West Alabama Christmas Parade
Spectators can watch a holiday procession featuring marching bands, festive floats, decorated vehicles, and walking groups. The evening's celebration also features a tree lighting ceremony on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse.
What to Expect
Features floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles, and a courthouse tree lighting.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA)
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday parade fans
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $40.00 (parade participant registration. – Get tickets
- Hours: Tree lighting 5:30PM; parade 6:30PM; participant line-up begins at 4:00PM, with all participants required to be lined up by 5:30PM.
Tips & Advice
- Get downtown early enough to see the tree lighting on the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse steps, which happens about an hour before the parade begins.
- Groups that want to march should register online before the November 13 deadline and pick band, float, decorated vehicle or walking group.
- Parade entrants should arrive at line-up early, since every participant must be in place before the tree lighting starts at the courthouse.
- Entrants should go to the participant meeting, where organizers cover several important parade items, and watch for the date to be announced.
- Businesses thinking about sponsoring should ask for the sponsor discount code, since qualifying sponsors get their parade entry fee waived.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 50th parade has the theme "Christmas Through the Decades."
- Parade sponsors at the qualifying level get one free parade entry.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's in the parade?
Floats, walking groups, marching bands and decorated vehicles. This is the 50th parade, and the theme is "Christmas Through the Decades."
Is there anything before the parade starts?
Yes. A tree lighting is held on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse before the parade.
How can my group be in the parade?
Sign up online through Tuscaloosa PARA by November 13, 2026. The entry categories are high school or college marching bands, floats, decorated vehicles, and walking groups or costumed performers.
What do parade entrants need to know about line-up?
Line-up opens in the afternoon, and every participant must be in place by the time the tree lighting begins. A participant meeting will cover several important items. Its date hasn't been announced, but attending is highly encouraged.
Do parade sponsors get anything?
Sponsors at the qualifying level get one free parade entry. Contact Amber Pope at PARA to get the sponsor discount code that waives the entry fee.
More Christmas Events Near Tuscaloosa
More Christmas Events near Tuscaloosa
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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