Huntsville Christmas Parade
Announces 2026 Theme, Date & Route Changes
[Link to Pictures, Graphic & Map]
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (9/1/2026) - Mix 96.9 and the Von Braun Center (VBC) are excited to announce details for the 12th Annual Huntsville Christmas Parade, taking place Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Huntsville. The parade is proudly presented for a second year by Food City.
Details for this year’s parade were announced during a press conference on Tuesday, September 1, at the VBC. Santa Claus, Mix 96.9, and VBC staff, sponsors, and community partners gathered to officially kick off the holiday season and reveal what’s in store for this year’s celebration.
Earlier this summer, the community was invited to participate in a People’s Choice online vote to select the theme for the 2026 parade. After hundreds of votes were submitted, the winning theme was revealed as “A Rocket City Christmas.”
“Holiday traditions like the Huntsville Christmas Parade are an important part of what makes a community feel like home,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “For generations, families have gathered in downtown Huntsville to watch the parade, celebrate the season, and make memories together. Events like this bring people from across our community together, and we’re proud to support a tradition that continues to grow each year.”
Registration for the 2026 Huntsville Christmas Parade is now open and will remain open through October 30. Interested participants can find registration information at mix969huntsville.com.
Participation is limited, and registrations will be reviewed by a panel for approval. Early registration is encouraged. To further promote high-quality floats, a panel of community judges will evaluate floats during the parade based on criteria including Creativity, Execution, and Theme Interpretation – with cash prizes awarded to the top three floats.
“‘A Rocket City Christmas’ is such a fun theme for Huntsville,” said Abby Kay, Mix 96.9 Program Director and Morning Show Host. “There are so many ways our community can put its own spin on it, and I’m already excited to see what our parade participants come up with. This parade is one of my favorite traditions of the holiday season, and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in downtown Huntsville!”
The Huntsville Christmas Parade has become one of the Tennessee Valley’s most anticipated holiday traditions, bringing thousands of spectators to downtown Huntsville each year. The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, with this year’s route modified due to construction projects taking place throughout downtown.
The updated 2026 parade route can be viewed [here/link to route map]. Spectators and parade participants are encouraged to review the new route when making plans for parade night.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the many partners who come together each year to make the Huntsville Christmas Parade possible,” said Samantha Nielsen, VBC Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “Our sponsors, the City of Huntsville and our friends at Mix 96.9, all play an important role in bringing this tradition to life, and we truly appreciate their continued support. We also want to recognize the Huntsville Police Department, which does a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work to make sure families can enjoy a fun and safe parade each year. While there are a few changes this year, our goal remains the same - to create a memorable holiday experience for our community and bring everyone together for a very merry Christmas!”
Food City returns this year as the presenting sponsor of the Huntsville Christmas Parade.
“Food City is proud to once again be part of the Huntsville Christmas Parade and to help bring this beloved holiday tradition to the community,” said Myron McCormick, Food City Alabama District Manager. “The holidays are about coming together, celebrating our communities, and creating memories with family and friends. We’re excited to be part of ‘A Rocket City Christmas’ and look forward to seeing Huntsville come together for another great parade.”
Manna House Named 2026 Parade Beneficiary
This year’s Huntsville Christmas Parade will also shine a spotlight on an important local organization through its partnership with Manna House, which has been selected as the parade’s 2026 nonprofit beneficiary.
Manna House provides food, clothing, showers, laundry services, mail services, and other resources to individuals experiencing homelessness and those in need in the Huntsville community. Through its comprehensive approach to serving neighbors in need, Manna House works to provide not only immediate assistance but also dignity, connection, and pathways toward stability.
Pre-Parade Party Moves Inside Propst Arena Lobby
Due to this year’s route changes and ongoing downtown construction, the Mix 96.9 and VBC teams will host the VIP Pre-Parade Party inside the Von Braun Center’s Propst Arena lobby – sponsored again by Landers McClarty.
The family-friendly celebration will feature free food, holiday activities, and pictures with Santa, along with a variety of festive activities for children and families. Additional details about this year’s VIP Pre-Parade Party, including activities and access information, will be announced in the coming weeks.
As part of the partnership with Manna House, guests who would like to attend the VIP Pre-Parade Party will be asked to bring a donation benefiting Manna House to one of several upcoming donation drop-off events at participating Food City locations. Dates, times, locations, and a list of requested items will be announced soon.
The 2026 Huntsville Christmas Parade Grand Marshal will also be announced soon.
For more information about the 2026 Huntsville Christmas Parade, registration information, route details, and future announcements, follow @HSVChristmasParade on Facebook.
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About Mix 96.9
Mix 96.9 WRSA-FM is a locally owned radio station founded in 1965. Mix 96.9 plays the best variety of the 80’s, 90’s and more! It is known as “Huntsville’s Christmas Music Station” for playing non-stop Christmas music throughout the holiday season.
