HUNTSVILLE – It may be September, but the Christmas season is right around the corner and will be here before you know it. Mix 96.9 (WRSA-FM) and the Von Braun Center (VBC) announced plans Thursday for 10th annual Huntsville Christmas Parade on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The parade is presented by Bank Independent.

The details for the 2024 parade were announced during a press conference in the VBC Mars Music Hall where Santa Claus, WRSA and VBC staff, sponsors and others were in attendance.

In July, a People’s Choice Poll was held on the Parade Facebook page to determine the theme. The people cast their votes and the results have been tallied – the theme for the 2024 Huntsville Christmas Parade is “Christmas in Toyland!”

“Everyone remembers a favorite childhood toy, and this year’s Christmas Parade will celebrate the magic of toys, youthful imagination, and holiday traditions,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We look forward to this annual event when our families can gather and celebrate the joys of the season.”

Registration for the 2024 Huntsville Christmas Parade officially opened to the public during the press conference on September 5th and will remain open through October 11th. Interested participants can find registration information at mix969huntsville.com. Participation is limited and registrations will be reviewed by a panel for approval. Early registration is encouraged. To further promote high-quality floats, there will be a panel of three community judges who will judge based on different criteria including Creativity, Execution, and Theme Interpretation.

“This year’s theme really opens the doors wide for all kinds of exciting float ideas,” said Abby Kay, WRSA Program Director and Morning Show Host. “It’s going to be a giant Toyland in Downtown Huntsville and I can’t wait to see what our participants come up with!”

The highly anticipated parade will feature over 80 quality floats, animals, and marching bands. The event is a Huntsville holiday tradition and would not be possible without the generous support of local organizations.

“As a local community bank, we were founded with the intention to create a culture of service,” said Nick Rockhill, Bank Independent Vice President and Sales Officer. “We remain committed to investing in opportunities that make a positive difference and bring our community together. We are proud to support the Huntsville Christmas Parade again this year and serve our community alongside Mix 96.9 and the Von Braun Center.”

The Huntsville Christmas Parade will begin on Clinton Avenue near the U.S. Post Office at 6:00 p.m., it will then progress east on Clinton through downtown Huntsville, ending near AM Booth’s Lumberyard.

“We’re in the event business and host hundreds throughout the year, but the Huntsville Christmas Parade is one of our favorites,” said Samantha Nielsen, VBC Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “We’re thrilled to celebrate a ten-year partnership with WRSA and bring this holiday tradition to the Huntsville community for another season. We look forward to seeing how participants interpret this nostalgic theme!”

For each parade, the team at WRSA and the VBC host a Pre-Parade Party and VIP Viewing Area. This area includes free food, holiday activities for the entire family, and pictures with Santa! Access is limited and to obtain a ticket for entry a person needs to donate a tangible item to the chosen non-profit beneficiary during a live remote held by WRSA ahead of parade day. Applications from non-profits were accepted in August and the chosen beneficiary for the Huntsville Christmas Parade is Grandparents as Parents (GAP).

“We are incredibly excited to be chosen to be a part of the Huntsville Christmas Parade,” said Keith Lowhorne, GAP President. “This event brings our community together in celebration, and we are proud to represent the countless grandparents who have stepped into the role of parents. Their love and dedication are the true spirit of family. Grandparents as Parents look forward to sharing this joyful occasion with everyone.”

For more information about the 2024 Huntsville Christmas Parade, stay updated on parade announcements, and learn how to obtain a ticket for the Pre-Parade Party and VIP Viewing Area follow @HSVChristmasParade on Facebook.