Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

The holidays are special in any hometown, but we happen to think that our Christmas season holds just a little something more.  Our downtown decorations enhance our community's charm and with our fabulous shopping and wonderful restaurants, it's no wonder so many people come back to Rutherfordton to celebrate the season.

Our Annual Snowman Decorating Contest and Christmas parade, held the first Saturday in December, just so happens to be some of our biggest draws!  With marching bands and festive floats; wide-eyed tots and Christmas carols - there's no better place to jump start your holidays than right here in Rutherfordton.

These are a few of our favorite things
  • A parade filled with marching bands, decorated floats, horses, dance troops and our guest of honor, Santa Claus
  • Mr. and Mrs. Claus in Main Street Park
  • Live music and carolers
  • Painted holiday windows up and down Main Street
  • Hot chocolate and other seasonal treats
  • Our merchants' put on live window displays including music, elves and sometimes puppies!
  • The largest Christmas Tree in NC is lit on the courthouse lawn along with a live band playing some of your favorite carols

parade applications