiday traditioncommunity celebrationfamily friendlyChristmas giftsfestive atmosphereholiday seasonseasonal activities

More Christmas Events Near Jonesboro

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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