The Rocky Top Christmas Parade will be on December 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. 

The theme for this year’s parade is “An All American Christimas”.  Participants are encouraged to decorate their floats in accordance with the theme.

There is not a fee to participate in the parade but you MUST REGISTER ONLINE OR IN PERSON.

Parade participants are allowed to hand out candy. 

BE AWARE THAT IF YOU DO NOT REGISTER FOR THE PARADE, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE.

We suggest that you register online prior to December 3rd. In-person registration will start on December 4th at 5:30 p.m. and everyone must be registered by 6:30 p.m. (Read below for locations.)

If you register online, please do not forget to check in during in-person registration to get your number. If you do not have a number, you will not be allowed to participate in the parade. 

THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM IS AT THE END OF THIS PAGE BUT PLEASE READ ALL CONTENT BEFORE REGISTERING 

When you receive a number at live registration, you are responsible for displaying your number on your vehicle on the driver’s side of the vehicle. DO NOT put your number on the front of your car or in your front windshield.  If the parade volunteers do not see your number, you will not be allowed to participate in the parade.  If you are participating in the parade with a group or float, you will have one number per group or float.

FYI…Santa Clause has been contacted and he plans to attend the parade.  He would appreciate it if no one else dresses up like him so that the children won’t be confused.

PLEASE NOTE that the NUMBER ONE rule of the parade is SAFETY FIRST.  Do not operate your vehicle in a manner that might cause harm to yourself, your fellow parade participates or spectators.  Inappropriate behavior includes pealing tires, revving engines, swerving toward the sidewalks, wheelies, etc.  The speed limit for the parade is 10 miles-per-hour.  Conducting yourself in any manner that could cause harm will result in immediate expulsion from the parade and you will be banned from participating in any future parades.

If you have any questions, you can call 865-659-2829 or email info@rockytoptnchamber.com. 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

  • If you are driving a vehicle including an antique, classic, hotrod, UTV, etc and have passengers, they will also need to complete a registration form and sign the release regardless of age. Vehicles will need to park and register at Rocky Top Dentistry located on Industrial Park Road. Please back your car into one of the spaces provided and do not block traffic while you are waiting for the parade to start.
  • If you are planning on riding an all-terrain vehicle, you must also register at Rocky Top Dentistry. You must be 16 years or older and have a valid Driver’s License, you MUST wear a helmet and you MUST show proof of Liability Insurance at Registration.
  • If you are participating in the group or float category of the parade, please note that EVERYONE in the group or float (drivers, riders and walkers) will need to complete a registration form and sign a release.  CLICK HERE FOR A PDF REGISTRATION that can be used for groups.  Please note that one will need to be completed for each parade participant. Float and groups will register at Lake City Middle School. All floats and groups must be lined up behind the Middle School. Please DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE PARKED BEHIND THE SCHOOL while you participate in the parade.  The gates will be locked when the last float leaves and you will not be able to pick up your car until Monday morning when school resumes.
 
A group is defined as two or more people (walking or riding) and/or two or more vehicles representing a business, organization or social club. For example, if you own a business or are members of a civic club and you bring two or more vehicles or a vehicle pulling a trailer to participate in the parade with a group of your employees/fellow members, you are defined as a group and will need to register and park at Lake City Middle School. 
 
If you are the organizer for a group or float, please designate a place and time for your group or float participants to meet at Lake City Middle School.  The volunteers assisting with registration will not be responsible for watching children dropped off by their parents.  The group sponsor is responsible for submitting all completed registration/release forms and ensuring that participants under 18 years old, have a completed form signed by the child’s guardian and ensuring that all participants are aware of the rules regarding the parade.  You are also encouraged to build floats and only use trailers that are stable and in a manner that prevents anyone from falling.
 
  • Emergency vehicles will line up on Industrial Park Road. Industrial Park Road to Hustler Boat Lane will be closed at 5 p.m. until all parade participants leave the area.
  • Anyone participating with a horse will register at Lake City Middle School. All horses must wear a horse diaper or you will not be eligible to participate in the parade.
Click here to Register for the Parade