Ohio Joins North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Wisconsin in Rescheduling Christmas Celebrations – What It Means for Holiday Travel Across the US

Published on December 13, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

Ohio, due to extreme cold and heavy snow forecasts, has rescheduled its Merry Little Christmas Celebration from December 13 to December 20, 2025, joining North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Wisconsin in rescheduling major Christmas celebrations and parades due to adverse weather conditions. These weather-related changes are reshaping holiday plans across the United States, leaving travelers with the task of adjusting their arrangements for flights, accommodations, and travel routes. With snow, freezing temperatures, and rain impacting many regions, rescheduled events now offer a second chance for festive celebrations, but they also create challenges for visitors who may face higher costs and limited availability. As major cities and towns prepare for these shifts in dates, the ripple effects of rescheduled parades and events will be felt not just locally, but across the country, influencing the holiday travel experience for families, tourists, and local businesses alike.

Ohio: Merry Little Christmas Celebration Rescheduled

Original Date: December 13, 2025
New Date: December 20, 2025

Ohio’s Merry Little Christmas Celebration in Rising Sun, Indiana, has been postponed due to extreme cold and the forecast of heavy snow. The event will now take place on December 20, offering holiday lovers the chance to enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit from Santa, local holiday vendors, and sweets and treats.

For those traveling to Ohio to attend the event, it’s important to adjust travel plans in line with the new date. With the holidays already in full swing, many travelers will find accommodations in Rising Sun and nearby areas like Cincinnati and Columbus filling up fast. Therefore, it’s recommended to book hotels and flights well in advance. Weather conditions will also play a significant role in travel logistics, especially for drivers on snowy roads.

Besides Rising Sun, other Ohio Christmas events that have been adjusted include:

• Cincinnati’s Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo, which has extended its hours but had to alter specific light displays and events due to snow.
• Cleveland WinterFest has been rescheduled to accommodate safer travel and better weather.

North Carolina: Whiteville Christmas Parade Rescheduled

Original Date: December 6, 2025
New Date: December 14, 2025

North Carolina’s Whiteville Christmas Parade had to be rescheduled due to the forecast of rain and gusty winds. The parade will now take place on December 14, which is expected to provide better conditions for both participants and visitors. The parade includes local marching bands, themed floats, and an exciting Santa Claus appearance.

Other holiday events in North Carolina facing rescheduling due to weather include:

• Charlotte’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, which had been set for December 4 but was moved to December 9.
• Asheville’s Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum was pushed back to December 12, ensuring a dry and festive experience for attendees.

North Carolina, known for its warm hospitality, expects an influx of visitors during the rescheduled dates. Travelers should be aware that hotel prices might rise and flight availability may become limited as the holidays draw closer.

Alabama: Multiple Christmas Parades Rescheduled

Original Dates: Various
New Dates: December 7-14, 2025

Alabama has been dealing with unpredictable weather patterns that have led to the rescheduling of several key Christmas parades and celebrations. With cold fronts and rain expected, the following changes were made:

• Bayou La Batre’s Christmas Parade, originally planned for December 6, has been moved to December 13 to ensure fair weather.
• Satsuma Christmas Parade, which was supposed to be held on December 7, is now scheduled for December 8.
• The Dauphin Island Parade and accompanying Holiday Craft Market were moved to December 13, and the Tillman’s Corner Parade is rescheduled for December 8.

Travelers attending these events should keep in mind that hotel accommodations in Mobile and surrounding areas could be limited due to the influx of visitors rescheduling their trips. Additionally, winter weather often brings traffic congestion, especially in coastal areas, so travelers should allow extra time for delays on the roads.

Mississippi: Starkville Christmas Parade Rescheduled

Original Date: December 1, 2025
New Date: December 8, 2025

In Mississippi, the Starkville Christmas Parade was delayed due to snow and freezing temperatures that affected the region. The parade, which is a key part of the holiday season in Starkville, will now take place on December 8, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy live performances, local floats, and a visit from Santa.

