Cambridge Dorchester County Christmas Parade

10/14/2026

🍬✨ Get Ready for a Sweet Holiday Tradition! ✨🍬

This year’s theme is "A Hard Candy Christmas," and we are ready to fill the streets of Cambridge with vibrant colors, glittering lights, sweet holiday cheer, and nostalgic magic on Saturday, December 5, 2026! Here's where you come in...

​Whether you want to deck out a float, drive a classic car, march with a group, or showcase your organization, we want YOU to be part of the magic.

​🗓️ Parade Details:
​Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

​Lineup: 4:00 PM
​Parade Starts: 5:00 PM

​Bring your sweetest holiday creativity to life and help us make this year’s tradition unforgettable.

​👉 Sign up your parade entry online today. Simply click the link below:
https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/hU01qfdWE6

🌐 Visit www.christmasparade.org for rules, updates, and more info!

​Let’s make it a sweet season, Cambridge! 🎄🍭❤️

Photo credits: Jill Jasuta Photography

​

10/11/2026

✨🎶 AIN’T NO STOPPING US NOW, CAMBRIDGE! 🎶✨Let’s honor our amazing Grand Marshal, Mr. Robert Batson ("Mr. B"), and our wonderful Junior Grand Marshal, Master Thoren Nash, with the absolute BEST Christmas parade our town has EVER seen! They deserve our VERY best!

🎄🥁To pull off a holiday spectacle that shows every other town what we’ve got, we need YOU. As a reminder, the Cambridge-Dorchester County Christmas Parade is 100% volunteer-run and completely funded by our generous local business owners, private citizens, and community do-gooders. Help us make December 5, 2026, unforgettable!

❤️ MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION: Online via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donatecampaign_id=Z4XMD6HYRELYN

By Mail: Send checks payable to CDCCP, Inc., P.O. Box 1083, Cambridge, MD 21613

🚗 JOIN THE FUN — SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY! We want high-quality entries to fill our streets! Bring your floats, marching groups, fire department apparatus, school clubs, queen units, and classic or antique autos. Register Online Here: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/hU01qfdWE6Let's

Let's make some holiday magic happen together, Dorchester County! Drop a 🙌 or a 🎷 in the comments if you're ready for December 5th! All the info you need is found here: www.christmasparade.org

AND, wait....there's MORE - but we're keeping more surprises under wraps for now!

10/10/2026

🎶🥁 THE SECRET IS OUT... AND SO MANY OF YOU GUESSED IT! 🥁🎶

We are beyond thrilled and deeply honored to announce the 2026 Grand Marshal for the Cambridge-Dorchester County Christmas Parade:

✨ Robert Batson — affectionately known as “Maestro” or “Mr. B.”! ✨

🥁🎶For generations, Mr. Batson has shaped the soundtrack of our community. A Maryland State College (NKA UMES) Class of 1965 Music Education major, talented bassist, and founder of the segregation-era R&B band, The Vibra-Tones, he is most notably celebrated as the legendary band director who graced the halls of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, inspiring countless student musicians. 🎷🎺

🥁🎶 His dedication extends far beyond the school band room. In 2009, Mr. Batson received the prestigious Ernest A. Lyte Award for his steadfast service and faithfulness to our county's senior citizens. For decades, he has been a true staple of our community and a profound, positive influence on the lives of so many.🥁🎶

Please join us in giving a massive, community-wide round of applause and congratulations to Mr. Robert Batson! We cannot wait to celebrate him on December 5, 2026, for our "A Hard Candy Christmas" parade! 🎄❤️

Drop your favorite "Mr. B" memories or congratulations in the comments below! 👇💬

🥁🎶 AND - just wait, because there are more surprises in store - like another hugely celebrated local legend who will be Mr. B's chauffeur for the BIG day! 🥁🎶

Thank you, Dr. William Lake, Jr. for providing us with contact info for Mr. B!

10/04/2026

🎵✨ MAJOR BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON... WHO COULD IT BE? ✨🎄

We’ve already announced our incredible Junior Grand Marshal, but we are keeping the main Grand Marshal under wraps just a little bit longer... and trust us, it is BIG. 🤫👑

Here are your only clues for now:🎶

This legendary individual has touched thousands of lives right here in Dorchester County through decades of dedication and as a beloved figure.🎺 The younger generations don't understand the hype!

Their name is synonymous with inspiration and community pride, and it has endured for decades, most commonly referred to as "the best ever..."

Any guesses? Drop your predictions in the comments below! 👇 We will be revealing the big name very soon!

