Carthage Christmas Parade 2026
December 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
There’s something extra magical about a Christmas parade after dark! Join the annual Carthage Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12th at 6:00PM as twinkling lights and festive floats make their way from Monroe Street to Courthouse Square. Bundle up, find a spot along the route and enjoy all those extra special holiday feels with family and friends. The parade is free to attend.
“Step into the warmth and wonder of the season at the Carthage Christmas Parade. As evening settles over town, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate festive floats while music and laughter fill the crisp winter air. Visitors line the streets as families, friends, and neighbors gather together to share in the joy of this cherished hometown tradition. It is a magical evening filled with community spirit, Christmas cheer, and memories waiting to be made.”
Want to take part? Parade applications and sponsorship information are available on the Town of Carthage event page.
Watch our video from 2025
Annual Carthage Christmas Parade Website title
Frequently asked questions about the parade from The Town of Carthage.
Q: Is there an application to be in the parade?
A: Yes! There is an application that must be completed and returned to the Parade Coordinator at the
Town Hall.
Q: Is there a fee to be in the parade?
A: Yes, but only for commercial displays. Businesses that wish to display a commercial business sign must
pay a $50 registration fee. That fee allows up to two vehicles. Any more than those two vehicles will be
$15 each. Any other participants are NOT required to pay a fee.
Q: How can I find the application and where do I turn it in?
A: Applications can be found at the Town Hall or online at www.townofcarthage.org on the Christmas
Parade page. An application can also be emailed or sent by postal service if you call the Town Hall at
910-947-2331 and request one. Completed applications can be turned into the Town Hall or emailed to
the Parade Coordinator at townclerk@townofcarthage.org. Applications must be received no later
than 12 noon, the day before the parade.
Q: How do I pay the Commercial Business application fee?
A: Payment for the application fee for commercial businesses can be made in person at the Town Hall
using cash, check, credit/debit card, or money order. It may also be mailed by postal service using a
check or money order. We will also accept a credit/debit card over the phone as payment. You will find
a section on the application itself for credit card information if you choose to use that. All credit/debit
card information will be shredded for your financial security once payment has been completed.
***NOTE: There will be a minimum charge for all credit/debit cards whether in person or
not.
Q: Is there a limit on participants in the parade?
A: Yes. For safety reasons, the parade is limited to the first 100 vehicles/floats/groups that apply.
Q: How will I know if my application is accepted?
Christmas Parade Frequently Asked Questions Page 2 of 2
A: All applications not accepted or over the deadline will be contacted by phone at the number listed on
the application to notify the participant of the decision. If you do not receive a call, you have been
accepted.
Q: Can I ride my go-cart in the parade?
A: Yes. However, if we find there is a safety concern, (careless or reckless activity, speeding,
gunning/revving engines, wheelies, etc.) you will be removed from the parade immediately.
Q: Do I have to decorate my vehicle/float for the parade?
A Yes. All entries MUST be decorated for Christmas.
Q: Does the Town clean up after the parade?
A: All participants are responsible for cleaning up any mess or debris left from their float, vehicle, or
animals.
Q: Does the Town provide candy for throwing out during the parade?
A: No. If you or your group wish to throw candy, you must provide your own candy for distribution.
Q: Will I be assigned a space number for the parade?
A: No. Individual space numbers will not be assigned. If you have more than one vehicle or group that
wishes to be together in line, you MUST arrive at the same time.
Q: Where do I go to get in line for the parade?
A: We will line up at the Carriage Oaks Office Park located across the street from Food Lion Shopping
Center. More detailed information regarding line-up procedures will be sent via email closer to the
parade date.
Q: What time do I need to arrive?
A: Parade participants can begin arriving as early as 4:30 pm. All parade participants MUST be in the
staging area no later than 5:45 pm. All roads will be closed at 5:50 pm and no one will be allowed in
after that time.
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