October 18, 2023--Chincoteague Island, VA: Chincoteague Island will host the 43rd Annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade on December 2, 2023 (inclement weather date Friday, December 8) beginning at 6:00 p.m. This year's theme, "A Gingerbread Christmas", offers opportunities to 'bake up' creative and unique gingerbread house and gingerbread person entries for all to enjoy! Gather friends and family to participate in the parade or just come to watch.

The parade will begin at the intersection of Main Street and Maddox Boulevard, head down Main Street, and end at the old Fire House so attendees can see enchanting floats, bands, marching units, decorated boats, fire companies from across the Eastern Shore, equestrian teams, classic cars, and more. Keep an eye out for Santa too! Entries may stop at the Judge's Stand in front of Chincoteague Island Library for a short performance. 

The Chincoteague Police Department will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for their Annual Toy Run as they pass by during the parade. Please consider making a donation and help put smiles on the faces of less-fortunate children this holiday season.

Festivities continue after the parade at the Chincoteague American Legion Post #159, 4023 Main Street. Visit with Santa while enjoying refreshments provided by the Kiwanis Club of Chincoteague. Please note: There will be no awards ceremony! Winners will be announced on Facebook and the Chamber website and will be contacted by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce to arrange pick up of prizes. Find all the parade details and entry forms HERE. Entry deadline is November 19, 2023, so be a 'smart cookie' and start planning today!

Begin the day enjoying nature trails, walking the quiet beach, shopping in quaint galleries and boutiques, and feasting on bounties of the sea at our fabulous eateries and casual dining restaurants. Enjoy the Homes for the Holidays Tour and the Christmas Tree Village at the Museum of Chincoteague Island while you are in town. There is so much to see and do at this most magical time of the year!

Visit ChincoteagueChamber.com to plan an unforgettable stay in our seaside village creating memories to last a lifetime. Holiday events begin Thanksgiving weekend with the annual Tree Lighting and continue through News Year's Day with the Polar Pony Plunge. Our events calendar has all the details.