The holidays are now in full swing with families gathering and looking for fun things to do together. To me there is nothing like a good ol’ fashioned parade to get us all in the mood. Our friends with Eventcrazy.com have provided this list of cool events for the holidays.
Ferndale Christmas Lighted Tractor Parade
Dec 13, 2015
Downtown Ferndale, CA95536
Since 1993. Local farmers and ranchers parade fancifully decorated tractors and tractor-drawn wagons depicting holiday scenes down the Victorian Village’s historic Main Street for a sparkling country Christmas celebration!
Timber Trucker Light Parade and Winter Festival
Dec 12, 2015
Main Street John Day, OR97845
Since 1994. The Myrtle Creek Winter Festival is co- sponsored by the Myrtle Creek~Tri City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club. It is held each year in conjunction with the Timber Trucker’s Light Parade. The Winter Festival brings hundreds of people to downtown Myrtle Creek to enjoy free chili, hot cider and coffee. Visitors can also enjoy the City Christmas tree and a live Nativity scene and can shop at businesses that stay open late during this community event. When the parade vehicles arrive, they park along Main Street and some side streets where visitors can view them up close, take photographs, and chat with the drivers. Photo supplied courtesy of the Blue Mountain Eagle.
2,000 Attendees
Los Posadas Nativity Procession
Dec 13, 2015
Downtown Columbia Columbia, CA95310
Since 1983. Las Posadas is a Spanish tradition that re-enacts the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem on the original Christmas Eve. Since the beginning, the people of Columbia have put on their own version of Las Posadas each December–with a distinctive 1850s flavor. ColumbiaStateHistoricPark is decorated for the Christmas season with traditional Christmas boughs and wreaths, and the ambiance is enhanced with luminaries on Main Street, lighting the way for the evening procession. The Mirth and Glee Carolers, in period costume, provide music for the event, and on-lookers participate also in this touching Columbia Christmas tradition–singing Christmas carols by candlelight. The cast of characters includes Mary riding on a mule led by Joseph, angels, the three Wise Men, tax collector, Innkeeper, gold miners as shepherds, townspeople in 1850s costume, and of course, the baby Jesus. Columbia’s Las Posadas was created by the Harry Wright family of Columbia, and they are again the directors for this “magical” event.
Baytowne Holiday Lantern Parade
Dec 12, 2015
Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Destin, FL32550
Since 2008. In celebration of the holiday season, The Village of Baytowne Wharf presents the Holiday Paper Lantern Parade. This community event will feature commissioned paper lanterns in the shapes of iconic symbols of the holiday season and the Sandestin homeowners with their lighted golf carts. We invite all individuals and groups to participate by making their own paper lanterns. The parade kicks off with a performance from Tuba Christmas.
Santa on the Chimney
Dec 12, 2015
Chimney Rock Park Chimney Rock, NC28720
Of all the chimneys in the entire world, Santa likes ours the best. How is Santa able to climb down millions of chimneys around the world in a single night? He practices, of course. Witness Santa’s daring stunt as he practices on one of the world’s largest chimneys with multiple 200-foot rappels! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities, plus meet live critters. Sponsored by Coffee on the Rocks in Chimney Rock Village.
Luminaria Nights
Dec 11, 2015 – Dec 13, 2015
Tucson Botanical Gardens Tucson, AZ85712
Since 1987. A festive Tucson holiday tradition, adults and children can visit with Santa Claus, wander the garden paths listening to live holiday music, and bask in the glow of thousands of luminarias and twinkling lights. Hot chocolate, libations and holiday treats will be offered and food from a variety of vendors will be available for purchase. New this year – guests can enjoy Nature Connects, Art with LEGO Bricks during the event. Luminaria Nights is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season and create lasting memories and traditions.
The Twelve Days of Winter
Nov 21, 2015 – Jan 03, 2016
Penitentiary Glen Reservation Kirtland, OH44094
A wonderful place for the holiday season. On the first Day of Winter, the season gave to me, the snow falling on a pine tree. On the second Day of Winter, the season gave to me… So, sing and play along on the indoor winter wonderland at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Get in the action of The Wild Days of Winter on a life-sized game board, Play just like Candy Land, but with a natural twist On a life-sized game board, discover the many “natural” flavors that nature gives us as you play along and travel through the seasons in our indoor wonderland. Draw a card, move from space to space, and explore nature through the year.
