The City of Rockwood is excited to announce a revamped annual Christmas celebration! City officials, Rockwood 2000, and Rockwood Civitan are partnering to launch the all-new “Rock’n the Holidays” event this year. The celebration will showcase updated Christmas lights (Angels), a new city Christmas tree, and a reimagined parade.

This year’s theme is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and participants are encouraged to incorporate the theme into their entries as the community gathers to celebrate with family and friends.

Traditionally, Rockwood’s parade has taken place on the Monday following the annual Tree Lighting. This year, both events will be combined into one exciting celebration on Saturday, December 6, 2025, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Homecoming Park.

Festivities at Homecoming Park

Rockwood 2000 will host the beloved Tree Lighting festivities, starting at 4:00 p.m.

Highlights include:

• Christmas music & local talent emceed by Scott Wilks of Wilk Production Studios
• Free hot chocolate for guests
• Santa will be available for photos with children and families
• Tree will be lit at 6 p.m.

Why the Parade is Moving Downtown

After years of challenges with the Gateway Route, including heavy truck rerouting, lineup difficulties, railroad crossing safety concerns, and insurance issues related to throwing candy—city officials have decided to return the parade downtown, as it was many years ago.

Important Changes for Parade Participants

To ensure safety and compliance with city insurance requirements, new rules will be in place:

• All participants must complete a participation form, sign a waiver, and provide proof of vehicle insurance (if applicable).
• Candy cannot be thrown from vehicles. Walkers may distribute candy by hand along the route or at the Sports Complex following the parade.
• Restrictions will apply to the types of entries allowed.

Parade Details

• Lineup: Begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Rockwood High School parking lot
• Parade Start: 7:00 p.m.
• Grand Marshals: Ron & Marsha Berry, followed by Civitan and Rockwood High School alumni classes. All other entries will follow.

Parade Parking Options:

• First Baptist Parking Lot, City Hall Parking Lot(s) Upper & Lower- Library Parking Lot, Church of Christ Parking Lot, Former UGO Grocery Parking Lot, Victorian Square Parking Lot, Former VA Clinic on S. Chamberlain or any other places where parking is allowed, but must be outside the Parade Route. THERE WILL BE NO PARKING ON EITHER SIDE OF ANY STREET THROUGHOUT THE PARADE ROUTE.

Participants will:

• Exit RHS parking lot via Hewitt Avenue
• Turn Left on W. Rockwood Street
• Turn Right on Front Street
• Turn Right on Truck Route
• Turn Left on S. Chamberlain Avenue
• Enter the Rockwood Sports Complex

After the Parade:

• Participants staying for activities at the Sports Complex will turn right into the main parking area.
• Participants wishing to leave may exit via the gravel drive to S. Chamberlain under the guidance of police officers, who will ensure safe departure.

The City of Rockwood is thrilled to welcome the community to this reimagined holiday celebration and looks forward to making “Rock’n the Holidays” a magical evening for all.

For holiday updates go to www.cityofrockwood.com or follow Rockwood Parks and Recreation on Facebook.