Spectators watch parade participants march down Capitol Street in Charleston during a previous Christmas parade.Photo byCity of Charleston

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. -- It may only be fall, but several local municipalities are already looking toward Christmas.

As communities throughout the county begin to announce their annual holiday parades, they’re looking for individuals and organizations interested in participating in the processions.

Here are some Kanawha Valley towns currently on the hunt for parade participants. Towns are listed in order of scheduled dates. More communities will be added as information is released.

Charleston

The capital city’s annual holiday parade is set to kick off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5 at Haddad Riverfront Park along Kanawha Boulevard.

“The Charleston Christmas Parade is a community tradition that brings together residents, businesses, and organizations to celebrate the holiday season,” Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said in a statement. “With festive lights, marching bands, and cheer, the parade continues to be a highlight of the holiday calendar.”

Local businesses, organizations and school groups are encouraged to apply online. This year, there will be a maximum of 125 spots available, officials said.

Montgomery

Officials with the city of Montgomery recently announced the annual Christmas parade would take place on Friday, Dec. 6 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is Christmas Villages.

Any individual, business or community organization interested in participating in Montgomery’s Christmas parade is asked to email Angie Tackett at atackett@montgomerywv.gov by Nov. 24, 2024 to register.

More information is available on Facebook.

Dunbar

Dunbar will hold its annual Christmas parade on Friday, Dec. 6.

The lineup for the parade will begin at 6 p.m. The procession kicks off behind the Dunbar Kroger beginning at 7 p.m.

Anyone interested in participating in this year’s Christmas parade is asked to call Dunbar Park and Recreation Director Jesse Madden at 304-766-0223.

South Charleston

This year’s parade in South Charleston will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7. It will kick off at noon on D Street.

Parade participation is open to individuals, organizations, businesses and others with ties to the South Charleston community.

Anyone interested in participating in the 2024 South Charleston Christmas Parade is asked to complete the online registration form on the CVB's website.

Clendenin

Clendenin’s annual “Christmas on Main” celebration will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7. The event, which includes music, hot cocoa, cookies, candy, and lighting of the town Christmas tree, will also include the annual holiday parade.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., officials said.

Anyone interested in participating in the 2024 event should call 304- 548-4192 or email info@clendeninwv.gov.

Nitro

According to the Nitro Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)website, this year’s Nitro Christmas parade will fall on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.

The event, which features business, community members and local organizations, is capped off with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Contact the Nitro CVB at 304-759-9815 for more information on registering for the Christmas parade.

Michael Ramsburg is a Kanawha County communities reporter. He can be reached at ramsburgreports@gmail.com or by calling 304-370-3067.