The 50th West Alabama Christmas Parade is Monday, Dec. 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., after a 5:30 p.m. tree lighting on the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse steps.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Updated each year. Facts on this page come from the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority’s parade page, the City of Tuscaloosa’s Holidays on the Plaza page and city news releases.

The 50th annual West Alabama Christmas Parade rolls through downtown Tuscaloosa on Monday, Dec. 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. An hour earlier, at 5:30 p.m., the tree lighting takes place on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse, 714 Greensboro Ave. The parade, with floats, walking groups, marching bands and decorated vehicles, is run by the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA). Visit Tuscaloosa calls it the largest Christmas parade in West Alabama.

Who to call

  • Parade questions and entries: Amber Pope, PARA, 205-799-9447, apope@tcpara.org
  • PARA main office: 205-562-3220
  • Holidays on the Plaza: City of Tuscaloosa Special Events, 205-248-5282, icerinkinfo@tuscaloosa.com

Parade night at a glance

Time What happens
4 p.m. Parade lineup begins; every entry must be in line by 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. Tree lighting on the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse steps
6:30 p.m. Parade starts

PARA had not posted the 2026 route, the grand marshals or road closures when we checked; this page will be updated when it does. The 2026 grand marshal biographies are listed as “TBA.”

Entering the parade: register through PARA’s parade page by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. A participant meeting is set for 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Belk Activity Center. Sponsors at $250 and up get one free entry.

Holidays on the Plaza and the Tinsel Trail

The city’s Holidays on the Plaza turns Government Plaza on Almon Avenue into a winter scene from Monday, Nov. 23, 2026, through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, with an outdoor ice rink, visits from Santa and the Tinsel Trail, a walk of decorated live Christmas trees that benefits Tuscaloosa’s One Place family resource center.

Skate pass (includes skate rental) Price
Day pass $15
Military, with ID $12
Family Skate Day, every Tuesday $12
Season pass, through Jan. 3 $75

Payment is cashless. Bring your own skates if you like; you still need a pass. The rink stays open in light to moderate rain but may close in heavy rain. Park free in the downtown parking deck at 2230 Seventh St. The city also runs an online advent calendar along the Tinsel Trail, unveiling one of 24 city projects each day.

More holiday events

  • Home Alone in Concert: the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra plays the film score Friday, Nov. 20, at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater.
  • Dickens Downtown: Northport’s Victorian Christmas evening on Main Avenue, with snow, live music and caroling; Visit Tuscaloosa lists it among the annual events.

After Christmas: tree recycling

Last year the city took live Christmas trees and greenery free from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6 at the Curry Environmental Services Facility, 3440 Reese Phifer Ave., with decorations and lights removed; light strands went in marked bins on site, according to its Dec. 22, 2025, release. Watch for the 2026 dates. Holiday trash schedules are on our trash and recycling guide.

What this means for you

  • Parade night is a Monday this year: Dec. 7, tree lighting 5:30 p.m., parade 6:30 p.m.
  • The ice rink opens Nov. 23; Tuesdays are $12.
  • Parade entries close Nov. 16.

More guides: holiday lights and Christmas events, things to do in Tuscaloosa this month, parks and trails and getting around Tuscaloosa.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Tuscaloosa Christmas parade in 2026?

The 50th annual West Alabama Christmas Parade is Monday, Dec. 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Tuscaloosa, according to the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority, which runs it.

When is the Tuscaloosa Christmas tree lighting?

At 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2026, on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse, 714 Greensboro Ave., just before the parade.

When does Holidays on the Plaza open in 2026?

Monday, Nov. 23, 2026, through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, at Government Plaza on Almon Avenue. A skate pass with rental is $15, $12 for military and on Tuesdays; payment is cashless.

How do I enter the West Alabama Christmas Parade?

Register on PARA’s parade page by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 2026. The participant meeting is 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Belk Activity Center. Questions: Amber Pope, 205-799-9447.