Santa Lucia Fest
Dec 13, 2015
First Lutheran Church Bemidji, MN56619
Traditional Swedish ’Festival of Lights’ celebrated each December 13th. The festival includes the ‘Crown of Candles’ procession followed by a customary breakfast ushering in the Christmas season. Tentative Ticket Price: $18 adults, $6 children – Must be purchased by Dec 9 Available at Kelsey’s Jewelry downtown Bemidji and Ken K Thompson Jewelry – downtown and Mall locations. Not available at door
Living Windows
Dec 10, 2015
Downtown Burlington, IA52601
Since 1999. Presented by Two Rivers Bank and Trust. Living Windows features more than 60 Downtown window fronts and includes drama clubs, carolers, church choirs, a live Nativity, storytellers, Santa and Mrs. Claus, free horse- drawn trolley rides and lots of complimentary food and hot beverages. Join us to experience a magical night in Downtown Burlington! Dozens of storefronts will come alive during the Living Windows celebration! This huge holiday event sponsored by TDandT Financial Group includes carolers, story readings, crafts, decorations, gingerbread houses, free horse drawn carriage rides, and much more. Santa Claus will also be on hand at his cottage in NancyNeafiePark at Sixth and Jefferson. Living Windows has become one of Southeast Iowa’s favorite holiday events and includes complimentary food and beverages at many downtown stores. It’s a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, see friends and enjoy the holiday season.
Collingswood Fire Department Parade of Lights
Dec 11, 2015
Haddon Avenue Business District Collingswood, NJ08108
While local fire departments throughout the region host their own parade of lights events, Collingswood will feature appearances from towns like Westmont, Audubon, Oaklyn, PennsaukenTownship, Runnemede and Blackwood, among others. The parade features trucks strung in lights and holiday decorations. At an estimated 3,000 lights per truck, The parade will feature a total of 100,000-some lights on Friday evening. The parade route follows that of the Collingswood Holiday Parade— beginning at Zane Avenue, continuing along Haddon Avenue and finally ending at Homestead Avenue.
Christmas Equestrian Parade
Dec 13, 2015
Columbia State Historic Park Columbia, CA95310
This all-equestrian holiday parade on Columbia’s Main Street is open to horses, mules, donkeys, miniatures, ponies, and draft horses, their riders, drivers or leaders of all ages, as well as equine-drawn wagons and carriages. The parade’s toy drive benefits Amador-Tuolumne County Action Agency’s Housing Families Program. Step back in time in the famous working Gold Rush town of Columbia and enjoy a visit from Santa while participating in or watching the largest non-motorized parade in Northern California. Add color and fun to your holiday season. Join us for the Columbia State Park Christmas Parade!
Santa Hustle Smokies
Dec 13, 2015
Wilderness Resort and Waterpark Sevierville, TN37876
Be a part of one of the largest growing races as thousands of Santas will hit the streets of Sevierville at the Annual Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5k Run/Walk at the Wilderness Resort. Every participant will receive a free Santa hat, beard, and customized Santa shirt to wear while running. With outrageous holiday decorations, festive music, and a large after party.
3,000 Attendees
Santa to the Sea Half Marathon and 5k
Dec 13, 2015
Santa Statue Oxnard, CA93036
The Annual Santa to the Sea half marathon and relay race will be Dec. 13! The Santa to the Sea half marathon begins at the giant Santa located at 2801 Ventura Blvd., Oxnard and ends at Marine Emporium Landing in Channel IslandsHarbor. The race starts at 8 a.m. Participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy (of at least a $10 value) to the starting line; all proceeds and gifts will be donated to the annual toy giveaway at Santa Park. Race participants can take part in one of four races: half marathon, two-person relay, 5K run and 1K kids fun run. All participants must register before the race; there is no race-day registration. For more information or to register, visit www.santatothesea.com, or call Mike Barber at (805) 485-7233.
3,500 Attendees
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