50 YEARS OF TRADITION • WRAPPED IN GOLD
For 49 years, you’ve saved the date. This year, save the evening! Experience a beloved College Park tradition reimagined in gold at the 50th Annual Christmas Parade & Light Up the City.
REGISTRATION CLOSES NOVEMBER 13 at 9:00 aM
PARADE PHOTOS
PARADE PHOTOS
50th Annual Christmas Parade and Light Up the City
Registration is now open for the
2026 Christmas Parade!
Saturday, December 5, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Goal
Our goal is to create a wonderful memory for children, adults, and seniors who participate and view our parade. This tradition began many years ago and continues to be a community favorite.
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Parade Info
IMPORTANT!
Line-up begins at 4:00 PM.
Parade steps off at 6:00 PM.
Light Up the City follows the parade.
PARADE ROUTE: Truist Bank / College Street staging area to John Calvin Avenue along Historic Main Street.
LINE-UP: Keep Sections A-C.
Remove all old morning arrival times and replace with the 4:00 PM evening line-up.
PERFORMANCES: Moving performances only. Judging and performance details will be shared with approved groups.
REGISTRATION: Parade registration closes Friday, November 13, 2026.
BRANDING: Replace the cut-off logo with a clean festive holiday image. Something fun
LIGHT UP THE CITY: Please state clearly that Light Up the City and the Tree Lighting Ceremony begin immediately following the parade.
Parade Lead Lance Terry | Director, Recreation & Cultural Arts | lterry@collegeparkga.gov
Parade Registration + Light Up Details Jerisha Bronson | Program Coordinator, Recreation & Cultural Arts | 404.669.9206 ext. 4113 | jerishab@collegeparkga.gov
Main Street Storefront + Business Participation: Ginger Melton | Main Street Manager | C: 678.739.9099 | O: 404.305.2053 | gmelton@collegeparkga.gov
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Grand Marshal(s)
2025: Ashley Harris
2024: Chief Wade Elmore
2023: 2 Chainz & Tru Foundation INC.
2022 Kai Lightner
2021 Mayor Bianca Motley Broom
2019 Santia Deck
2018 The Epps Family
2017 Judge Penny Brown Reynolds
2016 DaShaun Johnson
2015 Dave Huddleston
2014 Stan Jones
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Parade Route
OFFICIAL COLLEGE PARK CHRISTMAS PARADE LINE UP 2026
OFFICIAL COLLEGE PARK CHRISTMAS PARADE LINE UP 2026
SECTION A – SECTION LEADER:
SECTION B – SECTION LEADERS:
SECTION C – SECTION LEADERS:
Rules
1.
Parking in designated area only for drop offs!
2.
Distribution or throwing of merchandise or articles by any participant is allowed along the parade route. This includes candy, trinkets, and community friendly items only please.
3.
Each group or participant must have a leader at the parade site by 8:30 a.m. to assist your group.
4.
Please know your assigned entry # upon check in. (see attachment for entry)
5.
Award Presentations and equine award announcements will be presented near College Park City Hall.
6.
Please remind supporters to gather at the announcement areas for awards.
7.
Music: Community oriented music. No profanity or suggestive attire allowed.
8.
Parade judging will begin promptly upon group arrival. Please prepare for moving performance.