Cartersville Exchange Club Christmas Parade
Spectators can gather along the route to watch a festive procession of commercial and non-commercial floats, vehicles, and horses. The lineup includes local churches, schools, scout groups, and community organizations, accompanied by the event's official Santa Claus. Walking participants may also distribute pre-wrapped treats directly to attendees.
Thu, Dec 3, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Horse-drawn carriages cost the same as the float fee.
Hours
Parade starts at 6:00 PM; line-up begins at 4:00 p.m.; rain date starts at 6:00 p.m.
Parking
Participant line-up is in the Tabernacle church parking lot. Float or vehicle participants are strongly urged to arrange group drop-off away from the parade set-up site because traffic congestion is high and drop-off is limited.
Pets
Animals other than horses must be on a float with at least a leash. Horse groups are responsible for cleaning up animal waste; horse-drawn carriages without horse diapers are placed near the end of the parade.
Location
Tips & Advice
- If you're in the parade, set up a group drop-off away from the Tabernacle lot and walk in together, because traffic around set-up is heavy and drop-off is limited.
- If your group has several entries, have them arrive at the line-up area together so they stay together in the parade.
- Keep floats under 13.5 feet tall, because the parade passes under the Church Street overpass.
- Pre-wrap any food you plan to hand out and leave the confetti at home, since throwing items and confetti are both banned.
- Have children under 13 ride on a vehicle or float, and don't bring your own Santa, since only the parade's Santa is allowed.
Links & Contact
Run by Cartersville-Bartow County Exchange Club
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will parade units throw candy?
No. City ordinance bans throwing anything to parade watchers. Participants may hand out items, and any food must be pre-wrapped.
What happens if it rains?
The rain date is the following Thursday, December 10.
What route does the parade take?
It leaves the Tabernacle parking lot and turns right on Church Street, over the bridge. Next it turns left on Bartow Street, left on Main Street, left on Stonewall Street and left on Church Street. It then turns right on Tennessee Street and left at Scott's BBQ, ending back in the lot. The route is the same as last year.
How do I enter a float or vehicle?
Register online through Eventbrite. There are four categories: commercial floats, non-commercial floats, commercial vehicles and non-commercial vehicles. Churches, Scouts, schools, cheerleaders and other nonprofits count as non-commercial.
Where does the money go?
All proceeds are donated to Advocates for Bartow's Children and the Boys and Girls Club of Bartow County.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.