The Annual Lighted Christmas Parade rolls through Downtown Gainesville on the first Thursday of December. Local businesses, schools, churches, and civic organizations enter to spread Christmas cheer and win great prizes including the coveted “Mayor’s Cup”, awarded to the best overall entry!
2021 Theme: Christmas in Candyland
$20 Entry Fee
Rules & Information:
HAVE FUN!
This is the most important rule. We hope participating in the 2021 Christmas Parade is just as joyful and fun as it is to watch!
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE LIGHTED
Vehicles / floats decorated with lights and even glow sticks for those walking. Unlighted entries won’t be allowed to participate.
NO SANTA’S ALLOWED
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on their sleigh at the end of the parade to help us light Gainesville’s Christmas Tree on the Courthouse steps!
NO HANDING OUT / THROWING ITEMS TO THE CROWD
Due to COVID, this will not be allowed this year.
CHECK IN
Enter the check in area from the intersection of Broadway and Commerce Street. The check in table will be in front of First United Bank on Broadway Street from 4 PM to 5:30 PM. From there, a Chamber volunteer will be able to help you find your line up spot. Please make sure to drive slowly carefully in the line up area as there will be a lot of children and people waiting for the parade to start. Make sure you are checked in by 5:30 PM or you will not be able to participate in the parade. The judges will be getting a preliminary look at all of the entries at 5:30 PM as well, so be sure to be in your line up spot before then. While you are waiting, please be sure to park as close to the curb as possible so we can keep the middle of the street clear for other floats to get in their spots.
THE PARADE
The parade will begin at the Santa Fe Depot at 6 PM sharp. You will be lining up on Broadway from Dixon Street to Depot Lane. There you will wait until the parade begins at 6 PM and follow on California Street from Depot Lane to Weaver Street. Once the parade is over, you will head back towards Broadway Street where you will be able to turn left and exit the area or you can turn right towards the assembly area on Broadway so you can get back to your vehicles and parents have a place to pick up their kids. If you go back to the line up area, DO NOT STOP UNTIL YOU ARE BACK AT YOUR LINE UP SPOT. This keeps the rest of the parade traffic moving until the parade has completed.
Cash Prizes will be given for the following categories:
MAYOR’S CUP | $100
Best Overall Entry – Awarded with the Mayor’s Cup to display in your business for a year!
HOLIDAY SPIRIT AWARD | $50
Best Entry in Theme
CHRISTMAS STAR AWARD | $50
Best Business / Organization Entry
SANTA’S SLEIGH AWARD | $50
Best Vehicle Entry
HOLLY JOLLY YOUTH AWARD | $50*
Best Youth (18 & under) Entry
JINGLE BELLS AWARD | $50
Best Musical Entry
REINDEER FRIENDS AWARD | $50
Best Animal Entry
*Schools participating in UIL will be given award plaques in place of cash
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!
GAINESVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
311 S. Weaver St, Gainesville, TX 76240
(940) 665-2831
info@gainesvillecofc.com
www.GainesvilleCofC.com
2019 CHRISTMAS PARADE WINNERS:
Best Overall Entry “Mayor’s Cup” – Quasar Energy Services
Best Float – St. Mary’s School
Best Dance/Drill Team: Cheetah Cheer
Best Band: Callisburg High School Band
Best Riding/Horse Drawn: Refinery Road Vet Clinic
Best Business Float: AZZ Surface Technologies
Best Car/Motorcycle/ATV Club: The Golf Cart Group
