26TH Annual Methuen Santa Parade
Be A Part of the Magic!
Join us to mark the official beginning of the holiday season in the City of Methuen! Last year, hundreds of spectators lined the streets to celebrate with us. We invite your group to help us bring the festive spirit to life again for 2026.
Event Details & Registration
Please mark your calendars carefully. Late registrations affect our ability to organize the line up effectively.
- Parade Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Start Time: 1:00 PM
- Registration Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026
How to Submit Your Santa Parade Application
We are excited to announce that our entry process has officially transitioned to a fully digital application! This makes signing up easier, faster, and more organized.
To submit your entry, simply follow the steps below:
Provided below is a Step-by-Step Registration Guide:
Ready to join the parade? Please follow these steps to secure your spot using our new digital system:
1. Locate the Register Now button for your specific category (Band, Float, Marching, or Vehicle).
2. Once you click the Register Now button, the registration will be added to your Shopping Cart.
- Click: Checkout to begin.
- Note: Even if there is no fee for your entry, you must complete the checkout process to register.
3. Sign the Waiver: You will be presented with the Terms and Conditions/Waiver.
- Please read through the terms.
- You must check the box labeled "I acknowledge that..." to proceed.
- Click: Continue.
4. Answer all of the Registration Questions: This is the most important part!
You will be asked specific questions about your entry (group name, announcer script, etc.).
5. Once completed, click: Continue
6. Review your information and select Check Out Online
7. To finalize your entry click: Process
8. Once finished, you will see a confirmation screen with the option to View/Print receipt.
- View/Print Receipt: Please keep a copy of this for your records as proof of registration.
- Check Your Email: A copy of the receipt will be emailed to the address listed on your Account Contact Information (Note: This may be different from the contact email you typed into the specific entry form questions).
Participant Categories
We are looking for a diverse range of participants to make this year’s parade the best yet. Please identify which category your group falls under:
- Marching Units: Community groups, scouts, dance troupes, or walking groups (Not paid for services).
- Marching Bands: Musical ensembles and school bands (Paid for services).
- Floats: Decorated trailers or flatbeds (See specific size rules below).
- Vehicles: Classic cars, fire trucks, or decorated community vehicles.
To ensure a safe and joyful event for both participants and the hundreds of spectators along the route, all applicants must adhere to the following:
Theme & Appearance
- Theme Required: All groups must strictly adhere to a "Holiday/Winter" theme. Groups that do not display a festive theme will be asked not to participate.
- The "Santa" Rule: There is only ONE Santa Claus allowed in the parade (provided by the City on the Fire Truck at the end of the procession). No other participants may dress as Santa.
- No Politics: This is a community celebration. Please refrain from campaigning or displaying political messaging on any floats, displays, or handouts.
Safety & Logistics
- Float Size: Floats must not exceed 14ft in width. Some streets on the route are very narrow and congested; this limit ensures your vehicle can navigate the route safely.
- Vehicle Safety: All participating vehicles must be legally registered and safe for operation.
- Candy Policy: For the safety of spectators, candy must NOT be thrown from moving vehicles.
- Rider Safety: All float participants must be safely positioned. No participants are permitted to sit off the side of a moving vehicle or float.
Weather Preparation
- Dress Warmly: The parade route takes over an hour to complete. Mother Nature has given us some very cold days in the past, so please ensure all participants — especially children — are dressed appropriately for the elements.
While we encourage digital communication, you may submit your application via email or standard mail.
Click on category to download a paper version:
Email Forms to:
Cseplow@Methuen.gov
Mail Paper Copies to:
Methuen Parks and Rec
41 Pleasant Street
Methuen, MA 01844
ATTN: Santa Parade