One of the MANY things that the Tennessee Valley does so well during the holiday season is put on a good parade. No, we don’t have high-flying balloons like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and we don’t have giant botanical-covered confections like the Rose Parade on New Year’s.

What we do have is our friends and neighbors, students and business partners, honored Veterans and community leaders gathering together in a show of Christmas spirit. We have the bright rosy cheeks of our children as they watch all of these fine folks wave as they pass by, leading the way for the guy in the red suite, who no doubt will be at the end.

Guide to Tennessee Valley Christmas Parades 2013

From Decatur to Madison to Huntsville, we have your guide to all the Tennessee Valley Christmas Parades 2013.

Parade of Light

Start the season of parades off with the annual Decatur Jaycees Christmas Parade. This is a lighted nighttime parade, and with a theme like A Christmas Story, there better be some leg lamps! I have a friend who is in this parade every year and he raves about it. He tells me that it truly is a magical experience.

There will be awards for best decorated float as well as best decorated animal (only in a small town!). The parade route follows Second Ave., Lee St., and Bank St. in downtown Decatur. Expect music, floats and other entertainment. [spacer size=”0″]

2013 Decatur Christmas Parade Details:

• Decatur Jaycees Christmas Parade
• When: Monday, December 2, 2013
• Starts: 6:00 pm
• Location: Downtown Decatur
• Theme: A Christmas Story

Huntsville Tradition

This year’s WAAY 31 Christmas Parade is the 37th Annual! That’s right. This parade has been a downtown Huntsville staple for almost four decades now. With exciting marching bands, local dignitaries, cars, trucks, horses, Shriners and the main man – Santa, this parade makes its way down Clinton Ave., around Monroe St., Holmes Ave., Jefferson St., Williams Ave., and ends on Adams St.

This parade is broadcast on WAAY 31 and you will often see a cameraman or on-air personalities as they “host” the parade (see schedule here). This  year’s theme is “A Charlie Brown Christmas” so I’m sure we’ll see a security blanket wrapped tree decorated with a red shiny ball somewhere along the way!

2013 Huntsville Christmas Parade Information:

• 37th WAAY 31 Christmas Parade
• When: Saturday, December 7, 2013
• Starts: Noon
• Location: Downtown Huntsville
• Parade Route Map
• Theme: A Charlie Brown Christmas
• Christmas Parade Grand Marshal : Chris Lane

 A New Tradition

Madison is stepping up their Christmas event this year with a lighted Christmas tree village around the downtown gazebo. With a parade theme of “O’ Christmas Tree” this nighttime parade is sure to be one bright and magical event. I know it will be too because they have award categories called “Spectacular Sparkles” and “Elfin Magic”! The parade route is down Hughes Rd., Mill Rd., Church St. and Main St. The winning floats will be showcased on Front St. after the parade. There will be treats to eat, entertainment, Santa and Mrs. Claus and lots of twinkling lights.

2013 Madison Christmas Parade Information:

• Annual Madison Christmas Parade
• When: Saturday, December 14, 2013
• Starts: 5:30 pm
• Location: Hughes Road and Plaza Drive through downtown Madison
• Parade Route Map
• Theme: O’ Christmas Tree