Holiday Parades

From LoveToKnow Christmas

As Christmas season rolls in, holiday parades start cropping up. From local gatherings to televised parades, watching them is a great way to ring in the upcoming Christmas season.

Local Christmas Parades

Communities across the U.S. and the world host Christmas parades that celebrate the wonders of the season. Groups collaborate to come up with Christmas parade themes, carried out in floats, musical groups and walking characters. Churches, chambers of commerce, business groups, student clubs and hobby groups often put together the local parades and route.

To find a local parade, look for notices in your newspaper, signs on community bulletin boards and mentions on local radio stations. Plan to arrive between 30 and 60 minutes before the parade begins to get the best viewing spot.

These tips can make the most of your local holiday parades:

  • Mark the date on your calendar so you do not forget about the parade.
  • Wear several layers of clothing to keep warm.
  • Bring a blanket to put beneath you if you plan to sit on the curb.
  • Take lawn chairs if standing or sitting on the curb is not appealing to you.
  • Remember to take your camera and snap photos of friends and family in the parade.

Huge Holiday Parades

Hosted in the biggest cities and tourist areas, huge holiday parades are becoming more common every year. Many people consider the start of the holiday season by catching sight of Santa at the end of New York City's Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Whether you plan to watch a parade from the comforts of your own home or head out to see the spectacle in person, you should follow a few pointers to make the most of your parade experience.

Televised Parades

Watching a parade on television seems like an easy thing to do. However, if you want to see a particular group perform or float glide by, you must make a few plans. Host a parade viewing party and follow these tips with your fellow parade enthusiasts:

  • Have a second television set up in another room so others can watch football games if they choose, and you are not fighting over the sole TV.
  • Record the parade in case you end up missing something.
  • Start the party about an hour before the parade begins.
  • Have appetizers, brunch foods and Christmas cookies available on a buffet for people to graze on during the parade.
  • Dim the room lights if the parade features lighted characters and floats.

Get into the holiday spirit by asking everyone to wear his or her favorite Christmas shirt, hat or tie. Snap a photograph of the group and send it to them in a Christams card.

Attending in Person

Attending a large holiday parade in person can be an experience of a lifetime. Whether you head to the nearest city or want to see the Disney World Christmas parade while you are there on vacation, you will find plenty to “oooh” and “ahhh” over at these massive events.

Start by planning your trip at least a few weeks in advance. If you are heading to a tourist destination, you may need to book rooms and flights months before the Christmas season. Unlike local parades, you usually have to secure a spot for yourself hours before the parade begins. Bring drinks, snacks and activities, like a deck of cards or handheld video game, to keep kids busy and happy while they wait for the parade to start.

Depending on where the holiday parade is held, you may or may not need to bring heavy coats and blankets. Look online or watch a national weather report to find out what the weather is like where you plan to see the parade.

Remember to have cash on hand, as parking can get tricky in major cities. You may need to pay garage or lot fees. Leave credit cards and important documents at home, as it can be easy to get pick-pocketed in large crowds.

Last, but not least, grab a small camera so you can capture memories of the huge holiday parade you attended. Not only should you get pictures of the floats and parade entries, but snap a few of the kids, significant other and friends who came along, too.

Ring in the holiday season by watching holiday parades. Whether you attend one in your hometown, head to a major metropolitan area or watch it on television, you will feel festive and ready to proclaim “Merry Christmas” after the parade is over.

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