Downtown Conroe Association Takes the Reins of the Christmas Parade

CONROE, TX -- The Downtown Conroe Association (DCA) is preparing to take the reins of the sleigh as it assumes responsibility for the highly anticipated Conroe Christmas Parade, a beloved community tradition spanning 50 years. The parade previously hosted by the Conroe Friendly City Kiwanis Club and, more recently, the Conroe Noon Kiwanis Club, which recently disbanded. The Conroe Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 12, starting at 12 noon.

The Conroe Christmas Parade brings the community together each year with school marching bands, businesses, faith-based organizations, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, first responders, and veteran service organizations.

In recognition of the Kiwanis Club’s longstanding leadership and volunteer service to the community, the organization will receive priority placement in the parade, followed by veteran service organizations, including the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans. This year’s Grand Marshal is Rodney Pool.

The transition from the Kiwanis Club to the DCA represents a collaborative effort involving the City of Conroe, former Kiwanis members, volunteers, local businesses, and community partners. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the 2026 Conroe Christmas Parade will feature the theme “Americana Christmas.”

Grand Marshal Rodney Poole: A Legacy of Service to Downtown Conroe

Rodney Pool purchased historic buildings in downtown Conroe in 1999 and became the first resident of downtown Conroe in 2000. In 2001, Pool initiated the Conroe Downtown Area Association. For more than two decades, he has helped strengthen Historic Downtown Conroe by encouraging and supporting local businesses, organizing community events, promoting economic development, encouraging tourism, and highlighting downtown as a destination.

Pool is also an Army veteran and has been married to Joyce Pool, a former United Service Organizations (USO) member, for 60 years. His dedication to military service, community leadership, and the preservation of downtown Conroe embodies the spirit of the “Americana Christmas” theme.

A New Chapter for the Downtown Conroe Association

In 2026, Jason Franklin, founder of I Love Conroe, was elected president of the organization, offering an expanded approach to leadership, technology support, and organizational growth. The organization has been renamed the Downtown Conroe Association for simplicity.

“The Conroe Christmas Parade belongs to this community. Our goal isn't to change what people love about it. Our goal is to steward this incredible tradition, honor the years of dedication from the Kiwanis Club, and help it continue to grow for future generations. We're simply the next chapter in a story that has brought families together for decades,” said Franklin.

The presenting sponsor for the Downtown Conroe Association’s 2026 events is Barsh Auto Diesel Repair and Towing. Additional sponsors include Gullo Dealerships, I Love Conroe, 936 600 Dump, and Taylorized PR.

The Conroe Christmas Parade is chaired by Debbie Krueger, co-owner of Branding Iron, and Margie Taylor of Taylorized PR.“It makes sense for the DCA to transition into this role hosting the parade. It’s good visibility, it partners with the downtown merchants, and it brings JOY to families in the community and those visiting for the holidays. I believe it’s a win in every direction,” said Taylor.

Businesses, organizations, and community groups are encouraged to register as sponsors or sign up to participate in the parade on Saturday, December 12 at 12 noon. The parade is a collaboration with the City of Conroe and coincides with the Toby Powell Christmas on the same day from 11:00am-4:00pm at Heritage Plaza. All Free!

Registration is available at www.DowntownConroe.org/christmas-parade.

Christmas Around the Square Returns for Its 10th Annual Celebration

Before the parade festivities, downtown Conroe will welcome the holiday season with the 10th Annual Christmas Around the Square on Tuesday, December 1, following the City of Conroe’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Heritage Place Park, beginning at 6 p.m.

Local merchants will offer Christmas treats and refreshments, while families can enjoy Santa’s Workshop, Reindeer Games, Letters to Santa, face painting, and a visit with Santa at Mimi’s on Main.

As soon as the Christmas tree is illuminated at Heritage Place Park, students from the Jazz Connection will begin performing Christmas music at Founder’s Plaza, surrounded by a festive display of lights. The music will continue throughout the evening.

Families are encouraged to pick up a ticket for the 8 p.m. drawing at Founder’s Plaza, featuring bicycles and other prizes. Participants must be present to win.

Both events are offered free of charge by the City of Conroe and the Downtown Conroe Association. Tickets for the prize drawing and tokens for voting for your favorite holiday window display will be available at four information booths located at:

• Main Street and Highway 105

• San Jacinto Street and Metcalf Street

• Thompson Street and Simonton Street

• Main Street and Metcalf Street, near Founder’s Plaza Park

Christmas Around the Square will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the bicycle giveaway beginning at 8 p.m. Winners must be present to claim their prizes.

Additional holiday activities throughout downtown will include:

• Holiday Hayride: A hayride will begin and end at the Bus Depot on Metcalf Street, across from the Owen Theatre.

• Christmas Music: The Jazz Connection will perform at Founder’s Plaza Park, while the Montgomery County Choral Society will sing Christmas carols near the Nativity scene on Simonton Street, near the Courthouse Square.

• Street Dance: Caleb and the Ho Ho Ho Homegrown Tomatoes will perform on Simonton Street.

• Meet the Disney Princesses: Families can visit Disney princesses at Dragon Bowl C on Main Street while waiting to see Santa.

All activities are free!

Celebrating the Holidays in Historic Downtown Conroe

Christmas Around the Square and the Conroe Christmas Parade are two of the biggest holiday events in downtown Conroe, but the festivities don’t stop there. Families can enjoy additional events throughout December, with activities taking place every weekend including the new walkable Christmas Light Display at Founder’s Plaza each Thursday through Saturday until December 26. Walk the light display, see a live performance of “A Christmas Story” or “Miracle on 34th Street” at the community theatres, eat a meal at one of the restaurants, or hear live music all within a block of each venue! Downtown Conroe is the destination for families this Christmas!

For a complete calendar of holiday events, visit www.DowntownConroe.org

Join the Downtown Conroe Association in bringing JOY to Conroe and creating a Christmas to Remember!