Please read the information below before completing your registration.
This year's parade will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, on Main Street in Downtown Winchester.
The parade will travel on Main Street from Depot Street to Boone Avenue. (Final completion of the Main Street High Side project is expected prior to the date of the parade. We will continuously monitor construction progress and make any necessary adjustments as soon as possible.)
The theme is "A Storybook Christmas." Floats depicting the theme are encouraged. Other entries are welcome. Entries of large vehicles and equipment should be limited to 3 per agency/organization (this does NOT apply to car clubs).
We will once again conduct a contest for float entries. Winners will receive as follows:
- 1st place: $350
- 2nd place: $200
- 3rd place: $100
- Peoples Choice: $350
- Judging for Peoples Choice will take place via online voting on the City of Winchester Community Information Facebook page. If you wish to enter the Peoples Choice contest, please make sure to take a high-quality photo of your completed float to be submitted after the parade. More information about this will be provided in the future.
- Judging will take place based on reflection of theme, visible display of name, creativity/originality, construction and general attractiveness.
Staging and setup will be on Depot Street and North Highland. Staging will begin at 4 p.m., at which time Main Street will be closed. This year, we are NOT assigning a specific order for lineup. Lineup will take place in order of arrival, except for any entries with horses or other large animals, which will lineup directly in front of Santa on the fire engine.
PARADE RULES:
- All entries MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE. No entries will be accepted over the phone or in the office. Accurate and complete entries must be received on or before Nov. 21, 2025.
- All entries should display noticeable identifying information. Walking entries should use a banner, and floats and other entries should have their information prominently displayed on the front and/or sides of the entry.
- UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES can candy be thrown to bystanders. Parade participants wanting to pass out candy must hand deliver it to the crowd. This is for the safety of all those in the crowd.
- All entries must adhere to the “No Santas Allowed Policy.” This is so there is no confusion with the Grand Finale where Santa will arrive on a fire engine.
- All children participants must be accompanied by an adult and all vehicles hauling children in the parade must have one adult for every four children.
- Expect to be outside in the weather for several hours (2-4). Dress accordingly.
- If your group is performing in front of the Courthouse, submit your CD, downloadable file or URL to Whitney Leggett at City Hall by Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. Performances should be no more than 2 minutes (including setup time). Adhering to this time limit is critical to keeping the parade flowing in a timely fashion.
More information and updates about the parade will be sent out via email to those addresses provided at registration and posted to the City of Winchester Community Information Page as the event approaches.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Whitney Leggett at wleggett@winchesterky.com or 859-385-5950.