Lowcountry events › Charleston Holiday Parade
The City of Charleston Holiday Parade steps off on Sunday, December 6, 2026 at 3 p.m. The city has not yet published the route or street closures in the announcement we read on October 20, so we do not list them.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, December 6, 2026 |
| Start time | 3 p.m. (steps off) |
| Organizer | City of Charleston |
| 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 |
Marching in the parade
The city is inviting schools, community groups and local businesses to apply. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 5; late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and applying does not guarantee a spot. The city says preference goes to Charleston-based participants, community organizations, live musical acts such as marching bands, and entries with a strong holiday theme. Selected participants are notified after the deadline and receive an information packet.
Tips for families
- Bring layers: it is a December afternoon outdoors.
- Streets along a parade route usually close ahead of time, but the city has not posted a closure map. Check the City of Charleston website the week of the parade.
- Parking on the peninsula is not covered in the announcement. We will add what the city publishes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Charleston Holiday Parade in 2026?
Sunday, December 6, 2026. The City of Charleston says it steps off at 3 p.m.
What is the Charleston Holiday Parade route?
Not yet announced. The city’s October 15 announcement did not include a route, and we check weekly.
Who runs the parade?
The City of Charleston.
How do groups apply to march?
Through the application link on the City of Charleston announcement. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Is there a cost to watch?
The city’s announcement does not say, so we do not list one.
Keep planning
- Lowcountry events
- Things to do in Charleston in December
- Holiday Festival of Lights, Charleston
- Things to do in Charleston in November
- All South Carolina events
Sources
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 Charleston
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- Charleston Southern football vs. Western Illinois (Homecoming)Oct 31 · Charleston
Places Nearby
- Fort SumterNPS unit · in Charleston
- Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty SquareNPS unit · in Charleston
- Exchange and ProvostNational Historic Landmark · in Charleston
- Fireproof BuildingNational Historic Landmark · in Charleston
Straight-line distance from the centre of Charleston, 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, “Charleston Holiday Parade 2026: Date, Time and Route Status”, itssouthcarolina.com/charleston-holiday-parade/ (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.