Macon’s annual Christmas parade will return this December. See how to participate.

Halloween may have just passed, but Macon is already looking ahead to the holiday season.

Macon-Bibb County announced the annual Christmas parade will return to downtown this year on Dec. 15 at 4 p.m., according to a release from the county. This year’s theme is “Macon Christmas Jolly.”

The parade will begin at the Historic Macon Terminal Station, travel down Cherry Street, make a turn onto First Street, and then onto Mulberry Street to finish on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The county has invited local organizations, businesses and community groups to take part in the parade. To register, interested groups will need to fill out an online application on the county’s website. Groups will be required to pay a fee and attend an online meeting.

“This is a great opportunity for churches, dance schools, marching bands, nonprofits, schools, and more to participate in one of our greatest holiday traditions,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “Please join us in the parade or seated along the route cheering on Santa Claus and our amazing community partners.”