53rd annual Christmas on the River
The first Saturday of December explodes with festivities as Demopolis, Alabama, celebrates its 53rd 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, the Alabama Barbecue Championship, the Children’s Day Christmas Parade, the Jingle Bell Run, live music, the Nautical Parade and fireworks and more!
When:
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Schedule of Events:
7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Fair in the Square at Public Square
11:30 a.m. | Day Parade
6:00 p.m. | Nautical Parade
8:00 p.m. | Fireworks
Where:
Day Parade: Walnut Ave and Strawberry Avenues
Other Festivities: Public Square, 201 N Main Ave, Demopolis, Alabama
For additional information:
Visit Christmas on the River or their social pages.
