The 36th annual Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting returns on Saturday, December 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Columbia’s historic downtown commercial district.
The parade begins at 6 p.m. and marches east along the traditional parade route down West 7th Street into downtown Columbia. As the parade comes to an end, festivities kick off for the lighting of Columbia’s 40-foot Christmas Tree around 7:15 p.m. on the courthouse steps, hosted by national radio personality and owner of The Mulehouse Blair Garner. Musical entertainment by Makky Kaylor rounds out the night’s festivities.
The parade lasts about an hour and features holiday-themed illuminated floats, marching bands, holiday characters, scout groups, dance troupes, local churches, businesses, civic groups, non-profit organizations and an array of construction vehicles, tractors and classic cars. The esteemed Vice Mayor Dr. Christa Martin leads this year’s parade as the Grand Marshal in honor of her 30 years of service and dedication to the community.
After the Parade, the Tree Lighting ceremony takes center stage with Santa lighting the Christmas tree, live musical entertainment by Makky Kaylor, and the presentation of trophies & cash prizes to the “best of” parade winners. Columbia’s own exceptional Blair Garner returns as distinguished emcee for the Tree Lighting.
Songwriter-recording artist and entertainer Makky Kaylor is the featured musical guest for the Tree Lighting ceremony on the Town Square beneath the towering Christmas Tree, following the culmination of the parade.
“We are excited about this year’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony,” exclaimed Kelli Messmer Johnson, Main Street Manager and event organizer. “We are anticipating another great year of festive parade floats with an added incentive of cash prize awards given out during the tree lighting ceremony.” Johnson added “I am also thrilled to share that Columbia Main Street Corporation has purchased a new 3-D star topper that will debut at the tree lighting ceremony.”
For more information, visit ItsChristmasInColumbia.com. A rain date is set for December 10, 2022, at 6 p.m.
