The City of Springfield is excited to once again offer free horse-drawn carriage rides through historic downtown square this holiday season. To streamline the registration process and enhance the event experience, registration will now be exclusively online at springfieldtn.gov/parksrec. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. this Thursday, November 21, and spots are expected to fill up quickly.

Carriage rides will be available from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on December 5, 12, 19, 20, and 21. Visitors are invited to enjoy a festive ride through the heart of Springfield's historic downtown, embracing the holiday spirit. Pre-registration is required through CivicRec, the same platform used for parks and recreation department league sign-ups, allowing participants to select a specific time slot for their ride. This new system will ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone.

“We’re thrilled to continue this special holiday tradition in Springfield,” said Assistant City Manager Candice Tillman. “In 2023, over 1,000 people participated in the carriage rides, marking a 48% increase in attendance, and we’re excited to continue growing the event. This year, by offering online registration, we hope to make it even easier for families to enjoy this magical experience.”

Along with the free carriage rides, participants are encouraged to shop and dine locally to support downtown businesses during the holiday season. For more information, visit the City of Springfield website here, follow us on Facebook, or receive email or text notifications by subscribing to Notify Me.

Key Details:

Event Dates: December 5, 12, 19, 20, and 21

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Registration: Opens 8:00 AM on Thursday, November 21, at Springfieldtn.gov/parksrec. (Creating an account in advance will allow for quicker checkout.)