Downtown Selma will welcome the Christmas season on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, with an evening of tree lighting, entertainment, a Christmas parade and fireworks.

According to the Town of Selma event schedule, the celebration begins at 6 p.m., with the annual Selma Christmas Parade stepping off at 7 p.m.

Families can make a full evening of the festivities by arriving early for the tree lighting and staying after the parade for the fireworks display.

Tree lighting starts the celebration

The Town of Selma has scheduled Christmas tree lighting and entertainment from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Selma Finance Building on North Raiford Street.

This opening hour gives residents a chance to gather downtown before the parade begins.

Holiday lights, music, and the shared countdown to the tree lighting make this a natural meeting place for neighbors and families.

The official town announcement describes the event as a community celebration to kick off the Christmas season.

For children, the excitement starts well before the first parade entry arrives.

Visitors who want to enjoy the entire program should plan to be downtown by 6 p.m. rather than arriving just before parade time.

The Christmas parade begins at 7 p.m.

The annual parade is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1.

The Town of Selma lists the route as West Richardson Street to North Raiford Street and East Anderson Street.

Spectators can choose a viewing location along the announced route, keeping sidewalks and intersections clear.

Past Selma Christmas celebrations have featured festive entries and a visit from Santa Claus, but the town's 2026 announcement does not yet identify every participant.

Local businesses, churches, schools, organizations, community groups and families have been invited to submit parade applications.

That invitation gives the community a chance to help create the holiday procession rather than simply watch it.

The parade brings together familiar faces, neighborhood organizations, and the season's shared excitement.

Fireworks are part of the evening

After the parade, the town plans a Christmas fireworks display.

Organizers encourage families to remain downtown for the finale rather than heading home as soon as the procession ends.

The official announcement does not specify an exact fireworks start time, so visitors should follow updates from the town.

Weather and other operating considerations can affect outdoor programs, making a final check worthwhile.

Want to be in the parade?

The Town of Selma is accepting applications for parade participation.

Businesses, churches, schools and community organizations are among the groups invited to take part.

Interested groups can download the 2026 Selma Christmas Parade application and review the instructions.

Completed applications are to be submitted to the town's events email address, according to its announcement.

Prospective participants should contact the town directly about deadlines, lineup instructions and any requirements not explained in the announcement.

Make an evening of downtown Selma

Visitors traveling from Clayton and other Johnston County communities can plan their arrival around the 6 p.m. opening festivities.

The Selma Finance Building is at 114 North Raiford Street, a useful reference point for the tree lighting.

Because the parade uses several downtown streets, drivers should allow extra time for traffic, parking and walking to a viewing spot.

Families may want to bring a warm layer and comfortable shoes for a December evening outdoors.

Anyone attending with young children should agree on a meeting place in case the group becomes separated.

Local shops and restaurants may provide opportunities to enjoy downtown before the celebration, although individual business hours should be checked separately.

Event details at a glance

The Selma Christmas Celebration takes place Tuesday, December 1, 2026, in downtown Selma.

Tree lighting and entertainment run from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Selma Finance Building, and the Christmas Parade starts at 7 p.m.

The route follows West Richardson Street, North Raiford Street and East Anderson Street, with fireworks planned afterward.

For the latest information, visit the Town of Selma's official Christmas celebration announcement.

Groups interested in marching or entering a float can review the parade application announcement and download the application form.

From the first lights on the tree to the last burst of fireworks, Selma's December 1 celebration offers neighbors a festive way to begin the holiday season together.