Other events in Mississippi affected by winter weather include:

• Oxford’s Christmas Parade, which has been rescheduled to December 9 due to icy roads.
• Jackson’s Annual Christmas Festival also shifted its timing to December 12, featuring local artisans, food trucks, and live music.

With the rescheduled events, there is an expected increase in travel to Starkville and Oxford, which could lead to increased hotel prices and flight availability issues for those hoping to attend.

Georgia: Multiple Holiday Events Adjusted

Original Dates: Various
New Dates: December 7-13, 2025

In Georgia, a number of Christmas parades and events have been affected by inclement weather, forcing organizers to adjust their dates:

• Albany’s Christmas Parade was moved to December 13 after a heavy rainstorm.
• Americus Christmas Parade will now take place on December 9.
• Boston Christmas Event was also rescheduled to December 13 to provide safer conditions for guests.
• Cordele’s Christmas Parade was moved to December 15.

Georgia’s festive spirit remains high, even with these shifts. Travelers planning to attend these rescheduled events should expect higher traffic volume and more crowded hotels, especially in Atlanta, which is a central hub for holiday tourism.

Wisconsin: St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade Canceled

Original Date: December 5, 2025
New Date: N/A (Canceled)

In Wisconsin, St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade had to be canceled altogether due to a severe snowstorm. The city announced that it would not be rescheduling the event this year. However, other Wisconsin cities, such as Milwaukee and Madison, are still hosting Christmas festivities with no changes to their event dates.

For visitors who were planning to attend the St. Charles parade, it’s a disappointment, but Milwaukee’s Holiday Lights Festival remains a popular alternative, running throughout the month of December.

What This Means for U.S. Holiday Travel

The impact of these rescheduled Christmas events on holiday travel is significant:

• Increased Travel Costs: Many travelers will need to adjust their flights, hotels, and other bookings to match the new event dates. As a result, last-minute changes could lead to higher costs for both accommodations and travel.
• Accommodation and Hotel Availability: With the shift in event dates, hotel occupancy rates will rise, particularly in cities like Mobile, Cincinnati, Charlotte, and Starkville. Travelers may face difficulty in securing rooms at standard rates.
• Traffic Delays and Road Conditions: Winter weather conditions could make travel more hazardous. For those driving to rescheduled events, icy roads, snowstorms, and visibility issues are likely to create significant delays.

How to Prepare for Rescheduled Christmas Celebrations

If you’re planning to attend any of the rescheduled Christmas celebrations, here are some travel tips to ensure you’re ready for changes:

1. Confirm Your Reservations: Whether it’s your hotel or flight, be sure to reach out to providers to confirm your updated reservations.
2. Prepare for Weather: Winter conditions can change quickly, so make sure to check weather forecasts regularly and be prepared for delays on both roads and airports.
3. Book Early: If you’re attending a rescheduled event, make your reservations early to avoid inflated prices and limited availability.
4. Be Flexible: Stay adaptable to any potential changes that may arise. While some weather disruptions are unavoidable, staying positive will ensure you still have a magical holiday season.

Ohio, due to heavy snow and freezing temperatures, has rescheduled its Merry Little Christmas Celebration from December 13 to December 20, 2025, joining North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Wisconsin in rescheduling major Christmas celebrations and parades because of snow, freezing temperatures, and rain disrupting the original dates.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Resilience in the Holiday Season

Despite the weather disruptions across the U.S., the spirit of the holiday season remains unshaken. Communities in Ohio, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Wisconsin are adapting to reschedule their celebrations, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the festive season without compromising safety. With a bit of flexibility and preparation, travelers can still partake in joyous celebrations and create lasting memories during this special time of year.

By staying updated on event changes, adjusting travel plans, and embracing flexibility, the magic of Christmas can still be felt across the U.S., no matter where you are or when the celebrations occur. Happy Holidays!