15 Greater Birmingham parades that will make your December shine—floats, fun themes + good times for all ages

Reviewed by: Grace Garrison

Reading time: 6 minutes

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Birmingham parades
Enjoy lights, guest appearances from Santa and more during Trussville’s annual Christmas Parade. (Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce)

‘Tis the season for tree lightings, gift-giving and holiday cheer. Also on the list: parades! If you enjoy standing crowd-side as festive floats, costumed characters and fun surprises roll past, you’re in luck—the Greater Birmingham area is chock full of them.

Check out our list of which ones you’ll want to grab a good viewing spot for this December. Psst—all parades are free to attend!

1. Odenville Christmas Parade

You’ll want to add this must-attend parade in Odenville to your December checklist. You’ll enjoy a “Woodland Wonderland Christmas” theme filled with twinkling lights, decorated floats and a special visit from Santa Claus.

2. Gardendale Christmas Parade

Birmingham parades
Catch the Gardendale Parade on December 4. (Gardendale Chamber)

Gather on December 4 for the City of Gardendale’s biggest and most beloved event—the annual Christmas Parade. Along with impressive floats, candy will be thrown into the crowd, so be sure to catch it when it flies your way. 

2. Irondale Believes: Christmas Parade + Tree Lighting

Birmingham parades
Enjoy the lights and sounds of Irondale’s Christmas Parade. (City of Irondale)

Kick off the season with beautiful lights and community spirit. The evening will be filled with free photos with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies, a festive parade and a tree lighting ceremony.

3. Buff Park Christmas Parade

This December marks the 10th Bluff Park Christmas Parade and it will be one you’ll never forget with fabulous floats, music and more. 

4. Center Point Christmas Parade

Mark your calendars for this year’s Center Point Christmas Parade, featuring an impressive procession of decorated rides—from bikes and motorcycles to convertibles, trucks and full-size floats.

5. Helena Christmas Parade 2025

Head to downtown Helena to experience the city’s 54th annual Christmas Parade. There will be magnificent floats, music and good times—all centered around “A Charlie Brown Christmas” theme.

6. Hueytown Christmas Parade

Don’t miss the lights, laughs and pure sweetness of Hueytown’s Candland Christmas Parade. This is the 38th year of this fun-loving tradition, and it will be brimming with floats and more right out of a candy dream. Bonus: After the parade, head over to Hueytown City Park for the annual tree lighting.

  • When: Sat, Dec. 6 | 2PM
  • Parade begins + ends: Downtown Hueytown
  • Details

7. Mountain Brook Holiday Parade

Birmingham parades
Mountain Brook Village Christmas parade (Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce)

Mountain Brook Village is one of the most beautiful spots to explore during the season, with its twinkling lights and lovely storefront displays. On December 7, you’ll experience all the beauty during the city’s holiday open house and parade—a time to shop and support local while boosting your seasonal cheer.

8. Homewood Christmas Parade

Birmingham parades
See the Homewood Star sparkle to life on December 9. (Jacob Blankenship /Bham Now)

December 9 promises to be an exciting time in Homewood with the lighting of the historic Homewood Star located at the top of 18th Street, followed by the spirited annual Christmas Parade. This year’s parade’s theme is “A Silver Screen Christmas,” so prepare for a dazzling celebration. 

9. Leeds Christmas Parade

Grab your family and friends for a jolly evening in downtown Leeds. Kick off the night with how the annual Mistletoe on Main event hosted by Leeds Main Street from 4-6PM filled with games, food trucks, live music, horse + carriage rides, a kiddie train and more. Local businesses will also have sales going on, so be sure to swing by and take advantage. 

At 7PM, settle in for the annual Christmas Parade featuring fabulous floats, exciting performances and more. 

10. Pell City Christmas Parade: Lights, Camera, Christmas

The Pell City Christmas Parade is a joyous time for anyone seeking some seasonal wonderment. You’ll see floats transform into scenes from beloved holiday movies—complete with film reels, spotlights, snowflakes, ornaments and more. 

11. Trussville Christmas Parade

Christmas Parade
Trussville’s Christmas Parade is a yearly tradition. (Trussville Chamber of Commerce)

Gather your family and some chairs, too—this annual Christmas Parade travels through Trussville on Saturday, December 13. This year’s theme is “The Greatest Gift”. Expect all the bells and whistles from festive floats to Santa Claus.

12. The City of Bessemer’s Christmas Parade

Leave the Santa hats at home—you’ll want to wear your cowboy/girl hats for the City of Bessmer’s parade this year. Follow a “Western Christmas” theme, the afternoon will be filled with local vendors, parade entertainment and more.

13. Moody Christmas Parade

Moody is rolling out the fun this year with a community parade built around its charming “A Marvelous Christmas” theme.

14. Springville Christmas Parade

Make your way to downtown Springville for this year’s Christmas Parade, where lights, music, hot chocolate and small-town charm come together for the most vibrant event yet.

15. Chelsea Christmas Parade

Plan to attend the annual Chelsea Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 20. Beloved for more than 25 years, it’s a must-see for families and for kids hoping to wave at Santa and Mrs. Claus.

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Patience Itson
Patience Itson
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