A Guide to the 79th Annual Christmas Parade

The Annual Christmas Parade is a much-loved holiday tradition in the City of Temple. This year's Christmas Parade is one of the first holiday events happening in Temple, Texas, for the Holly Jolly Christmas campaign. While Christmas at the Plaza is the first event to start the Holly Jolly festivities this year, nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a festive parade to welcome Santa Claus to Temple, Texas! This parade is a family favorite and is a must-see event. Here's all the information you need to know about the upcoming Christmas parade.

The City of Temple Annual Christmas Parade is a family-friendly holiday event that has brought locals and visitors joy since 1946. The theme changes every year, with this year’s theme being “A Lonestar Christmas.” It is tradition for the parade to take place on the first Monday in December. The parade features over 100 lit, unique displays from local business owners, organizations, student groups, and individuals.

The parade will take place on Monday, December 1. It starts at 6:30 PM and lasts approximately 90 minutes.

The City of Temple hosts the parade each year.

The parade route has a total distance of 1.4 miles. The parade starts at the intersection of E. Adams Avenue and N. 8^th St., then proceeds west along Adams Avenue. The parade then continues in front of the Municipal Building and heads to N. 23^rd St. Finally, the parade disbands at Temple High School.

Visitors and locals can head to the downtown district of Temple to watch the parade. Viewing for the parade is street-side; visitors can watch anywhere along the parade route. Seating is first-come, first-serve. To get the best view, plan to arrive early and bring necessities for comfortable seating throughout the duration of the event.

Can't make it to the parade in person? Locals and visitors will also be able to watch the parade virtually through kcentv.com. 6 News will be live streaming the parade on kcentv.com, the KCEN 6 News mobile app, and the 6 News YouTube page. 

Visitors can park on street-side parking. Parking will also be available in the City Hall parking lot and downtown areas, such as the Santa Fe Plaza. Downtown Temple also has two parking garages located nearby. There are plenty of parking spots located inside the garage for those who prefer covered parking or if spaces elsewhere fill up. Be sure to arrive early to get the best parking spots. Parking for the parade is free and first come, first serve.

Bring lawn chairs, so you have a comfortable spot to sit for the parade. With the cold weather in store, stay cozy and bundle up for the event with blankets and jackets. Visitors should also make sure to bring extra cash as the downtown district is filled with plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities. Visitors can shop around the local area while they wait for the parade to start.

Have more questions about the parade or want to learn more about Holly Jolly and the month-long festivities happening throughout Temple, such as Christmas at the Plaza, visit hollyjollytemple.com!