WCBK's Hometown Christmas Parade

WCBK's Hometown Christmas Parade in Martinsville is an annual festive event held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, featuring brightly lit parade floats and Christmas characters, including Santa Claus. The 2025 parade is scheduled for November 29, beginning in Downtown Martinsville near City Hall and traveling along Jefferson Street and Harrison Street, concluding at Jimmy Nash City Park, where the holiday lighting event kicks off. The parade starts around 5:30 to 6:30 pm and is family-friendly, accessible for handicapped guests, and includes candy tosses for children.

The parade atmosphere is festive and magical, with beautifully decorated illuminated floats, elves, gingerbread characters, and multiple community groups participating. Santa’s grand arrival at Jimmy Nash City Park marks the start of the Winter Wonderland Festival of Lights, where the park is lit up for the season. The event is a core holiday tradition in Morgan County, designed to spread holiday cheer and community spirit.

Event atmosphere and location context:

• Held in downtown Martinsville, a historic small town with a warm, inviting holiday vibe. The main square is decorated with festive window displays.
• Jimmy Nash City Park becomes the central hub for post-parade festivities including the holiday lights display.
• The surrounding region — Central Morgan County — embraces the Christmas spirit with multiple festive events throughout the season.

Activities and schedule:

• 5:30-6:30 pm: Parade starts at downtown Martinsville (near City Hall at Washington Street), proceeding north on Jefferson Street, east on Harrison Street, then north again on Home Avenue ending at Jimmy Nash City Park.
• Parade features: Lighted floats, Christmas characters (Santa, elves, gingerbread people), community groups, candy giveaways.
• Post-parade: Winter Wonderland Festival of Lights at Jimmy Nash City Park with holiday lighting ceremony launching the light display season.
• The parade includes chances for kids to catch candy and interact with characters.

History and founding:

• This event is in its 3rd year as of 2025, making it a relatively new but quickly beloved tradition in Martinsville and Morgan County.
• It was established by WCBK, a local radio station, aiming to create a festive community celebration that brings together families and local organizations to kick off the holiday season in a cheerful and inclusive manner.

In summary, WCBK's Hometown Christmas Parade is a vibrant holiday parade starting in downtown Martinsville, full of lighted floats and characters, concluding at a central park where a festive light display begins. The event reflects community spirit, seasonal celebration, and joy for all ages. It forms part of a broader set of holiday events in Morgan County that celebrate Christmas traditions and local involvement.