The Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual Christmas parade and festival for Friday, Dec. 4, featuring a nostalgic 'Christmas at the Movies' theme. The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Mountain Home, offering activities and entertainment for the entire community.
Participants in the parade are invited to create floats inspired by their favorite holiday movies. The Chamber has encouraged businesses, schools, churches, clubs, and community groups to build floats that showcase iconic scenes, recognizable characters, and festive decorations with plenty of lights.
The festivities begin at 4 p.m. with festival vendors lining South Baker Street between Sixth and Seventh streets, marking the event’s return to the Baker District. Last year’s festival had shifted to the Farmers & Merchants Bank parking lot, but that lot will now host the Ultimate Auto Group Christmas Cruise-In, also starting at 4 p.m. off Main Street.
Music kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at the nearby Veterans Plaza, where DJ Peace will perform. At 5 p.m., the Mountain Home High School Chamber Choir will lead the audience in traditional Christmas carols. Both performances are presented by First Security Bank.
One of the evening's highlights, the First Security Bank Tree Lighting Ceremony, will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Veterans Plaza. This annual tradition, now in its eighth year, will include a reading from the Gospel of Luke recounting the birth of Christ, followed by a crowd countdown to light the tree.
The Christmas parade, sponsored by Danfoss, will begin at 6 p.m. Participants will follow the traditional parade route through downtown, typically starting at Hospital Drive and proceeding down South Main Street to the courthouse square. Floats will be judged near the courthouse stage, with entries evaluated on their interpretation of the theme, craftsmanship, and creativity.
Last year’s parade, themed “A Mountain Home Wholiday,” featured decorations inspired by Dr. Seuss. The 2021 parade, titled “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” was won by NEXT Powered by NAEC.
The festival concludes at 8 p.m. For those interested in entering a float or seeking further information, the Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 870-425-5111.