Rotary Club of Orange

Your Official Guide to the Rotary Christmas Parade

All the details for our 2025 “A Hallmark Christmas” Parade — right here in one place.

Overview

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Location: Town of Orange, VA
Theme: A Hallmark Christmas
Hosted by: Rotary Club of Orange, VA

The Rotary Christmas Parade is one of Orange’s most cherished traditions. Whether you're entering a float, watching from the sidewalk, or helping behind the scenes, this page is your central source for every parade detail — from lineup to road closures to event updates.

UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 28, 2025

Subject: Important Instructions for 2025 Orange County Rotary Christmas Parade Participants 🎄🚒

Dear Parade Participant,

We are excited to have you join us for the 2025 Orange County Rotary Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 6th! Please carefully review the details below to ensure a smooth and festive experience.

📍 New Lineup Location

Please note that the starting lineup area has changed this year.
All entries will now stage in the American Woodmark area.

📝 Check-In Details

Check-in will be at the Reynolds car dealership.
Look for the Rotary inflatable at the check-in area.
Lineup begins at 2:30 PM.
All floats and entries must be fully in place by 3:30 PM.
Parade steps off at 4:30 PM.

Next Wednesday, you will receive an email with your assigned lineup number. Please have this number ready when checking in at Reynolds.

🚦 Parade Route, Performances & End Point

The parade will begin with performances at Hardee’s, proceed through town, and end at the Orange Volunteer Fire Company firehouse.

🚨 Safety Reminders

All children must be supervised at all times.
No one may throw anything from floats, vehicles, or while walking. (Items may only be handed out by walkers along the route.)
The event is rain or shine, so please plan accordingly.

❓ Need Assistance on Parade Day?

If you have questions or need assistance on the day of the parade, please look for a Rotarian—they will be wearing Rotary apparel or badges and are there to help.

If you need to communicate something directly, please text me (text is best) at 540-287-9319.
Contact: Jessica Walters Thompson

📣 Help Spread the Word

We’d love your help in bringing out the crowd!
Please share the parade event on your social media pages and invite your friends, customers, and followers to come enjoy the holiday fun.
Follow and share updates from our Facebook page:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyVaRotary

🎄 Memorial Tree Lighting & Holiday Fun in Taylor Park

After the parade, join us at 6:00 PM in Taylor Park for the Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony—a magical community tradition filled with:

✨ Free crafts for kids
🎅 Photos with Santa
☕ Free hot chocolate and cookies
🎄 Holiday music and memory ornaments

Visit https://www.orangerotaryparade.com/ to learn more about the tree lighting and parade details.

Thank you for being part of this wonderful community tradition. We appreciate your creativity, effort, and holiday spirit! If you have questions before lineup numbers go out next Wednesday, just reply to this email.

Warm holiday wishes,
Orange County Rotary
Parade Committee 🎅✨

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Parade Entry Information

ENTRY FORM: https://www.orangerotaryparade.com/enter

ENTRY DEADLINE: November 28, 2025

All participants must complete the official entry form and review the guidelines before parade day. After you submit your form, you will receive additional instructions via email.

Staging & Lineup

Staging Location: Parade entries will stage along Belleview Ave., Spicer’s Mill, N. Madison Rd. and Montevista, with some entries staging in parking lots along N. Madison. Additional staging, route, and parade order details will be shared with each entrant’s primary point of contact well before parade day.

Arrival Times: 2:00p - 2:30pm

Lineup Categories:

Floats
Walking groups
Emergency vehicles
Bands
Equestrian groups
Specialty entries

Check-in volunteers will direct you to your correct position.

Rotary Club volunteers will be on-site to help you find your staging area and leave it in correct order.

Parade Route Map

The parade route will follow Madison Rd. from McDonald’s south to Main Street, go right/west on Main St to a left on Caroline St., and end/disperse from the Fire Department.

A printable version will also be available for participants and spectators.

Road Closures & Parking

To ensure safety, the Town of Orange will close certain streets during the parade

Parking:

There is plenty free parking in and around town.

Please plan ahead and arrive early.

After the Parade: Memorial Tree Lighting

Join us in Taylor Park immediately after the parade for the annual David Sherman Memorial Tree Lighting.

Your loved one's name will appear in the Memorial Tree Bulletin.

Purchase a Tribute Light (Deadline Dec. 5): https://www.orangerotaryparade.com/about-4

This holiday season, dedicate a light on the David Sherman Memorial Christmas Tree in Taylor Park in honor of someone special.

Each light shines in memory of a loved one — someone you hold close in your heart, especially during this time of year. Your loved one’s name will also be included in the Memorial Tree Bulletin, a lasting tribute to those we remember.

$30 — Your loved one’s light will shine brightly throughout this Christmas season.

$200 — Choose a Lifetime Light, and their memory will glow on the tree every Christmas season for years to come.

The tree lighting and celebration will take place after the Rotary Club’s Christmas Parade on December 6th in Taylor Park.

Deadline to purchase your tribute: December 5th.

Contact

Parade Coordinator:
Jess Thompson
jess@orangepaints.com

For general inquiries:
Rotary Club of Orange, VA
orangerotaryclub@gmail.com