The 51st Smyrna Christmas Parade steps off at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, on Lowry Street in downtown Smyrna. The Town of Smyrna's theme this year is "A Star-Spangled Christmas: Celebrating America's 250th." The parade is free to attend, and groups that want to take part can enter at no cost by Friday, Nov. 20.
When is the Smyrna Christmas Parade in 2026?
The parade is Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, at 2 p.m. The town says the parade is held rain or shine.
Where is the Smyrna Christmas Parade?
The Town of Smyrna lists the location as Lowry Street in downtown Smyrna. The town's parade pages do not publish a detailed route map or a start and end point.
What is the 2026 Smyrna Christmas Parade theme?
The 2026 theme is "A Star-Spangled Christmas: Celebrating America's 250th." The town's rules say all entries must be decorated to reflect a holiday theme and/or the official theme. Entries may be historical, humorous, traditional or modern, as long as they are in good taste for a family-friendly event.
How do I enter a float in the Smyrna Christmas Parade?
Groups apply online through the 2026 Christmas Parade application on the Town of Smyrna website. Key details:
- Entry fee: None
- Registration deadline: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026. The town says no registrations will be accepted after the deadline or on parade day.
- Packet pickup: Nov. 23, 24 or 30. The town's page does not list pickup times or a location.
- Food donation: The town encourages participants to bring a non-perishable food donation when they pick up their packet.
- Questions: 615-267-5005 or christmas.parade@townofsmyrna.org
What are the rules for parade entries?
The town's rules and guidelines include these requirements:
- Each driver must provide a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, a current email address and a mobile phone number.
- The number of vehicles listed on the registration is the maximum allowed. Only vehicles pulling floats or carrying entry participants may take part, with possible exceptions for antique vehicles and organized specialty car groups.
- Each entry receives an entry number before parade day, which must be displayed in the vehicle windshield.
- An adult must be present when children ride on an entry, and riders may not get on or off a float while the parade is moving.
- Candy may not be thrown from floats or vehicles. Designated walkers age 12 and older may gently toss candy toward spectators' feet. Flyers and other printed materials may not be handed out.
- Entries must keep moving forward and may not stop along the route to perform.
- Only one official Santa and Mrs. Claus are allowed in the parade.
What else is happening in Smyrna for Christmas?
The Town of Smyrna lists its Christmas Tree Lighting in the Depot District on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Murfreesboro's own parade is covered in the Murfreesboro Christmas Parade 2026 article, and the Murfreesboro Christmas parade guide has more background. For a full list of holiday happenings, see Christmas events in Murfreesboro. Visitors heading to the parade can plan the rest of the day with the downtown Smyrna guide, Smyrna restaurants and the Smyrna, TN guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Smyrna Christmas Parade?
The parade starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026.
Is the Smyrna Christmas Parade free?
Yes. The town says the parade is free to attend, and there is no entry fee for parade participants.
What is the deadline to sign up for the Smyrna Christmas Parade?
Registration closes Friday, Nov. 20, 2026. No entries are accepted after the deadline or on parade day.
Will the Smyrna Christmas Parade be canceled for rain?
The town's rules say the parade will be held rain or shine.
When is the Smyrna Christmas Tree Lighting?
The Christmas Tree Lighting is Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Smyrna's Depot District.
Sources: Town of Smyrna: 2026 Christmas Parade, Town of Smyrna: Christmas Parade Rules and Guidelines (PDF), Town of Smyrna: Smyrna Christmas Parade, Town of Smyrna: Annual Events.
*Illustration: AI-generated image; not an actual Smyrna Christmas Parade.*