Reed's 78th Tupelo Christmas Parade rolls downtown at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, ending with Santa. Ballard Park lights Nov. 19 and the Holiday Open House Nov. 8.

Last checked Oct. 26, 2026. This page is updated each year. Facts come from the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association’s parade page, its 2026 parade rules (PDF) and Visit Tupelo’s events calendar.

Reed’s 78th Annual Tupelo Christmas Parade rolls through downtown Tupelo at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2026. The night parade, sponsored by Reed’s Department Store on West Main Street, brings marching bands, walking groups and floats, and ends with the arrival of Santa Claus. It is free to watch.

Who to call

  • Parade and downtown holiday events: Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, 108 S. Broadway St., 662-841-6598, info@tupelomainstreet.com
  • Ballard Park holiday lighting: Tupelo Parks and Recreation, 662-841-6440
  • Traffic and parking downtown: Tupelo Police Department, 662-841-6491

Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade
When 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2026
Where Downtown Tupelo
Admission Free
Sponsor Reed’s Department Store, a downtown store for more than 120 years
Finale Santa Claus
On TV Recorded by WTVA and broadcast through December

The parade features marching bands, walking groups, and commercial and noncommercial floats, with awards in each category, the Main Street association says. A grand marshal is named each fall. Last year’s parade, the 77th, was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.

Route: the association sends the parade route and a map to entrants the week of the parade. We will add the route and any road closures to this page when they are published.

Rules for spectators to know: nothing may be thrown from parade units. Walkers hand out candy by moving to the crowd, so keep children on the curb and out of the street, the 2026 rules say.

Entering the parade

Groups and businesses apply through the 2026 Tupelo Christmas Parade application. The deadline traditionally falls in the second week of November. Every walker and rider must sign the waiver, with a parent or guardian signing for anyone under 18. No horses, car clubs, ATVs or UTVs, lawn mowers or motorcycles are allowed, bicycle riders must wear helmets, only Christmas music may be played, and no entry may include its own Santa.

Holiday lighting at Ballard Park

Tupelo Parks and Recreation holds an annual Lighting of Ballard Park, with music, fireworks and photos with Santa, WTVA has reported. The department’s 2026 Leisure Service Guide sets this year’s Annual Christmas Lighting and Festival of Christmas Trees for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Ballard Park, with the Oren Dunn City Museum’s Christmas open house the same evening. Details are on our holiday lights and Christmas events page; call 662-841-6440 with questions.

More holiday events downtown

  • Downtown Tupelo Holiday Open House: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, along Main and Spring streets, with decorated stores and Santa for photos. Free. (Visit Tupelo listing)
  • Deck the Depot holiday market: Saturday, Nov. 21, at The Depot, 208 N. Front St.; free, according to the Visit Tupelo listing.
  • “A Christmas Carol”: Tupelo Community Theatre at the Lyric Theatre, 201 N. Broadway St., 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11, and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 12; $30 for adults and $10 for students and children. (Visit Tupelo listing)

What this means for you

  • Mark 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, for the parade.
  • Arrive early for a curb spot and parking; see our getting around guide.
  • Want to ride in it? Apply by the second week of November.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, things to do this month and farmers markets.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Tupelo Christmas parade in 2026?

Reed’s 78th Annual Tupelo Christmas Parade starts at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, in downtown Tupelo. It is free to watch and ends with the arrival of Santa Claus.

What is the Tupelo Christmas parade route?

The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association sends the route and map to parade entrants the week of the parade. We will add it here when it is published; the parade runs through downtown.

How do I enter a float in the Tupelo Christmas parade?

Apply through the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association’s 2026 parade application, linked on its parade page. The deadline usually falls in the second week of November; call 662-841-6598.

Is there a Christmas tree lighting in Tupelo?

Yes. Tupelo Parks and Recreation’s Annual Christmas Lighting and Festival of Christmas Trees is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, at Ballard Park, according to the department’s 2026 Leisure Service Guide. Call 662-841-6440.