43rd ANNUAL LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE
The Lakeland Christmas Parade is a time-honored tradition, enjoyed by the community for generations. The 43rd Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, December 5th, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. ROUTE, ADA info, etc CLICK HERE.
The event will start with a dazzling fireworks display over Lake Mirror at 7 p.m. As the first firework is launched, the parade will officially begin. Leaving the RP Funding Center, the 1.25-mile parade route travels down Lemon Street toward downtown. The parade then turns at Main Street to Cedar Street and winds around Lake Mirror, travels Orange Street and ends at the RP Funding Center.
The Lakeland Christmas Parade includes floats, marching bands, and decorated trailers. The parade will end with everyone’s favorite, Mr. and Mrs. Claus atop their sleigh. The theme for this year’s parade is Christmas at Swan Lake with each float incorporating the theme into their design. Each year, parade participants compete to win special recognition in eight categories:
- Most outstanding band
- Most original float
- Best professional float
- Best youth or educational float
- Best community float
- Best business float
- Best theme float
- Judge’s choice
The City asks that no chairs be placed on the parade route until the day of the parade. Fire Chief Doug Riley says, “We understand people want a good vantage point to watch the parade. Unfortunately, we have chairs blocking sidewalks and crosswalks days before the parade.” Police Chief Sammy Taylor adds, “This causes a major hazard, especially for those in our community that use wheelchairs and walkers to get around.”
The City will remove/relocate chairs that are totally blocking sidewalks, in the way of crosswalks and hindering the use of disabled parking spaces. “We understand the excitement surrounding this event, but we are also concerned about the safety of all citizens.” Riley and Taylor said, “Please, no chairs on the parade route before the day of the parade.” Chairs, tape, blankets, and other materials used to save viewing spaces will be removed if placed in public right-of-way before the day of the parade. Residents unable to make the parade in person are encouraged to watch live on Spectrum Channel 643, and FiOS Channel 43. The broadcast will also be streamed on www.lakelandgov.net and be available as video on demand.
This busy time of year begins on the first week of December with the Lakeland Christmas Parade, First Friday on December 6, and Snowfest on December 7. Santa’s Calling will take place on December 10 and the Holly Jog Jingle Bell Jog on December 14. The City of Lakeland wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a very joyous holiday season.