Illustration of children queuing at Santa's workshop grotto with toy shelves and an elf helper waving them in (Emporia Community Christmas Parade)
Other Christmas Activities

Emporia Community Christmas Parade

Visitors gather downtown for an evening procession featuring dazzling holiday floats, twinkling lights, and an appearance by Santa Claus. The event celebrates a patriotic holiday theme featuring red, white, blue, and Christmas sparkle. Participants distribute candy, novelty items, and prizes to onlookers along the route.

Sat, Dec 5, 2026 All ages

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Hours

6 PM.

Neighborhood

Downtown Emporia

Pets

Parade entries with dogs or horses must handle their own street cleanup.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Downtown Emporia · Emporia, KS 66801 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday parade fans

Vibe

Festive and community-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Bundle up before heading downtown, since the Emporia Christmas Parade is an evening event in early December.
  • Let kids stand near the curb, since entries hand out candy and prizes within fifteen feet of the curb rather than throwing them.
  • Watch from the 700 block of Commercial to hear the commentators, since the reviewing stand is there and entries slow down.
  • Groups entering the parade must submit the online entry form by November 18, because late entries are not accepted.
  • Entries that want to be judged should have their float assembled and in their lineup spot on 4th Street west of Commercial ahead of time.

Special Events & Promotions

  • 2026 theme: "250 Years Under the Christmas Tree," celebrating America's 250th birthday
  • Ed Rathke serves as 2026 Parade Marshal
  • Judged entries compete for special awards, including the Parade Marshal's and Chamber's awards

Links & Contact

Run by Emporia Area Chamber & Visit Emporia

Website / Tickets Contact

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

What's this year's theme?

"250 Years Under the Christmas Tree." It adds a patriotic twist for America's 250th birthday, with extra red, white and blue alongside the Christmas sparkle.

Who is the Parade Marshal?

Ed Rathke is the Parade Marshal for 2026.

Will Santa be in the parade?

Yes. Santa makes a special appearance, arranged by the Emporia Area Chamber & Visit Emporia. Only one Santa is allowed in the parade.

Do parade entries hand out candy?

Yes. Entries hand out candy, prizes and novelty items within fifteen feet of the curb. Throwing items is not allowed.

Where are the parade commentators?

The commentators and reviewing stand are in the 700 block of Commercial.

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.

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Contributors & Updates

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