Charleston's 2026 Holiday Parade steps off at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Schools, bands, groups and businesses can apply to march until 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.
Charleston’s 2026 Holiday Parade steps off at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, and the city wants marchers. Schools, community groups and local businesses can apply for a spot in the parade until 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.
The City of Charleston announced the date and opened entries on Thursday. Each entry brings its own holiday theme to the route, the city said.
Who gets a spot
Anyone can apply, but the city said it will give preference to:
- participants based in Charleston
- community organizations
- live musical acts, such as marching bands
- entries with a strong holiday theme
Applying does not guarantee a place. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The city will tell selected groups after the deadline and send them a parade information packet before the day.
How to apply
Fill in the city’s online parade application before 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Questions go to the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs at punsalanb@charleston-sc.gov.
What we know about parade day
The city has not yet published the 2026 route, the road closures or the time of the tree lighting. In 2025 the parade started on Broad Street at Rutledge Avenue, turned north on Meeting Street and ended at Marion Square. The Tree of Lights in Marion Square came on at 6 p.m. that evening. Police closed the route to through traffic from 2 p.m.
We will add the 2026 details when the city releases them. The full holiday season, from Light the Lake to the boat parade, is in our Christmas parade and tree lighting guide.
What it means for you
- To march: apply online by 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.
- To watch: keep Sunday afternoon, Dec. 6, free. The parade starts at 3 p.m.
- Driving downtown that day: expect closures along the route from early afternoon, based on last year’s plan. See getting around Charleston for garages.
More December events are in things to do this month.
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