Holiday movies take center stage at Clinton Christmas Parade on Dec. 5
November 7, 2026
The City of Clinton is bringing a Hollywood twist to its annual Christmas Parade this year, with a theme built around favorite holiday films.
The parade is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown Clinton. The city’s theme for the 2026 event is “Lights, Camera, Christmas!”
The city is inviting businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations, clubs, families and community groups to enter the parade. Each entry is asked to draw its inspiration from a Christmas movie. Participants might choose classics such as “The Polar Express,” “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “The Santa Clause” or “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” or pick any other holiday film they love.
Organizers are encouraging groups to get creative with floats, costumes and decorations that bring their chosen movie to life on the streets of Clinton. Judges will be stationed in front of the flagpole in downtown Clinton.
Entries may begin lining up on Maple Street at 8:45 a.m., once the street is closed, and all participants must be in place by 9:45 a.m. No one will be admitted to the staging area after 10 a.m. Entry numbers will be assigned ahead of time, and each group’s contact person is responsible for sharing line-up details with participants.
The city has set several rules for entries. Candy and other items may not be thrown from floats or vehicles, though walkers may hand items out. Floats may be no taller than 14 feet, must have skirting and must display the organization’s name on both sides. Entries may not include a live or life-size Santa Claus. Music must fit the holiday theme and be family-friendly, and performances are limited to 45 seconds.
Children walking in the parade must be at least 6 years old because of the length of the route, and riders younger than 13 must have adult supervision. Vehicles must be driven by a licensed driver 17 or older, and golf carts, ATVs and similar vehicles require proof of insurance.
To register an entry, visit cityofclintonsc.com/1522/Christmas-Parade-Registration. For more information, call the City of Clinton at 864-833-7500, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
