Register now for 2025 Madison Christmas Parade

MADISON – One of the most charming and popular hometown traditions for the community is the Madison Christmas Parade. Registration is now open.

The parade’s kick-off time will be Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. The City of Madison’s Parks and Recreation Department coordinates the event.

For 2025, the parade will likely involve humor and lots of laughs; this year’s theme is “Christmas Cartoon Classics.” Maybe Yogi Bear will make you chuckle. Or have a futuristic Yule time with the space-tacular Jetsons. And who wouldn’t smile at the antics of Fred and Barney in a depiction of “The Flintstones”?

Registration will remain open through Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. (the day before Thanksgiving).

To register, visit madisonal. gov, and click the “COMMUNITY” dropdown menu. Then, click “Special Events.” On the new page, click “Christmas Events,” and then click “Registration Form.” Complete the requested information on the form.

Parade officials will not accept late registration forms.

Along with contact information, the applicant needs to describe any vehicle and number of participants (Example: Truck with 20-foot trailer with 20 riders and 10 walkers). A unit should not stop or present any special demos during the parade; units always should be moving.

Adults must accompany and supervise all children, while walking, marching or riding in a vehicle.

A representative from all groups entering a parade unit must attend a mandatory meeting on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at Madison Community Center, 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road. The city will pull the entry from the parade if a representative does not attend the meeting. Officials will distribute rules, line-up procedures, drop-off procedures for participants and assignment number of each unit.

Units in the parade typically range from children’s groups (with lots of Scout troops), doctor’s offices, churches, civic clubs, city leaders/departments and retail businesses.

Parade units will compete for the “Merry and Bright Award,” “Holly Jolly Award” and “Committee’s Choice Award.” Winning parade units will receive their awards at an upcoming meeting of Madison City Council.

Parade rules prohibit ‘live’ Santas on a float or with a unit. Santa Claus himself scheduled time from his busy schedule to ride on his sleigh as the parade’s anchor.

Parade units will proceed east on Plaza Boulevard and turn right (south) on Hughes Road. The parade will continue to the vicinity of Mill Road/Portal Lane (to be verified).

Participants can (postal) mail forms to Madison Christmas Parade, 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road, Madison, AL 35758; or email forms to SpecialEvents@madisonal.gov; fax to 256772-9377; or deliver forms to Madison Community Center’s front desk. For more information, call 256-772-6264.