Christmas on the River facts for kids

Christmas on the River is a super fun, week-long festival held every year in Demopolis, Alabama. It's all about celebrating Christmas!

The festival ends with an amazing nighttime parade. Boats covered in bright Christmas lights float down the Tombigbee River in Demopolis. About 40,000 people come to this festival in Marengo County each year.

This special event has even been shown on TV! A&E television once called Demopolis the fifth "Ultimate Holiday Town" in the whole United States because of it.

History of Christmas on the River

Christmas on the River started way back in 1972. The very first event was a night parade of decorated boats. These boats, like big riverboats, floated along the river at a spot called White Bluff.

After the boat parade, there was a fantastic fireworks show. These main events are still a big part of the festival today. Over the years, more fun activities have been added. Now, the celebration lasts for a whole week before the big boat parade!

Exciting Events at the Festival

Christmas on the River kicks off with a play by the Canebrake Players. This is a local theater group that puts on a special show.

Throughout the week, there are many other cool things to do:

• You can hear a reading of The Christmas Story in the Demopolis Town Square.
• There's the Alabama Barbecue Championship, where teams compete to make the best barbecue.
• They crown "Saint Nicholas," which is a way to thank people who help kids in the community.
• You can watch the "Lighting of the Tree" celebration, where a big Christmas tree lights up.
• There are candlelight tours of old, beautiful homes.
• A community church service is held for everyone.
• The Alabama Boychoir performs a concert.
• Kids can enjoy their own Children's Day Christmas Parade.
• And for those who like to run, there's the Jingle Bell Run!

The Alabama Barbecue Championship is a huge event. Teams from nine different states come to compete. About 75 judges taste the food, and around 8,000 people join in the fun. This competition became the official state barbecue championship on December 18, 1991.

The "Christmas in the Canebrake" party is held the night before the final parade. It takes place at three historic homes in Demopolis: Bluff Hall, Gaineswood, and Lyon Hall. These homes are called antebellum homes because they were built before the American Civil War.

During the party, you can take special candlelight tours of these homes. They are decorated with old-fashioned holiday items. You'll see fresh fruit, green plants, yummy treats, and enjoy holiday entertainment from the 1800s.

The Jingle Bell Run is a 5K race for both men and women. It happens on the very last day of the Christmas on the River celebration.