There’s just something exciting about the Christmas season — cooler temperatures, the excitement of gift buying, family time together and tree lightings. Christmas parades are popular in many cities across the country, and nothing will get you in the mood for the season faster. Here are a selection of not-to-be-missed celebrations in different parts of the country for 2017.
Branson, Missouri
This Ozark town’s Adoration Celebration Parade will be on December 3rd this year, and starts with the annual lighting of the town’s large nativity scene, which overlooks Lake Taneycomo. This parade is billed as celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, and not the commercial version that is seen in many places. There will be floats, an appearance from St. Nick, and performances by local high school marching bands.
St. Augustine, Florida
This historic town on the Atlantic coast will celebrate its 63rd (!) annual Christmas Parade at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 2nd. This event can be seen from the city’s quaint downtown streets, and photos with Santa will be available for all at the conclusion of the route. Marching bands, floats, and horse-drawn carriages will all be a part of the festivities.
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California
All your favorite Disney characters parade down Main Street, U.S.A. each night starting in November 2017. Mickey and Minnie will be there, as will a slew of princesses, Santa Claus, and characters from Disney movies like Toy Story and Frozen. The parade includes music, dancers and entertainment for all ages.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth, a German enclave in east-central Michigan, is known for its year-round Christmas shops, so it’s a great place to visit whenever you’re in a Christmas mood. Their annual Holiday Celebration & Candlewalk is scheduled for the evening of November 24th. It will start with hot chocolate and cookies, and its followed by a mass candle walk from the city’s River Place Shops to the Chamber Platz for the celebratory lighting of the Tannenbaum. You also must visit Bronner’s Christmas Store (pictured), the world’s largest Christmas store.
Nashville
This city’s 64th annual Christmas Parade kicks off on Saturday, December 2nd. In addition to this year’s Grand Marshall, Kelly Clarkson, there are plenty of other celebrities to see, including country singers Jo Dee Messina, Julie Roberts and Ty Herndon. You’ll see bands, parade floats, balloons, the Titans cheerleaders, and much more.
Universal Studios, Orlando
From December 3 – 18 this year, the Universal’s Holiday Parade (formerly known as the Macy’s Holiday Parade) kicks off at 5 p.m. each night. The route winds around the Universal Studios theme park, and will feature popular floats from Shrek, Madagascar, the Minions from Despicable Me. Did we mention that Santa Claus will also be there? Other related activities include a tree lighting ceremony and performances from the New York City Rockettes. Also, for Harry Potter fans, Universal will be featuring its first-ever holidays at its Harry Potter-themed parks.
Whitefish, Montana
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more charming Western town than Whitefish. And this region has a unique tradition each Christmas Eve. At the nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort, Santa makes his way down the mountain slopes on skis at 6 p.m., followed by a fiery torch-lit parade of revelers. Attendees are encouraged to bring one Christmas gift for their child, and Santa will present it to them, for some extra special magic.
Philadelphia
The unusual Parade of Lights, held in early December, happens at the Delaware River waterfront each year. Yes, you guessed it—it’s a boat parade, with all sorts of vessels decked out in lights and seasonal decorations. Before the festivities begin, you can pre-party at the Independence Seaport Museum, for additional holiday activities for the family, such as face painting, Santa appearances, music, and a lot more.
Written by Paul Heney