2026 Gainesville Annual Christmas Parade Entry Form

Gainesville Christmas Parade Entry Form

Application Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026 by 5 PM
Theme: "Welcome to the Big Top"

$20 Entry Fee Per Vehicle Entered

*$100 Entry Fee for Auto, ATV/UTV, Motorcycle, etc. groups of 6 or more - Floats not applicable

Rules & Information:

HAVE FUN!
This is the most important rule. We hope participating in the 2026 Christmas Parade is just as joyful and fun as it is to watch!

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE LIGHTED
Vehicles / floats decorated with lights and even glow sticks for those walking. Unlighted entries won't be allowed to participate.

NO SANTA'S ALLOWED
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on their sleigh at the end of the parade to help us light Gainesville's Christmas Tree on the Courthouse steps!

POLITICAL MESSAGES ARE PROHIBITED
Parade theme is encouraged, but political messages of any kind will not be allowed.

MUSIC
Family-friendly Christmas music may be played or sung by parade entries. All other music is prohibited.

NO HANDING OUT/THROWING ITEMS TO THE CROWD
Due to safety concerns, nothing is allowed to be handed out / thrown from the parade.

CHECK IN
Enter the check in area from the intersection of Broadway and Commerce Street. The check in table will be in front of First United Bank on Broadway Street from 4:00PM to 5:30PM. Please remain in your vehicle. From there, a Chamber volunteer will be able to help you find your line up spot. Please make sure to drive slowly and carefully in the line up area as there will be a lot of children and people waiting for the parade to start. Make sure you are checked in by 5:30PM or you will not be able to participate in the parade. The judges will be getting a preliminary look at all of the entries at 5:30PM as well, so be sure to be in your line up spot before then. While you are waiting, please be sure to park as close to the curb as possible so we can keep the middle of the street clear for other floats to get in their spots.

THE PARADE
The parade will begin at the Santa Fe Depot at 6:00PM sharp. You will be lining up on Broadway from Dixon Street to Depot Lane. There you will wait until the parade begins at 6:00PM and follow on California Street from Depot Lane to Weaver Street. Once the parade is over, you will head back towards Broadway Street where you will be able to turn left and exit the area or you can turn right towards the assembly area on Broadway so you can get back to your vehicles and parents have a place to pick up their kids. If you go back to the line up area, DO NOT STOP UNTIL YOU ARE BACK AT YOUR LINE UP SPOT. This keeps the rest of the parade traffic moving until the parade has completed.

Cash Prizes will be given for the following categories:

MAYOR'S CUP | $100
Best Overall Entry - Awarded with the Mayor's Cup to display in your business for a year!

HOLIDAY SPIRIT AWARD | $50
Best Entry in Theme

CHRISTMAS STAR AWARD | $50
Best Business / Organization Entry

SANTA'S SLEIGH AWARD | $50
Best Vehicle Entry

HOLLY JOLLY YOUTH AWARD | $50*
Best Youth (18 & under) Entry

JINGLE BELLS AWARD | $50
Best Musical Entry

REINDEER FRIENDS AWARD | $50
Best Animal Entry

*Schools participating in UIL will be given award plaques in place of cash

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

GAINESVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
311 S. Weaver St, Gainesville, TX 76240
(940) 665-2831
info@gainesvillecofc.com
www.GainesvilleCofC.com
Business / Organization Information
Business / Organization
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Contact Person's Email Address
example@example.com | This will be our primary mode of communication for this event
Contact Person's Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Business Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Business Physical Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Entry Information
Entry Category
Select a category that your entry best aligns with.
Length of Entry (approximately, in feet)
Estimate the length of your entry for line up purposes so we can ensure you have enough space to park in the staging area
Description of Entry
Ex. Float with 20 people, Walking Unit with 15 people, Vehicle, etc.
The Master of Ceremonies will be announcing your entry as you pass the Courthouse block. Please provide a brief description of your entry (business / organization name, who you are, any interesting facts, etc.)

(100 Words Maximum Length)0/100
The undersigned agrees to indemnity, hold harmless, and defend any action against the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Gainesville from and against all liabilities whatsoever arising out of their participation in the 2026 Christmas Parade.

* CHANGES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER NOVEMBER 20, 2026. *

Once your application is approved by Chamber Staff, a card, cash or check payment can be made in person at the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 S. Weaver St. Gainesville, TX 76240. You may also make a card payment over the phone by calling (940) 665-2831.

If paying by check or money order, please make payable to "Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce."

Do not send payment until a Chamber Representative has emailed you an acceptance of your application!

Application deadline is Friday November 20, 2026 by 5:00 PM.
Signature
Name

First NameLast Name
Date

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2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
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Gainesville Christmas Parade Entry Form

Business / Organization Information

Entry Information