The Freeman Christmas Parade is returning, and we’re excited to celebrate another holiday season with our community! Freeman Health System proudly supports and sponsors the annual Joplin Christmas Parade.

For parade entry inquiries, email [email protected] or call 417.347.4624.

2026 Joplin Christmas Parade

Red, White, & Merry

Brought to you by Freeman Health System

Tuesday, December 1, 2026
6:00 pm

The parade runs up Main Street from 15th Street to 2nd Street. The grandstand and judges’ table are at 8th and Main Street.

Freeman Health System is proud to continue our ongoing support and sponsorship of the annual Joplin Christmas Parade. We consider this a gift to the community we are so blessed to have served for the past 100 years, and we are honored to play a key role in bringing the parade to Joplin again this year.

We are limiting the non-school/band entries to the first 75 that register. Limiting the parade entrants not only makes the pre-parade lineup safer and more organized, it also takes into consideration the limited space we have for this year’s parade. If you would like to enter your organization or business in the Joplin Christmas Parade, be sure you get your entry form filled out as soon as possible to ensure your participation in this great community event that is enjoyed by thousands.

Registration opens October 28 at 11:00 am!

Enter your float

Thank you for your participation in the 2026 Joplin Christmas Parade. Together, with your commitment and participation, we know that this parade will be a success and be enjoyed by the members of our community. — The Freeman Health System Christmas Parade Committee

  • Individuals and organizations participating in the parade are expected to perform courteously, in good taste, and with safety in mind at all times during the assembly, executing, and dispersal of the parade.
  • All entries are required to keep moving and not delay the progression of the parade. Entries causing delays or gaps in the progression of the parade may be asked to speed up their pace to remedy the problem, and those causing continued issues may not be permitted to return the following year. This includes people walking with your float. Please make sure walkers are able to keep pace for the entire parade.
  • All entries must be at their line-up position no earlier than 4:30 pm and no later than 5:45 pm. All entries will be sent a map of their lineup position and time to arrive prior to the parade. All entries must stay for the entirety of the parade. All entries must stay in order. Once the lineup is set, there will be no changes.
  • All entries MUST be decorated in the theme of the parade and should be designed for viewing from all sides. Entries for this year can be decorated both on and around the float or vehicle. Music is encouraged, but please keep music at a level that does not interfere with other entries on either side of you and be prepared to adjust the volume if requested.
  • All entries must have their group or organization’s entry number visible to the judge’s eye for proper judging recognition. Your entry # card will be provided to you when you arrive.
  • There will be NO countermarching, maneuvering, or any other action, or inaction, in any form, that will create any gap in the progress of the parade. All maneuvering, choreography, and marching styles must be performed while moving forward. Keep in visual contact with entries in front of and behind you at all times and adjust your speed accordingly. Be prepared to follow ALL the instructions given by parade officials BEFORE and DURING the parade.
  • Entries are NOT ALLOWED to have or display a real-life Santa Claus on their float or driven vehicle. (Remember there is only one Santa, and he is already scheduled to be there!)
  • Throwing anything from your float is strictly prohibited. Company promotion, candy, etc. may be HANDED to parade-goers.
  • Trailers and vehicles must be road worthy and carry the appropriate motor vehicle insurance, if required by the State of Missouri.
  • Driver vision must not be impeded.
  • The exhaust system shall not create an obvious fire hazard, particularly relating to decorative materials from the float that may come in contact with hot vehicle parts. A minimum of 12 inches clearance must be provided around heat producing elements.
  • Each parade apparatus must have a fire extinguisher on board with easy access by the occupants.
  • Spare gas containers cannot accompany the parade vehicle or be staged along the parade route.
  • Children under the age of 13 must remain seated on the parade apparatus at all times.
  • A 1:3 ratio of adults to children under the age of seven is required on all parade floats.
  • Safe areas, including hand holds, must be constructed for all persons riding on any vehicle or float.
  • Equestrian entries must provide their own clean up.
  • ANY and ALL animals in parade must have proof of updated vaccinations and must provide immediate clean-up in the line-up area and along the parade route.
  • Street or Walking Vendors must have appropriate insurance listing Freeman Health System & City of Joplin.
  • No float can be over 13’ 6”.
  • No monkeys are allowed in the parade, as per Joplin Health Department Code.
  • Each registration is limited to two vehicles per float entry and 4 vehicles per car club. Additional vehicles must be purchased as a second entry.
  • Entries are not permitted to stop and perform. Bands must keep marching forward.
  • Parade volunteers will monitor the parade route and report infractions. Entries found in violations of these guidelines may forfeit their eligibility to participate in the future.

Upcoming dates

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