The Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade is one of the most festive events of the season, drawing families, friends, and visitors to Downtown Columbia each December. This guide covers everything you need to know for the Columbia TN Christmas Parade 2025, including the parade route, parking options, arrival timing, accessibility notes, and the best places to watch along West 7th Street and the Square. If you are planning holiday outings beyond the parade, I also include this event in A Columbia TN Christmas Guide: Holiday Events, Seasonal Lights, Santa Photos, and Tree Farms.
What to Know About the Columbia TN Christmas Parade
The Columbia TN Christmas Parade takes place every December in Downtown Columbia and typically follows a similar route each year.
Event Overview
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 6 PM
Location: Downtown Columbia, TN
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Stan McNabb Chevrolet
Organizer: Columbia Main Street
The Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade is now in its 39th year. It includes local marching bands, schools, churches, businesses, community groups, and decorated holiday floats. If you arrive early, there will be games and giveaways at 5:30 PM near the Downtown Square with Kaliente Conway Glenn and the Junior Main Street volunteers. Columbia Main Street often live streams the parade on Facebook for those who prefer to watch from home.
Traditional Parade Route
The 2025 parade is using Columbia’s long-time parade route. It starts at the Trotwood Avenue and West 7th Street split, moves east along West 7th, and continues into the Courthouse Square area before wrapping up on East 7th.
About the 2025 Grand Marshals
The Grand Marshals for the Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade 2025 are Austin and Colin. They are Cincinnati natives turned Nashville artists known for their Songs for Cities project, which transforms the charm, history, and personality of different towns into custom music videos. Their recent Columbia feature highlighted local spots and captured the spirit of the community in a warm, creative way. You can watch their Columbia Songs for Cities video here.
Street Closures and Arrival Timing
Floats line up between 3:30 and 4:00 PM, and the Columbia Police Department has confirmed that temporary road closures will begin at 3:00 PM. West 7th Street will be closed from Academy Lane to the downtown area, and roads will reopen immediately after the parade concludes.
If you want a good viewing spot, it is best to arrive around 5:00 PM or shortly after. Last year we watched from the split at Trotwood and West 7th, which ended up being a great location. Floats lined up toward Columbia Academy, which allowed us to walk up West 7th comfortably and find a spot without difficulty.
If you are bringing a stroller, be prepared to walk in the closed street rather than the sidewalk once crowds fill in, since sidewalks can get tight.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternative routes if travel is needed in the affected area during the temporary closures.
Parking Guidance
The Columbia Police Department has also announced temporary no parking zones beginning at 3:00 PM on the 400 block of West 7th Street through the downtown area. No street parking will be allowed in this section until the parade is finished.
Public parking lots and approved downtown spaces are generally the best choices for families attending the parade. The lot near the post office is close to the beginning of the route and may be an option, although its availability can vary since it sits directly along the parade path. There is usually access from the side street near Foodland, but arriving early is recommended in case portions of the lot are blocked.
Lots off the Square, including those near the library, can also work well, although the library area is closer to the end of the route and typically has more foot traffic. Planning to walk a few blocks usually results in an easier experience.
Some families choose to park in nearby residential neighborhoods, but this is not always ideal. Residential streets often do not have sidewalks, and most remain open to traffic during the parade, so extra caution is needed. If you use residential parking, be mindful of yards, driveways, and pedestrians.
Best Viewing Areas for Families
Families with younger children or strollers often find the start of the route near the Trotwood and West 7th split easier to navigate and less crowded. Corners along West 7th can offer more flexibility for arriving and leaving as needed. The Courthouse Square area provides a festive backdrop, but it fills quickly and can be more challenging with strollers.
What to Expect for Kids
The parade is family friendly, but a little preparation helps. Parade participants are instructed not to throw candy from floats. If items are handed out, they are usually distributed by walkers. Some vehicles may use loud horns or sirens, so noise reducing headphones can be helpful for babies or sound sensitive children. December evenings cool down quickly, so warm layers are recommended.
Tree Lighting Information
If you are looking for details about the downtown Christmas tree lighting, it took place earlier in the season during First Fridays on November 8. The tree will still be lit and visible during the parade, but the lighting ceremony will not take place that night.
The Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade is always a cheerful way to welcome the holiday season. Whether you plan to watch from the beginning of the route, find a spot closer to the Square, or enjoy the live stream from home, it is a night that brings the community together and offers something fun for every age. Planning ahead with parking, timing, and a good viewing spot can make the evening even more enjoyable for your family.
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