Auburn-Opelika Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Visitors line downtown streets to enjoy a themed holiday parade featuring marching bands and handcrafted floats. Festivities continue in Courthouse Square with artificial snowfall, snowball fights with local police officers, and photos with Santa. Guests can also browse local vendors, purchase food from food trucks, and witness the lighting of Alabama's second-tallest Christmas tree.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
Event starts at 5:30 PM CT. Park & Ride shuttles run 4–9 PM, every 15–20 minutes. Downtown streets close at 2:00 PM and reopen after the event at 8:30 PM.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Opelika
Food & Drink
Food trucks offer food during the Courthouse Square festivities.
Parking
Public parking is listed at the Opelika Chamber Parking Lot (200 S 6th St), Opelika City Hall & The Surcie House lot (204 S 7th St), and public street parking on N Railroad Ave, 1st Ave, and N 8th St north of the railroad tracks. Handicap-accessible parking is in the Lee County Courthouse back lot, accessible from S 10th St, for vehicles displaying valid handicap permits. Park & Ride shuttles are free, run 4–9 PM every 15–20 minutes, and travel from Parking Lot D at Southern Union State Community College to near City Hall at S 7th Street and Avenue A. The Chamber lot requires marked spaces; parking on grass is not permitted. The page advises arriving early.
Accessibility
Handicap-accessible parking is available in the back parking lot of the Lee County Courthouse, accessible from S 10th St.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Downtown streets close hours before the parade while the floats line up, so arrive early and use the public lots or the free Park & Ride shuttle.
- To reach the shuttle at Southern Union's Lot D, turn right onto Lake Condy Road at Opelika High School, then right onto S. Union Drive.
- At the Opelika Chamber lot, park only in the marked spaces, because parking on the grass isn't allowed.
- SNOPELIKA happens rain or shine, so bring rain gear if the forecast looks wet rather than counting on a postponement.
- If you want to enter a float, make it handcrafted and apply by October 16, because space is limited and handcrafted floats get priority.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 2026 parade theme is "Christmas Movies," with floats and characters from classic and modern holiday films.
- There's a required Volunteer Information Session for all volunteers at the Opelika Chamber on Thursday, November 12.
- Volunteers get a food and drink voucher to use during the event and are entered in a drawing for a grand prize.
Links & Contact
Run by Opelika Chamber of Commerce
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 the parade theme this year?
This year's theme is "Christmas Movies." Expect floats and characters that bring holiday films to life, from timeless classics to modern favorites.
What happens after the parade?
Everyone heads to Courthouse Square for SNOPELIKA. Artificial snow falls, kids play in it and families take photos with Santa. There's festive music, food trucks, local vendors and snowball fights with the Opelika Police Department, and the night ends with the lighting of the 72-foot Christmas tree.
What if it rains?
SNOPELIKA goes ahead rain or shine.
How can I enter a float in the parade?
Applications are open through October 16, and you'll hear whether you're accepted on November 4. Space is limited and handcrafted floats get priority, so applying doesn't guarantee a spot. The participation fee is due only if you're accepted. For a guaranteed spot, ask the Opelika Chamber about a SNOPELIKA sponsorship.
How do I volunteer?
Sign up on the Chamber's volunteer form. All volunteers must attend the Volunteer Information Session at the Opelika Chamber on Thursday, November 12. Assignments and arrival times are emailed by December 3.
Browse Christmas in Opelika
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.