The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va (VR) – Dozens lined the streets of historic downtown Covington on Saturday night as the 2025 Old Town Covington Christmas Parade dazzled the Alleghany Highlands with lights, music, and an outpouring of holiday spirit.
Broadcast live by The Virginian Review, this year’s parade embraced the theme “An Old Town Christmas,” filling Main and Maple streets from end to end with more than sixty illuminated entries. The celebration featured proud displays from local schools, churches, businesses, organizations, performers, and families.
Parade hosts C.W. Smith, City of Covington Parks and Recreation, and Julie Lewis from People’s Bank welcomed viewers to a night marked by heartfelt traditions and cheer.
“We’re thrilled to bring you up-close performances and stories behind the floats and the incredible holiday music magic created by our community,” Smith said.
Highlights included a moving procession from the Covington Police Department and the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, followed by the 2025 parade marshal, Rachael Thompson, this year’s Christmas Mother. Faith-based floats such as Fincastle Baptist Church’s “Tis the Night” depicted live nativity scenes, while Derby Dancers with special needs wowed the crowd, showcasing inclusivity and the power of community support.
Floats ranged from Callaghan Elementary PTO’s nostalgic Radio Flyer wagon to the Girl Scouts’ energetic procession, local fire and rescue squads, Dominion Energy’s tribute to linemen, and the always-popular Shriners zipping by in their classic mini-cars. Families cheered on the undefeated Covington B League football team, and classic cars by groups like Kars Unlimited and the Alleghany Cruisers brought a dose of nostalgia.
Smokey Bear of the U.S. Forest Service, cheerleaders, local dance studios, and a host of community organizations, including the YMCA and One Fight charity, added to the evening’s blend of entertainment and goodwill. The parade concluded on a high note with the arrival of Santa Claus, whose appearance signaled the official start of the Christmas season for Covington.
Parade organizers expressed gratitude to sponsors, volunteers, and community members. “Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and celebrated with us to keep the magical Olde Town Covington Christmas tradition alive,” Smith said.
To watch the parade visit: https://youtube.com/live/3T9R8Ib721E?feature=share
