Gallatin, TN — Gallatin’s Annual Christmas produced by the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Primrose School of Gallatin will celebrate the spirit of the season this Saturday, December 9th. Over 100 entries will travel through downtown Gallatin, from Sumner Regional Medical Center to Gallatin High School.

An array of floats, performances, marching groups, animals and classic cars will provide spectators with an abundance of entertainment. Entries this year will depict interpretations of the theme “The Spirit of Christmas” – something we think is alive and well in Gallatin, Tennessee this season!

Young and the “young and heart” will enjoy a full display of parade entertainment, including local high school marching bands, an array of business and non-profit floats, animal entries, motorcycle and car clubs, and the star of the show, Santa Claus, presented by Volunteer State Bank.

Always one of the region’s largest and most spectacular parades, the Gallatin Christmas Parade is an annual holiday tradition that has existed for more than six decades.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal will honor a true local treasure, Sumner County Historian Kenneth Thomson. For all of his adult life - and even most of his teen years - this individual has dedicated his life to making sure that Sumner County’s rich history is preserved, known, and shared. He has been involved in the formation of many preservation organizations and initiatives, and has served on the boards/committees of many of the region’s historical assets.

“We are proud to celebrate an individual who is so important to Sumner County. He’s an asset in helping tell our community’s story and has been instrumental in preserving many historical sites and helping share the stories for future generations to enjoy. We are honored to have Mr. Kenneth Thomson right here in Gallatin, Tennessee and are proud to have him as our 2023 Gallatin Christmas Parade Grand Marshal!” says Gallatin Area Chamber President and CEO Kim Baker.

Starting at 10:45am, Gallatin’s own Danny McCorkle will be performing holiday music from the balcony of the Gallatin Public Library and around 11:15 a.m., Christmas music from DJ Ray Render will begin at an additional viewing location at 517 West Main Street. Emceeing the event is news anchor Scott Couch of Fox 17; Ray Render, the Deputy District Director for Congressman John Rose; and Brent Bruce, owner of Rancho Capital Home Loans. They will announce from the balcony of the Gallatin Public Library on Gallatin’s Historic Square sponsored by Simmons Bank as well as the lot of Oak Grove Farms Market (517 West Main Street), sponsored by Hoeganaes.

Judges for the 2023 Gallatin Christmas Parade include Nicole Bell of Gallatin Lifestyle, Brad Singleton of Prince Street Pizza and BriarScratch Brewing, Felicia Lewis of Unlimited Potential, Steven Carter Gallatin City Council, Lynn Johnson of Primrose School of Gallatin, and Brandon Webster of Exit Realty.

For those who would like to view this year’s parade from the comfort of their own home, they can do so via the Gallatin Christmas Parade Livestream, presented by Sumner Regional Medical Center and Macon Bank and Trust. The livestream will be available on the Chamber’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Gallatin Christmas parade steps off at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Saturday, December 9th.