Call Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, because the Lakeland Christmas Parade is back on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Whether it’s your first year attending or your 43rd — yes, it’s been that long since the parade began — you won’t want to forget these tips.
Made possible every year in part by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, this year’s theme is “Christmas at Swan Lake.” Parade participants will compete to win awards like most outstanding band, most original float, and judge’s choice.
Pro tip: The festivities will kick off with a fireworks display over Lake Mirror right at 7 p.m.
Last Christmas
...there was a high-profile route shift to Lake Morton. This year, the parade is back to its original 1.25-mile route starting near the RP Funding Center, traveling through downtown, winding around Lake Mirror, and ending back where it began.
Pro tip: You may have a favorite spot along the route, but the City of Lakeland asks residents to refrain from placing their chairs until the day of the parade + to keep sidewalks clear.
Want to be the first one leaving the parade? Sit near the route’s start on Lemon Street.
Map via City of Lakeland
Candy Cane Lane (closures)
From top to bottom, the parade takes anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours, so come prepared to get cozy until it’s over and expect heavy traffic. Road closures around the parade route may begin as early as 3:30 p.m., and the event drew 50,000 visitors last year.
Save the city’s interactive map + our downtown parking guide for help in snagging a good parking spot. You can also find accessible parade viewing and spaces for vehicles with a disabled parking permit in Lot V at 161 E. Lime St.
Pro tip: Parking further away can help you avoid the heaviest crowds, so head outside the downtown core for more options. Citrus Connection’s free Squeeze service will also run from 2 to 8 p.m.
Home for the holidays
Can’t make it in person? The parade will be televised on the City of Lakeland’s Facebook page, LakelandGov TV, Spectrum Channel 643, FiOS Channel 43, and Comcast Channel 5.
Pro tip: For wintry fun downtown, minus the crowds, catch the 44th Annual Snowfest on the Frances Langford Promenade on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Catapult Kitchen startup MK Boba will be slinging teas at the Makers Market.
Photo by @mkbobatea
Season’s eatings
Come hungry, because there will be plenty to eat + drink downtown, from your favorite eateries to food trucks along the parade route. Head to The Joinery to stay close to the parade route, or grab a beer at Swan Brewing before the fun begins.
Catapult will also host a Christmas Makers Market in its parking lot from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring many of its members. Grab a bite from vendors like Pinoy Cravings, Our Noire Kitchen, and The Cultivated Pig while you shop from other small businesses.
Pro tip: Some spots will close early to give staff the chance to attend the parade, so check your favorite restaurant’s social media accounts for updates before making dinner plans.
Are there any pro tips we missed? Send yours in and we’ll check it twice.