MADISON – After cancellation in 2020 because of COVID-19, the Madison Christmas Parade will return in full capacity on city streets this year on Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.

The theme for the 2021 parade is “The Magic of Christmas.”

Organizers have asked parade participants to decorate their float, truck or other vehicle to follow the theme. Judges will rate the unit during the lineup on Plaza Boulevard and while the parade is mobile, Christina Jimmerson Cox said. Cox works as Administrative Supervisor / Madison Assisted Ride System or MARS Coordinator for the City of Madison Parks & Recreation Department, which is coordinating the parade.

Winning parade units will receive their awards at an upcoming meeting of Madison City Council.

Units in the parade range from children’s groups to churches and retail businesses:

* Service organizations – Madison American Legion, Post 229; Madison Friends of the Library; HEMSI; Distinguished Young Women of Madison; Distinguished Young Women of North Central Alabama; Alabama Law Enforcement Agency or ALEA; Madison Area Family Lions Club.

* Hobby enthusiasts — Rocket City MINIs car club; Cotton Candies Marching Krewe; North Alabama Zoological Society; Rocket City Twirlers; Rocket City Mustang Club; Emily K. Jimmerson, Miss Rocket City Volunteer.

* Local businesses — Opie Balch Realty; Amy’s Stuffed Balloons; Premier Bank of the South; The Beef Farm.

* Churches — Madison Bible Baptist Church; Movement Church; Knights of Columbus from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

* Bands – James Clemens High School Marching Band; Bob Jones High School Marching Band.

* School groups — Liberty Middle School Color Guard; Columbia Elementary School Drama Club; Bob Jones Air Force JROTC; Discovery Middle School Color Guard

* Scouts and other youth organizations — Cub Scout Pack 351; Cub Scouts Pack 8; Girl Scouts North Central Alabama, Service Unit 212; Native Sons and Daughters program; Cherokee Tribe (part of Native Sons and Daughters); Cub Scout Pack 83

* Candidates for political offices — Andrew Sorrell for State Auditor; Friends of Sheila Banister Campaign.

* Media – WZYP 104.3; NASH ICON 93.3; WHRP public radio 94.1.

Parade rules prohibit ‘live’ Santas on a float or with a unit. The ‘real’ Santa Claus is taking time from his busy schedule to ride on his sleigh as the anchor of the parade.

Units will leave from their lineup locations on Plaza Boulevard at 5 p.m. and proceed south on Hughes Road to the destination at Infinity Complex entertainment center, 100 Skate Park Drive.

The parade’s rain date is Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

Also on Dec. 11, the merchants of downtown Madison will host Open House at their stores from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The holiday season is the perfect time to shop local and ‘Shop Madison First’ for gifts at these charming shops.