30th Memphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven Now Accepting Applications for Participation

Sep 18

3 min read

The Academy for Youth Empowerment is now accepting applications for participation in the 30th Memphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven, scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

This year’s milestone celebration will carry the theme:

“A Season to Be Thankful”

For Our Community, Our Families, Our Future

For 30 years, the Memphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven has brought together families, schools, churches, businesses, youth organizations, marching bands, dance teams, civic groups, community leaders and neighbors for a celebration of unity, tradition and holiday spirit.

This year’s theme reflects the heart of that tradition. It is a season to be thankful for the people who make Whitehaven special, for the families who continue to support the community, and for the young people who represent its future.

The 30th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the generations who have participated in the parade, supported it from the sidelines and helped make it one of Whitehaven’s most recognizable holiday traditions.

Parade Details

The 30th Memphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven will take place:

Saturday, November 21, 202610:00 AMElvis Presley BoulevardFrom Shelby Drive to Laudeen DriveWhitehaven, Memphis, Tennessee

Spectators can expect a festive morning filled with marching bands, cheer and dance teams, community organizations, churches, schools, businesses, decorated vehicles and other parade participants celebrating the holiday season together.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are now being accepted from:

Schools
Churches
Nonprofit organizations
Civic and community groups
Youth organizations
Marching bands
Dance teams
Cheer squads
Businesses
Clubs and other approved parade participants

The Academy for Youth Empowerment encourages organizations and businesses interested in participating to submit their applications early.

Participation Fees and Approval Process

Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee participation in the parade.

Each application will be reviewed by the parade committee. Once an application is approved, the applicant will receive an approval email along with an invoice for the applicable participation fee.

Participation fees are:

Organizations: $250Businesses: $500

Once payment is received, the participant will receive final confirmation of entry into the parade.

Approved participants will also receive information regarding the Parade Participants Meeting, where parade credentials, assigned arrival times, staging information and important parade-day instructions will be distributed.

Final parade credentials will be required for access to designated staging areas.

Celebrating 30 Years in Whitehaven

The 30th anniversary of the Memphis Christmas Parade in Whitehaven is more than a milestone. It represents decades of community involvement, youth participation and shared memories.

Children who once watched the parade from Elvis Presley Boulevard are now bringing their own families. Former students and youth participants have grown into parents, professionals, business owners and community leaders.

That legacy is what makes this year’s theme so meaningful.

“A Season to Be Thankful — For Our Community, Our Families, Our Future” is a reminder that strong communities are built when people come together, support one another and create opportunities for the next generation.

Apply to Participate

Applications are now open for the 2026 parade.

Groups interested in participating are encouraged to complete the official parade entry application as soon as possible.

Apply Here

www.afyememphis.org/entry-form

Businesses and organizations interested in supporting the parade at a higher level may also inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the 30th anniversary celebration.

The Academy for Youth Empowerment looks forward to welcoming returning participants, new organizations and families from across Memphis as we celebrate three decades of holiday tradition in Whitehaven.

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