Celebrate the season in Bowling Green as “A Nutcracker Christmas” brings floats, classic cars, first responders, and community groups to Main Street for a festive evening parade. Winners will be announced at Town Hall following the parade.
2026 Bowling Green Christmas Parade
The Nutcracker: A Christmas Parade Fantasy
Experience the magic of Christmas in Bowling Green! Join us on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM as our streets become a holiday wonderland inspired by the timeless magic of The Nutcracker.
Imagine toy soldiers, graceful ballerinas, dazzling floats, sparkling lights, and enchanting holiday displays. Whether you’re marching, riding, performing, or cheering from the sidelines, join your friends and neighbors for an evening of Christmas spirit and community celebration.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Time: Parade begins promptly at 5:30 PM
- Entry Deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026
- Rain Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM
Be Part of the Magic
Businesses, community organizations, families, and performers are invited to bring this year’s theme to life! Start planning your floats, costumes, and festive displays inspired by The Nutcracker: A Christmas Parade Fantasy.
Entry types include floats, marching units and bands, emergency vehicles, motorized vehicles, walking groups, and animal entries.
To participate, complete the 2026 Parade Entry Form attached below and submit it to Shermeka Baker-Latney at events [at] townofbowlinggreenva.gov (events[at]townofbowlinggreenva[dot]gov). Entry forms must be received no later than December 4, 2026. Please review and sign the accompanying guidelines and judging criteria before submitting your application.
Awards and Judging
Winners will be announced at Town Hall following the parade. Award categories include marching/walking units, emergency vehicles, motorized vehicles, animal groups, commercial and non-commercial floats, and Mayor’s Choice.
Important Participant Reminders
- Santa will make his appearance at the end of the parade. Please do not include additional Santas on floats.
- Candy may be handed to spectators but may not be thrown from floats or vehicles.
- Sirens and horns are prohibited during lineup and along the parade route.
- Commercial vehicle entries are limited to two per company.
- Stops in front of the judges’ stand must not exceed one minute.
- Participants must follow all guidelines included with the entry form.
Weather Updates
If weather or street conditions are determined to be unsafe, the parade will be rescheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM. If conditions remain unsafe on the rain date, the parade will be canceled. Updates will be posted on the Town’s website and Facebook page.
Questions? Contact events [at] townofbowlinggreenva.gov (events[at]townofbowlinggreenva[dot]gov).
One town. One parade. A million Christmas memories!