2026 parade route: Floats depart Town Square Mall (147 South Albion Street) and turn left on South Albion to Church; left on Church; right on Victoria to TD or Dayle's parking lot.

Viewing information: Find your spot on the sidewalk along the parade route to enjoy the festivities. Please use caution and keep out of the street.

Community groups, businesses and organizations are invited to participate in the parade.

Registration deadline: November 13, 2026

Registration fee: Free to Register

Float staging: Completed floats to arrive no later than 5 p.m. in the Town Square Mall parking lot.

Register Online

Download Information: Registration details are pdf available for download here(3.27 MB) .

Parade applications can be submitted online or dropped off at Amherst Town Hall no later than November 13, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact Charlie Seymour at 902-397-4670 or the Town of Amherst at 902-667-3352.

Cancellation

In the event of inclement weather, an announcement regarding cancellation and rescheduling will be made on our Community Living Facebook page.

Age Limit

Any child under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate in the parade.

Bylaws

Bylaws prohibit the throwing of candies and/or promotional materials.

Floats

• All floats should have the name of the company/organization prominently displayed on the float for the convenience of parade judges and to assist with trophy presentations.
• All floats must be of proper construction.
• All entrants should make use of Christmas lighting and be decorated in keeping with the parade theme.
• Festive music is encouraged on the floats.
• Two thirds of a vehicle being used as a “float” must be decorated. A company vehicle with a bow is not acceptable.
• Floats are being asked to start arriving for set up no later than 5 p.m. at the Town Square Mall.

Parking Lot

• All persons riding on must be on the float prior to departure from the staging area.
• All groups should have a prearranged area for assembly away from the parade site.
• AT THE END OF THE PARADE ROUTE, ALL FLOATS MUST EXIT INTO THE TD OR DAYLE’S PARKING LOT.

Animals

All groups using animals of any type in the parade are required to have a clean-up crew with the animal(s) and are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. All animal waste is to be disposed of properly. All animals must be on a leash, have proper shelter from weather and food/water.

Solicitation

There will be NO solicitation for cash and/or ticket sales along the parade route, however, a drop-off point taking food donations will be permitted.

Mr. & Mrs. Claus

NO float shall have a person or figure in a Mrs. Claus or Santa Claus costume.

Keep the Pace

Please keep a safe space of 30 feet behind the entry in front of you to ensure that the procession moves smoothly. We need your help in maintaining the pace.

Prizes will be awarded by a selected panel of judges. Awards will be handed out the week following the parade.

Prize categories include: Best Overall Theme (1st, 2nd & 3rd), Best Youth Involvement, Best Charity or Non-Profit, and the Holiday Spirit Award.