Since its debut in 1972, Demopolis, Alabama's Christmas on the River has grown into one of the Southeast's leading attractions.  People travel from coast to coast to see the floats that really float.  our 2012 festival takes place from Wednesday, November 28th to Sunday, December 1st.

   As in years past, we will gather to hear the reading of the Christmas Story, enjoy candlelight tours of our antebellum homes, see the crowning of St. Nick, and the famous championship BBQ cook-off.

Last year's attraction brought approximately 40,000 into Demopolis.  We hope that you will put Christmas on the River on your list of "must do's" for this year!

This Year

Christmas on the River 2011 is now a four day event packed with fun for our Demopolis area as well as for tourists from miles away. This is our 40th year of hosting Christmas on the River and our board concurred that we would chair this important event in-house. We will be revitalizing our floats for both the day parade and nautical parade. Our signature Elf float will lead the nautical parade on the Tombigbee River. Our day parade floats have been designed by Kirk Brooker and Ben Sherrod and they dazzle our parade goers. We are thrilled to have Demopolis' own Theo Ratliff of the Los Angeles Lakers as our day parade Grand Marshal. As part of our tradition we will have a new t-shirt design to commemorate 40 years of COTR. Don't forget to come to the Alabama State BBQ Cook-off where for an entry fee of $7.00 you can enjoy the live music and watch the competitors as they are cooking and stop by our courtesy tent for a taste of BBQ.

Our four day event kicks off with the reading the "The Christmas Story" and our city councilmen lighting the park in Public Square at 5:30 on Thursday. We will have the crowning of St. Nick which is an individual in the community that has focused their energy and attention on helping children. The announcement of the Special Child will also occur Thursday night. Saturday's festivities include the children's parade, arts and crafts Fair in the Square and a nighttime nautical parade and fireworks show.

Christmas on the River Schedule

Area Map

Just for the fun of it, put Demopolis on your agenda during your next trip through the Southeast. Demopolis is a city that takes pride in its rich Southern heritage yet it is surging toward the future with enthusiasm.

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Sponsor

Christmas on the River is sponsored by the
Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce
For more information, contact:
Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 667
Demopolis, Alabama 36732

(334) 289-0270
dacc.cotr@westal.net