The first Saturday of December explodes with festivities as Demopolis, Alabama, celebrates its 51sth annual Christmas on the River. Since its 1972 inception, COTR has captivated the hearts of those in and around West Alabama growing into one of the Top 20 Tourist Attractions in the Southeastern United States and named an Ultimate Holiday Town by A&E TV.
Christmas on the River began in 1972 as a night parade of decorated and lighted floats on riverboats along the river at White Bluff. This was followed by a fireworks show. These main events have continued and the festival has been expanded over the years to now include several functions in the week prior to the nautical parade.
Christmas on the River features many events during the week including, a reading of The Christmas Story in the Demopolis Town Square, visit with Santa at the Public Library, the Alabama Barbecue Championship, the “Lighting of the Tree” celebration, candlelight house tours, the Children’s Day Christmas Parade, the Jingle Bell Run and more!
Saturday, December 3, 2023
7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Fair in the Square at Public Square
11:30 a.m. | Day Parade
3 – 6:00 p.m. | Live Entertainment (Gospel, R&B, country, rock)
6:00 p.m. | Nautical Parade
8:00 p.m. | Fireworks
Day Parade: Starts at Pettus St and Walnut Ave, heads north, right onto Capitol Street, right onto Strawberry Ave, ends at Pettus St.
Other Festivities: Public Square, 201 N Main Ave, Demopolis, Alabama
Photos from COTR
For additional information, visit Christmas on the River.