Prepare yourself for Jonesboro’s 77th Annual Christmas Parade

Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Dec. 5, 2024 – As participants put the finishing touches on their floats for the 77th Annual Christmas Parade, here are a few last-minute things for you to remember.

This year’s theme is “Movies on Union.” It will be Friday from 7-9 p.m. as many iconic movie characters make their way down Union Street in downtown Jonesboro. The parade will begin at the Burke Avenue/Union Street intersection (behind Skinny J’s), and it will end at the Union/Oak Avenue intersection.

Originally called “Movies on Main Street”, the name and route were changed in response to the temporary closure of the Main Street and Washington Avenue intersection due to the structural issues at the old Citizens Bank building.

Union Street will be fully closed to traffic at 5:30 p.m., however, with the exception of the Main Street and Washington Avenue intersection, there will be no other downtown closures, according to a post on the City of Jonesboro Facebook page. Parade-goers should arrive early to find their perfect spot.

Handicap accessible parking is available in the lot between First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church, at the intersection of Matthews and Main Street, with access from Main Street. An ADA-designated section is available on the sidewalk near FUMC. Look for the roped-off area just beyond the ECLC signs on the church.

The Snack Zone will be in the parking lot at the corner of Huntington Avenue and Union Street, next to the Jonesboro Radio Group building. Or parade-goers can choose from any of the downtown restaurants, which will all be open.

There will also be a Performance Zone located behind the First United Methodist Church. Best Float will be announced during the parade and Best Performance will be announced next week.

For more parade details, visit jonesborochristmasparade.com

The night will also feature a sneak peek at some JoyFest rides, including the Ferris wheel, teacups, miniature train and the ice-skating rink. Don’t miss Santa at the opening night of the Jonesboro Winter Wonderland, which is free through the season, Dec. 6-23.

Located at 215 W. Monroe Ave in downtown Jonesboro, Winter Wonderland hours will be Wednesdays through Fridays from 4-9 p.m., Saturdays from 1-9 p.m., and Sundays from 1-6 p.m.