Midlands events › Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade (74th annual)
The 74th annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 in downtown Columbia, with the theme “Light Up the Holidays!” The organizer had not posted a start time or route when we checked on October 20, so we list neither until it does.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, December 5, 2026 |
| Where | Downtown Columbia (Richland County) |
| Edition | 74th annual |
| Theme | “Light Up the Holidays!” |
| Grand Marshal | William Starrett, CEO and Artistic Director of South Carolina Ballet |
| Start time | Not yet announced – we check weekly |
| Route and road closures | Not yet announced – we check weekly |
| Parking | Not yet announced – we check weekly |
| Cost to watch | Not yet announced – we check weekly |
This year’s Grand Marshal
The Carolina Carillon board named William Starrett as the 2026 Grand Marshal. The organizer says he leads South Carolina Ballet as Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director, and that the 2026-2027 season is his 40th as Artistic Director.
Marching in the parade
The organizer says parade applications for businesses, school groups and service groups are open now; they go up after Labor Day and close in November. Applications are on the Carolina Carillon website.
Tips for families
- Downtown Columbia parade days draw crowds, so plan to arrive early and expect street closures; the organizer has not yet posted a closure map.
- We do not list a start time because the organizer has not published one. Check the Carolina Carillon site the week of the parade.
- Dress in layers; December weather in Columbia can swing from mild to cold.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade in 2026?
Saturday, December 5, 2026 in downtown Columbia. It is the 74th annual parade.
What is the 2026 parade theme?
“Light Up the Holidays!” according to the Carolina Carillon announcements page.
Who is the Grand Marshal in 2026?
William Starrett, CEO and Artistic Director of South Carolina Ballet.
What time does the parade start and where is the route?
Not yet announced. The organizer had not posted a start time or route on October 20, 2026, and we check weekly.
Can my group march in the parade?
Applications are open on the Carolina Carillon website and the organizer says they close in November.
Keep planning
- Midlands events
- Things to do in Columbia in December
- Things to do in Columbia in November
- Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
- All South Carolina events
Sources
- Carolina Carillon: announcements (2026 theme and Grand Marshal), checked 2026-10-20
- Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade, checked 2026-10-20
Everything above was read on the organizer’s own pages and last checked 2026-10-20. Organizers change dates, times and rules, so confirm on the linked page before you go. See our editorial standards, verification log and corrections.
Coming Up Near Columbia
- EdVenture Children's Museum (Columbia)On now through May 31 · Columbia
- Boo at the Zoo (Riverbanks Zoo & Garden)On now through Oct 30 · Columbia
- South Carolina State Museum First SundayNov 1 – Mar 7 · Columbia
- David SedarisNov 2 · Columbia
Places Nearby
- South Carolina State MuseumMuseum · in Columbia
- South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military MuseumMuseum · in Columbia
- Mills, Robert, HouseNational Historic Landmark · in Columbia
- Riverbanks Zoo & GardenAttraction · in Columbia
Straight-line distance from the centre of Columbia, not driving miles. Events within 40 miles, places within 25. Dates come from our checked events list and may change; confirm with the organizer.
Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade Columbia SC 2026”, itssouthcarolina.com/carolina-carillon-holiday-parade-columbia/ (updated ). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.