WILLIAMSBURG — The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) announced Monday that the Washington Commanders Marching Band will be marching down the streets of Williamsburg for the 2024 Believe Christmas Parade sponsored by Dominion Energy.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Washington Commanders Marching Band to this year’s Believe Christmas Parade! This marks the first time an NFL band has performed in our parade, and we couldn’t be more honored to have them,” said Terry Banez, CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. “Their participation in the festivities will bring a new and exciting energy to our parade as they lead Santa and Mrs. Claus in kicking off the holiday season. We invite everyone to join us for what promises to be a truly memorable event.”
The parade will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8 beginning at 5 p.m. in downtown Williamsburg.
The chamber also announced vocalist Liz Montgomery as the Grand Marshal, describing Montgomery as a world-class vocalist with over 60 years of professional experience and has captivated audiences across the nation and beyond.
Outside of music, Montgomery is a community leader who has served on a number of boards, committees, and organizations, it added.
A local tradition since 1965, the Christmas parade ushers in the holiday season with festive floats, live performances, and a visit from Santa himself. Garnering a record of over 21,000 spectators in 2023, the chamber said the early-evening setting provides a magical backdrop for illuminated floats.
Parade spectators are also invited to participate in the illumination by adorning light-up apparel and accessories.
This year’s theme, “Believe,” encourages participants to create floats that reflect what it means to “Believe” and show the world what it means to them this Christmas.
“Visit Williamsburg is proud to be a marketing partner of the Washington Commanders this season. The opportunity to connect with a storied NFL franchise fan base, the greater Washington, D.C. metro audience, and additional sports fans around the country, enables us to encourage this key tourism feeder markets to plan more trips to the Historic Triangle,” said Edward Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Williamsburg, Platinum Sponsor for the 2024 Believe Christmas Parade.
The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce thanked the sponsors that made it possible to bring the Washington Commanders Marching Band to the parade: Olyvia Salyer Realtor, Signature DJs, First Virginia Title & Escrow, Kathryn Sayler Design, Prestige Cabinets, OVM Mortgage, and Ridgeside K9 Tidewater.
“Thanks to the combined support of these sponsors, the GWCC is able to bring an NFL band to our parade for the very first time,” the chamber said.
