01 Dec Small Town Charm: Christmas Parades in Southwest Virginia 🎄✨
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Across Southwest Virginia, towns and cities are decking the halls, tuning their band instruments, and rolling out the floats to kick off the holiday season in style with festive Christmas parades. Each parade comes with its own unique flair, making every event a magical experience worth attending.
🎅 Bristol: A Century of Holiday Magic (December 5)
For over 100 years, Bristol has dazzled parade-goers with its Christmas spectacle, and 2024 will be no exception! On December 5 at 7 p.m., thousands will gather along historic State Street to watch the city come alive with holiday cheer. With nearly 200 floats, marching bands, and, of course, the famous Clydesdale horses, the parade promises unforgettable moments.
Starting at Bob Morrison Blvd., the parade winds through downtown, culminating at the Bristol Train Station. This year, Bristol will honor the heroes who helped the region recover from Hurricane Helene by featuring them as grand marshals. Keep an eye out for Santa and Mrs. Claus as they wave to the crowd from their beautifully decorated sleigh—truly the perfect way to close out the evening.
✨ Hillsville: “Christmas Lights & Winter Nights” (December 7)
Step into a holiday wonderland in Hillsville on December 7, where the theme “Christmas Lights & Winter Nights” transforms the town into a cozy, festive retreat. Start the evening by filling stockings at the town’s stocking-stuffing event, then gather at the historic courthouse lawn for the Carroll County tree lighting at 6 p.m.
The real excitement begins at 7 p.m. when the parade kicks off, winding its way through downtown with glowing floats, lively music, and plenty of holiday magic to light up the night.
🎄 Radford: “Making Spirits Bright” (December 10)
Radford is pulling out all the stops for its annual Christmas parade on December 10. The theme “Making Spirits Bright” sets the tone for a whimsical, joyful evening. Starting at 7 p.m., parade-goers will line East Main Street to catch a glimpse of floats decked out in twinkling lights, all carefully crafted to impress even Santa’s elves. The route ends at the Central Square Shopping Center, so don’t miss your chance to see Santa himself waving from the last float. (Psst—be on time to stay off the naughty list!)
🎉 Even More Holiday Fun Awaits!
And that’s just three parades you can enjoy throughout the region! There are plenty of other towns and cities getting ready to celebrate the season, so mark your calendars and join the festivities:
- Dec. 1, 3 p.m. – Floyd
- Dec. 2, 6 p.m. – LebanonÂ
- Dec. 3, 5 p.m. – Cleveland
- Dec. 5, 6 p.m. – Marion
- Dec. 5, 6 p.m. – Pennington
- Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. – Clinchco
- Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. – Pulaski
- Dec. 5, 7 p.m. – Big Stone GapÂ
- Dec. 5, 7 p.m. – Narrows
- Dec. 6, 6 p.m. – Pennington GapÂ
- Dec. 6, 6 p.m. – Haysi
- Dec. 6, 6 p.m. – Pennington Gap
- Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. – Coeburn
- Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. – Richlands
- Dec. 6, 6:45 p.m. – Galax
- Dec. 6, 7:00 p.m. – Damascus
- Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – Chilhowie
- Dec. 7, Noon – Bland County
- Dec. 7, 2 p.m. – Council
- Dec. 7, 2 p.m. – Glade Spring
- Dec. 7, 2 p.m. – Fries
- Dec. 7, 2 p.m. – Stuart
- Dec. 7, 2 p.m. – Wise
- Dec. 7, 4:30 p.m. – Tazewell
- Dec. 7, 4:30 p.m. – Independence
- Dec. 7, 5 p.m. – Hillsville
- Dec. 7, 5 p.m. – Pembroke
- Dec. 7, 5 p.m. – Western Lee County
- Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m. – Abingdon
- Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m. – Independence
- Dec. 7, 6 p.m. – AppalachiaÂ
- Dec. 7, 6 p.m. – Clintwood
- Dec. 7, 6 p.m. – Saltville
- Dec. 7, 6 p.m. – St. Paul
- Dec. 7, 6 p.m. – Wytheville
- Dec. 7, 7 p.m. – Blacksburg
- Dec. 7, 7 p.m. – Gate City
- Dec. 8, 2 p.m. – Pound
- Dec. 8, 2 p.m. – Rural RetreatÂ
- Dec. 8, 3 p.m. – Rocky Mount
- Dec. 8, 6 p.m. – Norton
- Dec. 10, 7 p.m. – Radford
- Dec. 12, Noon – Pulaski-Giles County
- Dec. 12, 7 p.m. – Bluefield
- Dec. 13, 7 p.m. – Christiansburg
- Dec. 14, 5 p.m. – Pulaski-Giles County
- Dec. 14, 5 p.m. – Buchanan County (Grundy)
- Dec. 22, 5 p.m. – Eggleston
Grab your family and friends, find your favorite spots along the parade routes, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. Southwest Virginia is the place to be this holiday season!Â
Also, let us know… where will you be spreading holiday cheer this season? Let us know in the comments! 🎅🎄