Experience the magic of the holiday season in Tennessee, and take a look at the best Christmas parades in Tennessee that transform towns into winter wonderland.
Adorned with glistening lights, awe-inspiring floats, and joyous performances, these parades are a delightful spectacle for all ages. From the charming, community-oriented parades in small towns to extravagant displays in bustling cities.
Christmas is coming! That means time spent with family, listening to Christmas music, eating good food, and of course- watching Christmas parades! So put on your cozy sweater and get ready to enjoy the holiday season!
From the huge and colorful Memphis Christmas Parade to the smaller but still festive Sevierville Celebration of Lights, there’s sure to be a parade that gets you into the holiday spirit.
Is Tennessee A Good Place To Visit For Christmas?
Tennessee is a great place to visit for Christmas. There are many festive activities to enjoy in the state during the holiday season.
For example, there are Christmas parades, Christmas lights, concerts, and markets in many towns and cities across Tennessee that will make the holidays even merrier.
Additionally, the weather is usually milder than in other parts of the country around Christmas time, so it is a great destination for those who do not enjoy cold weather.
Why don’t you kickstart your Christmas celebration and check out this list of the best Parades in Tennessee?
Best Christmas Parades in Tennessee
Nighttime Santa Parade, Kingston, TN
November 18, 2023, at 5:00 pm
If you simply cannot wait to get into the festive mood, here's one of the earliest Christmas parades to get you in the mood! Enjoy live music, festive lights, colorful floats and more!
Bristol Christmas Parade
First Thursday of December, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Bristol Christmas Parade will be held in Downtown Bristol and will once again leave people in awe with more than 150 dazzling floats from local businesses, church groups, schools, and bands joining the parade.
Stay until the end of the parade in your Santa hats to see Saint Nick in action!
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
December 1, 2023 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will win hearts again this year. This award-winning parade lineup will consist of dancers, marching bands, huge balloons, and the man in the red suit himself, Santa Claus!
Be sure to arrive early to witness the Gatlinburg Christmas Tree Lighting that will begin at exactly 7:25 pm on the Parkway Plaza at Traffic Light #3.
Johnson City Christmas Parade
December 2, 2023, at 10:30 am
Once again, families, friends, and local businesses will come together to celebrate the holidays! Join the Johnson City Christmas Parade and witness floats, live music, dancers, and Santa himself! This year's theme is "Christmas in Toyland," so it's sure to be a fun one!
Sevierville Christmas Parade
December 2, 2023, at 11:00 am
This year will be the 61st Annual Sevierville Christmas Parade, which will begin by traveling north on Forks of the River Parkway.
Arrive early and secure the best viewing spot along Court Avenue near the Sevier County Courthouse
Check out this video from Yankees in the South to see how it went last year!
Rocky Hill Christmas Parade and Festival
December 2, 2023, at 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
The popular Rocky Hill Christmas Parade will take place in the Northshore area of Knoxville. There will be local food trucks available, as well as live music. This might also be your chance to have a photo opportunity with Santa Claus and to see a live reindeer!
Be sure to stay at the end of the parade to witness the tree-lighting event with one of the local school choirs singing carols!
Santa Comes To Town Christmas Parade
First Saturday in December, at 4:00 pm
This small-town parade offers a lot of family-friendly activities for you to enjoy! From the tree-lighting ceremony and artisan sellers to carolers and other entertainment, there's surely something for you and the whole family! For more information, check out their website.
Townsend Christmas Parade
December 3, 2023, at 2:30 pm
Celebrate the festivities this holiday season in the peaceful side of the Smokies! The annual Townsend Christmas Parade will start at the IGA/post office and ends at Wolfe Creek Motor Sports/old Nawger Nob.
This year’s theme is “Your Favorite Christmas Movie”.
Memphis Holiday Parade
December 9, 2023, at 2:00 pm
Don't miss the grandest holiday parade in the region, with different floats, marching bands, steppers, and twirlers, to get you in the mood for Christmas (as if you need one)!
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Related Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Christmas is just around the corner! If you haven’t had the chance or don’t know where to check out some gifts for your photography lover relatives, then here’s a list of photography-themed gifts that they will surely love!
Looking for more places in the Smokies you can go to for the holidays? Check out these amazing Christmas Villages in Tennessee for the whole family to enjoy!
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