📥 REMINDER: GET YOUR ENTRIES IN! Want to be part of the magic on December 5th? Float entries, marching bands, fire companies, and units are filling up fast! Submit your entry online:

https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/hU01qfdWE6 (Or download paper forms at www.christmasparade.org)

❤️ HELP KEEP THE MAGIC ALIVE

THANK you to State Delegate Tom Hutchinson AND Hutchinson Home Services, LLC. Delegate Hutchinson was found yesterday at another charity event and, as always, continues to be a leader of the pack in supporting local charities. Thank you, Delegate!

Our parade is 100% volunteer-run and 100% donor-funded! As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, every tax-deductible donation goes directly toward making this beloved Eastern Shore tradition possible. Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=Z4XMD6HYRELYN

Mail a Check: CDCCP, Inc., P.O. Box 1083, Cambridge, MD 21613

Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss our Grand Marshal reveal!

FULL Parade Information available at: Visit www.christmasparade.org

🥁🎄

10/03/2026

✨ HAPPY SATURDAY PARADE UPDATE — AND IT’S A BIG ONE! ✨
The countdown is officially ON: 65 days and counting until the 2026 Cambridge-Dorchester County Christmas Parade! 🎄✨

Join us on December 5th for "A Hard Candy Christmas"

1️⃣ FIRST: OUR HEARTFELT THANKS & DONOR UPDATE
A HUGE thank you to our recent donors, Jill Jasuta Photography and Mark & Randi Lowe! Thank you all for the parade LOVE! ❤️

As a reminder, our parade is 100% donor-funded and 100% volunteer-run. We still have a ways to go to reach our goal, so please consider supporting this timeless community tradition! Because CDCCP, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, your contribution is tax-deductible.

💡 How to Support:
Donate Online: Quick & easy via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=Z4XMD6HYRELYN

Donate by Mail: Checks can be sent to CDCCP, Inc., P.O. Box 1083, Cambridge, MD 21613 (Tax forms and EIN are available on our website, but we welcome donations of any amount with or without a form!)

2️⃣ SECOND: PARADE ENTRIES ARE OPEN!
Got a float, marching unit, classic car, or performance group? Get those entries in! 🚜🥁🚗

Enter Online Here: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/hU01qfdWE6

Paper Forms: Available to download and print at www.christmasparade.org

3️⃣ NOW... FOR OUR BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! 🥁✨
We are thrilled to introduce our 2026 Junior Grand Marshal: Mr. Thoren Nash! 👑❤️

Representing our county and city, Thoren’s personality is as big as his heart. At just two years old, Thoren was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Thoren also has Down Syndrome, which makes him EXTRA special. Through it all—and despite ongoing health challenges—Thoren has continued to smile, thrive, and remain a bright light of laughter and joy for our entire community.

Today, Thoren is a rambunctious, smiling five-year-old from Madison, MD, and the proud son of Christopher and Heather Nash. We can all learn a lesson in true courage, strength, and love from Mr. Thoren, and we cannot wait to celebrate him on December 5th!

Check out Thoren getting "Parade Ready"! Are you ready?

By the way, we're not done yet. If you think this is BIG news - wait, there's more coming! Santa is stocking his sleigh and has treats to come.

Join us in giving Thoren a huge congratulations in the comments below! 🎉👇

09/26/2026

🎄 **70 Days — But Who's Counting?** 🎄
Well, your parade committee certainly is! In just over two months, on December 5th, downtown Cambridge will come alive once again for the official kickoff of the holiday season, drawing our community's favorite (and largest) crowd downtown to share in the magic.

This year, we are thrilled to bring you a sweet and nostalgic theme: 🍬✨**“ Hard Candy Christmas”**! 🍬✨ (We MISS YOU DOLLY)

Stay tuned for some **BIG** 🎄updates in the coming days! Announcements of a slight change to the reviewing stand, our election of the Junior Grand Marshal and Grand Marshal, and much much more! The news is **BIG** 🎄trust us!

🎅 As one of our community’s most cherished traditions since 1946, this year's parade promises an unforgettable evening BUT ONLY IF YOU HELP! 🎅

🍬While we’ve already had a few wonderful donations roll in, we still have a long way to go to cover this year's event expenses and make our big ideas a reality. If you'd like to support our milestone parade, please visit www.christmasparade.org to find out how you can help!🍬

✨ **Want to join the fun?** 🔗 Register your entry here: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/hU01qfdWE6
We’ve already received some fantastic entries, but there’s always room for more! Submitting your float or group is quick and easy.

