BEREA — The Berea Chamber of Commerce will host the 39th Annual Berea Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, bringing festive floats, twinkling lights, and community cheer to downtown Berea.
The evening celebration begins with Christmas on Main Street from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring food and craft vendors, live music, street performances, and inflatables along Chestnut Street. The parade steps off at 6 p.m., following a route along Pirate Parkway, West Jefferson Street, North Broadway Street, Chestnut Street, and Estill Street.
This year’s theme, “The Joy of Christmas,” will showcase entries from local businesses, churches, nonprofits, and industries competing for eight cash prizes. First-place winners in each category will receive $200, while second-place finishers earn $100. Santa and Mrs. Claus will join the procession, delighting families along the route.
Sensory-Friendly Viewing
The parade will once again feature a designated quiet zone along North Main Street at Ellipse Street, where emergency vehicles will not use sirens. The accommodation, first introduced in 2022, provides a more comfortable viewing experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities, young children, veterans, and others who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
“We like the sirens and lights too, but we understand there are people out there who don’t,” parade organizer Brent Billings told WKYT in 2022 when announcing the new feature.
Parade Details
Participants must line up at Berea Community School on Pirate Parkway, with judged floats arriving by 4 p.m. and all other entries by 5 p.m. Judging takes place in the school parking lot between 4 and 5 p.m.
Entry was free for applications submitted before Nov. 28; a $20 fee applies to late registrations. The parade traditionally concludes with festivities in downtown Berea, where families can enjoy the holiday atmosphere along decorated Main Street.
The 39th Annual Berea Christmas Parade continues a decades-long tradition of bringing the community together to celebrate the season. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure viewing spots along the route.
IF YOU GO
What: 39th Annual Berea Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
• Christmas on Main Street: 3-6 p.m.
• Parade: 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Berea; parade route begins at Pirate Parkway
Theme: “The Joy of Christmas”
Quiet Zone: North Main Street at Ellipse Street (no sirens)
Admission: Free
Info: Berea Chamber of Commerce, (859) 986-9760, info@bereakychamber.org