If you still have parade fever from Thanksgiving, Williamsburg has you covered.
The annual Christmas parade will be held on Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. on Richmond Road at Brooks Street, according to a Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance news release.
There will be around 100 floats and marching bands trailing down Richmond Road, celebrating the holiday season. The route will go through Merchants Square onto Henry Street, then end at the corner of Henry and Francis streets.
This year’s theme is “winter wonderland,” and will feature special guests Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. The Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance has hosted the parade for over 50 years, according to their website.
The floats come from various organizations in the area including civic, religious, animal groups, and commercial and non-profit organizations, the release said.
Although the parade is Christmas-themed, there will only be one Santa, and he will be saved for a special feature at the end of the parade. Registration guidelines ask other parade participants not to dress as Santa.
Residents from around the area are invited to watch the parade for free. The parade should only last about an hour but dressing for the weather is recommended, the alliance’s Facebook page said.
In the release, the Alliance advises spectators to arrive early and be aware that streets will close promptly at 7:30 a.m. There will be parking available in the Scotland Street & Boundary Street garages, the release said.
There will be no parking on Richmond Road leading up to the parade, chamber spokeswoman Michelle said. Vehicles will need to be moved by 7 a.m. Saturday. Towing will be enforced.
Dream Catchers, an organization that provides therapeutic horse riding lessons, will be featured in the parade with their horses, according to their website.
James River Baptist Church will also participate in the parade with a float filled with excited children, their website said.
For more information, contact the Alliance at 757-229-6511 or [email protected].