For all donation links, entry forms, and helpful parade details, visit us at:
🌐 www.christmasparade.org


Photo Credit: Jill Jasuta Photography

09/10/2026

School’s back in session, fall is in the air, and you know what that means—it’s time to talk PARADE! 🎄✨ We know, we know. We too are sad to see summer waning, but the PARADE makes it all worth stowing away the beach gear for the Christmas cheer!

Believe it or not, the "sweetest" night 🍬 of the holiday season is just around the corner. We are 86 days out, and the countdown to the Cambridge-Dorchester County Christmas Parade on December 5, 2026 is officially marching on! 🥁🎁

🍬 THIS YEAR'S THEME: A HARD CANDY CHRISTMAS 🍭
In loving memory of the legendary Dolly Parton, we're celebrating with a classic, sweet holiday spirit! Whether your entry features peppermint swirls, vintage sugarplums, or country charm, let's make this the brightest, sweetest night Dorchester County has ever seen. 🎤❤️

🍭Here is how you can join in on the holiday magic🍭

🍬 🍫 🍭 Enter a Float or Marching Group: Got a sweet idea for an entry? Register online in minutes simply click the link: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/hU01qfdWE6

💵 💰 Support the Parade: As a fully registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, your donations help keep this tradition glowing! Pay online via PayPal or print out a check-mailing form at www.christmasparade.org (donations are tax-deductible—check with your tax preparer!).

Drop your favorite parade memories and photos in the comments below! 👇

Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and spread the holiday cheer! ❤️

The Cambridge ~ Dorchester County Christmas Parade is held annually on the first Saturday in December each year. Once hailed as the 'largest nighttime parade', the parade continues each year as a timeless tradition throughout the decades.

08/19/2026

🍬 THE SWEETEST NEWS OF THE SEASON IS HERE! 🍬

🍭It’s official: Our freshly updated website is LIVE for the 2026 Cambridge-Dorchester County Christmas Parade! 🎄✨

Since 1946, this parade has brought pure magic to downtown Cambridge. This year? We're celebrating 80 years of tradition with our sweetest theme yet: "A Hard Candy Christmas"! 🍭🍭🍭 Vintage charm, bright lights, and sweet holiday spirit!

Want to bring a float, walk with your group, or showcase your business? Registration is officially OPEN!

📍 Where: Downtown Cambridge, MD (Race Street)

📅 When: Saturday, December 5, 2026

🔗 Register your entry here: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/hU01qfdWE6

❤️ WE CAN’T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU! ❤️
Bringing high school marching bands, dazzling floats, and Santa himself to Race Street takes a village. As a non-profit effort, every dollar goes directly toward safety, band stipends, permits, and parade logistics.

A massive THANK YOU to our early sponsors and donors keeping the lights bright! Special love to the recent generous donations from:
✨ 🙌American Legion Post 91
Susan & Sewell Matthews 🙌✨

THANK YOU for your generous support!

🍬 How you can help keep the tradition alive:

1️⃣ Register to march or build a float!
2️⃣ Donate to support the parade! (Tax-deductible!)
3️⃣ SHARE this post to spread the word!

👉 Visit our website for full details or to donate: www.christmasparade.org

💳 Direct PayPal Donations: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=Z4XMD6HYRELYN

See you downtown on December 5th! 🎄✨

🍭 SPREAD THE WORD - tell your family, tell your friends, tell your neighbor, and like and share! (And while you're at it, Wish your Chairman Bruce a Happy Birthday, and your Chair TEAM Bruce and Amanda a happy Anniversary)❤️😘

07/16/2026

The secret is officially OUT! 🤫🍬 Happy Christmas in July!

We are so excited to drop some massive updates for this year's parade on Saturday, December 5th in downtown Cambridge:

🆕 Our New Watermark: Gone are the numbered years! From now on, we're rocking: “A Cambridge Tradition Since 1946” (go ahead and do the math! 🎓).

🍭 The 2026 Theme: Get ready for a “Hard Candy Christmas”! 🍭
Start planning those floats and entries now!

Our team is busy updating the website over the next few weeks. Stay tuned for all the details—it might be summer, but we're officially under six months away from parade day, and OH what a night it will be!

💬 Let's stroll down memory lane: What is your absolute favorite memory of the Cambridge Christmas Parade? Tell us in the comments!

12/25/2025

The parade committee would like to wish a very happy birthday and Merry Christmas to our Grand Marshall Gary Hickman on December 25th