Christmas on the River 2023 underway this week in Demopolis

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

The 52nd annual Christmas-on-the-River — is underway all this week in the city Demopolis. And organizers are inviting everyone over to the River City — to enjoy the festivities.

Christmas on the River — is a Christmas tradition in Demopolis.

“Just gets bigger and bigger — and a little better and a little better,” said COTR Chairman Andy Renner.

“We do keep a lot of the stuff that a lot of people have grown to enjoy but we try to add a little something every year.”

COTR is a week-long celebration featuring over a dozen separate events — that thousands of people come out and enjoy each year.

It’s sort of like — a Christmas present from the people of Demopolis.

“It is like a Christmas present. It is definitely a labor of love and thousands of hours go into this,” said Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Monica King.

“It’s been listed in the top 50 events in the southeast, top 20 in the state,” said Renner.

“There’s something every night.”

Activities include — a tour of historical homes — the Fair on the Square — a 5-K run — a Bar B-Q Cook Off — a day-time street parade — a night-time nautical parade on the Tombigbee River — followed by a fireworks show — a gala — and a dance.

“There’s many different aspects that they can venture into and go check out in Demopolis. It’s full, full of nice little surprises,” said King.

“We had a really good year last year. And we anticipate a big, big crowd this year, even, even, even if it rains,” said Renner.

Organizers estimate that over 50,000 people attended Christmas-on-the-River last year.