In 2026, Christmas parades near Memphis run Nov 21 through Dec 12. Memphis Holiday Parade is Dec 12 and is free to watch. Memphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven is Nov 21 and is free to watch. This page lists seven parades and tree lightings with 2026 dates.
By date
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
Tree lighting · 5–7 p.m.21NovSatMemphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven
Parade · 10 a.m.5DecSatBartlett Christmas ParadeParade · 4 p.m.5DecSatSouthaven Christmas ParadeParade · 10–11 a.m.5DecSatOlive Branch Christmas ParadeParade · 2–4 p.m.12DecSatMemphis Holiday ParadeParade · 11 a.m.12DecSatAll-American Christmas ParadeParade · 11 a.m.Nothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
Elvis Presley Boulevard, Shelby Drive to Laudeen Drive · Whitehaven
Good to know: The 30th parade, run by the Academy for Youth Empowerment. Theme: A Season to Be Thankful. It runs along Elvis Presley Boulevard from Shelby Drive to Laudeen Drive. The page does not post a viewing spot, parking plan or broadcast.
Old Towne Olive Branch · Olive Branch, Miss.
Good to know: This year’s theme is Blue Christmas, so keep an eye out for a little Elvis on the floats.
Beale Street · Downtown Memphis
Good to know: Marching bands and steppers come down Beale Street with the floats. Get there early for a curb spot.
Airline Rd. from Arlington High School to Douglass/Mem-Arlington Rd. · Arlington, Tenn.
Good to know: This year’s theme is An All-American Christmas. Roads on the route close before the start, and it goes on rain or shine.
Tree lightings
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
Depot Square, 6265 Chester St. · Arlington, Tenn.
Good to know: Santa stops by and food vendors serve hot treats while you wait for the tree.
More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s addedBefore you go
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Every year
Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Memphis
Keep planning
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Library storytimes in MemphisStorytimes for ages 0–6, by day and branch
Thanksgiving weekend in MemphisParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
The Nutcracker in MemphisBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
Christmas markets in MemphisChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in MemphisWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1
More things to do with kids in Memphis this weekDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Memphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 10 a.m. (Whitehaven). Bartlett Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 4 p.m. (Bartlett). Southaven Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 10–11 a.m. (Southaven, Miss.). Olive Branch Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 2–4 p.m. (Olive Branch, Miss.). Plus two more on this page.
Arlington Tree Lighting at Depot Square at Depot Square, 6265 Chester St.: Fri, Nov 20, 2026, 5–7 p.m.; tree lit at 6:15.
Four of the seven we list are free to watch: Memphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven, Olive Branch Christmas Parade, Memphis Holiday Parade and All-American Christmas Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Daytime ones are easiest with little kids: Memphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven, Southaven Christmas Parade and Olive Branch Christmas Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Nov 8, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Memphis that weekend, parades included.
Memphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven