Santa’s Coming to Downtown Ringgold
Every year on the first Friday of December, downtown Ringgold trades its everyday rhythm for twinkling lights, holiday floats, and neighbors bundled up along the curb. The Ringgold Down-Home Christmas Parade is our hometown’s way of welcoming the season. This year it rolls through downtown on Friday, December 4, at 6 p.m.
Santa Claus himself leads the way. Look for him at the front of the line, followed by dozens of decorated floats, trucks, cars, and more, all dressed up and spreading holiday cheer through town.
Along the route, Santa will use a little Christmas magic to light Ringgold’s tree and bring the heart of downtown to life. Once the tree is shining, the parade picks back up and continues on through town. To catch this magical moment, get there early to claim a spot near the intersection of Nashville Street and Tennessee Street.
After the last float passes, Santa heads back to the tree for pictures. Photos with Santa are free, so bring your phone or camera and get the kids in their Christmas best.
Plan to come early. Folks start claiming their spots as early as 4 p.m., and the best views go fast. Roads along the parade route will close no later than 5 p.m., so give yourself time to park and settle in. While you wait, warm up with hot chocolate and snacks sold by the Ringgold Downtown Development Authority. The parade goes on rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
Making an evening of it? Some downtown shops will stay open late on parade night. Come early and check a few names off your Christmas list before the floats roll in.
Event Details
When: Friday, December 4, 2026. Parade starts at 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Ringgold. The parade starts at Ringgold High School, with the tree lighting at Citizen’s Park (Nashville Street and Tennessee Street).
Cost: Free to attend. Hot chocolate and snacks available for purchase.
Be Part of the Parade
Want to spread some holiday cheer from the other side of the curb? No application or preregistration is needed. Just show up decorated and ready to roll.
- Entry fee: $20 per float, paid at lineup.
- Decorations required: Every float must be decorated. Bare trailers, trucks, cars, and other undecorated vehicles will not be allowed.
- Check-in and lineup: Enter the Ringgold High School parking lot from Tiger Trail. Check-in and lineup begin at 5 p.m. Groups must check in together.
Parade Route
The parade leaves Ringgold High School at 6 p.m. and follows this route:
- Depart Ringgold High School on Sparks Street
- Turn left onto Nashville Street
- Turn left onto Depot Street
- Turn left onto High Street
- Turn right onto Tennessee Street, heading back toward Ringgold High School
Roads along the parade route will close no later than 5 p.m.
Parade Map & Detours
Coming soon.