Green Cove Springs Christmas Parade 2026: Dates, Route and What to Know |
The parade rolls Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. Here is the route, the road closures, the full Christmas on Walnut Street schedule and how to see the Parade of Trees. |
The Green Cove Springs Christmas parade rolls down U.S. 17 on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, at 6 p.m. It is the evening highlight of Christmas on Walnut Street, a free day of vendors, food trucks, Santa visits and live music downtown and at Spring Park. This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights.” The parade is organized by the Green Cove Springs Business League, and it is a 50-plus-year tradition, with floats glowing with Christmas lights. At a glance: Date: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026 Green Cove Springs Christmas parade route and start timeThe parade steps off at 6 p.m. and runs along U.S. 17 through downtown Green Cove Springs, starting near Lamont Street before heading south and returning north. Spectators can watch from either side of U.S. 17 along the parade route. Route and entry details are on the Business League’s parade page. |
 Green Cove Springs Christmas Parade route map, Saturday, Dec. 5, parade at 6 p.m. |
Road closures, parking and getting aroundU.S. 17 (Orange Avenue) closes at 5 p.m., an hour before the parade, and roads reopen after the parade. Southbound traffic will detour onto CR 315, and northbound traffic will detour onto SR 16 to CR 315. Magnolia Avenue, Clay Street, and Palmer Street need to stay clear of parked cars so emergency vehicles can get through. The Business League’s traffic page has the full map and details, including access for people who live or work east of U.S. 17. Parking can be tight, so plan to get there early and bring a chair. Parking suggestions will be posted on the Business League’s Facebook page closer to the date. Limited accessible parking is available at City Hall, 321 Walnut Street, and portable toilets will be set up along the route. There are plenty of places to eat nearby, and food trucks will be part of the event too. Christmas on Walnut Street: the full dayThe parade is the evening finale of a full day, and the complete schedule is on the city’s site. A Christmas Village with vendors opens at 10 a.m. on Walnut Street between Highway 17 and Palmetto Avenue, and food vendors are on hand from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The free Jingle Bell Fun Run starts at 11 a.m. in Spring Park and is open to walkers and runners of all ages. Santa visits his workshop in the Spring Park pool pavilion from 3 to 5:30 p.m., hosted by the Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge No. 1892. Live music runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The parade steps off at 6 p.m. The tree lighting is at 8 p.m., followed by parade awards. It is a non-alcohol event, and admission is free. |
 Christmas on Walnut Street schedule, Saturday, Dec. 5, Green Cove Springs. |
Parade of Trees Green Cove Springs: Christmas lights all DecemberWant more Christmas lights after parade night? The Parade of Trees at Spring Park, 200 Spring Street, runs Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, with the trees lighted each evening. It features 245 lit Christmas trees, each decorated by a family, organization or local business, and many are dedicated to loved ones. Admission is free, which makes it an easy way to take in Green Cove Springs Christmas lights all month. On Dec. 5, the parade is followed by the city tree lighting, and the Parade of Trees makes for a good walk-through while you are already at Spring Park. Other Clay County Christmas parade datesGreen Cove Springs is not the only Clay County Christmas parade on the calendar. Over in Oakleaf, the 4th Annual Oakleaf Christmas Parade is also Saturday, Dec. 5. The route runs from Trinity Baptist Church to Oakleaf High School. Plan your nightCome early, bring a chair, check the forecast, and bring a layer if you need one, and give yourself extra time to get in and out of downtown. For updates, check the City of Green Cove Springs (904-297-7500) and the Business League’s Facebook page right before you go. Then stick around for the tree lighting. If you’re going to do small-town Christmas, you might as well do the whole thing. 🎄 Christmas on Walnut Street and the Green Cove Springs Christmas Parade đź“Ť Downtown Green Cove Springs: U.S. 17 and Spring Park, 200 Spring Street |
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