2026 FLORENCE CHRISTMAS PARADE presented by BANK INDEPENDENT

PARADE DATE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2026

NOTE: There is NO RAIN DATE for this event!

The following are the rules and regulations set forth for the 2026 Florence Christmas Parade:

• NO SEMI TRAILERS OR SIMILAR LENGTH PULL-BEHIND TRAILERS (OR OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES THAT ARE OTHERWISE ESSESTIALLY THE LENGTH OF A SEMI TRAILER) ARE PERMITTED IN THE PARADE. This is due to important safety discussions with the Florence Police Dept as well as the requirements of our insurance policy terms for organizing the parade. Please help us continue to organize a safe parade by strictly adhering to these terms and guidelines.
• Entry applications will not be accepted if Downtown Florence Alliance determines an entry to be controversial, unlawful, or inconsistent with the standards, the theme and the purposes of the Christmas parade. At any time after acceptance, an entry may not be allowed to participate in the Christmas parade if it deviates from the original application or violates any Christmas parade rule or regulation.
• Downtown Florence Alliance reserves the right to withdraw any float, any vehicle, any group or any person of which costume, display, decorations, theme or performance does not meet the Christmas parade rules and regulations or conform to the standards of reasonable public taste and fit the parade theme. All entries must observe all applicable rules and regulations and follow instructions from City of Florence Police and parade officials or be banned from the parade.
• Downtown Florence Alliance reserves the right to remove any entry from the parade either prior to assembly, while assembling or any time during the parade.
• Each entry is limited to ONE (1) unit. A truck and an attached trailer constitutes one unit/entry.
• Any larger vehicles (such as a large City or School vehicle) must indicate the length of the entered vehicle (and/or attached trailer) to adequately prepare for parade logistics prior to the event.
• Entries MUST be decorated or dressed to reflect the general theme of the parade: This year that theme is: "A STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS" No undecorated vehicles will be allowed!
• Santa is a special guest and has his own float. No Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus impersonators allowed in or on any parade entry.
• Motorcyclists are required by Alabama state law to wear helmets at all times. Motorcycles which are not designed and licensed for public streets will not be allowed to participate in the parade.
• Vehicles not allowed on public streets, according to Alabama state law or City of Florence ordinance will not be allowed to participate in the parade. *Alabama state law prohibits ATVs from public streets; therefore, ATVs are not permitted in the parade.*
• Horses and other animals are allowed ONLY with permission from Downtown Florence Alliance, and all approved animals MUST be inside a vehicle or float and may not be allowed to roam freely (even on leash) during the parade. All animals must be cleaned up after by the participating entry group. Any approval for any animal participation MUST be obtained IN WRITING from DFA BEFORE parade participation.
• Application fees are non-refundable for accepted entries after refund date expiration date 7 days prior to the event. Each entry must pay the appropriate fee.
• City Official or City Department registrations are not allowed to campaign. A separate political entry may be purchased for this purpose.
• Downtown Florence Alliance Executive Committee reserves the right to accept or decline any entry. All decisions about parade entries made by Downtown Florence Alliance are final.

Info: FOR REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS ONLY -- This is the preparation time needed by the (officially registered) participating floats and other entries PRIOR to the start of the parade itself (which is at 7pm in Court Street). This time allows final float preparations and lineup to be established. An email for registered participants only will come prior to the event with more details.

Info: Removal of Barricades, Stage, Equipment and Other Cleanup and Breakdown for Parade

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