A Guide to the 77th Annual Christmas Parade

The Annual Christmas Parade is a much-loved holiday tradition in the City of Temple. It's an unofficial starting point to Christmas, as nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a festive parade filled with seasonal favorites and Santa Claus spreading his Christmas cheer. 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 “Old Fashioned Christmas.” It is tradition for the parade to take place on the first Monday in December. The parade features lit, unique displays from local business owners, organizations, student groups, and individuals.

The parade takes place on Monday, December 4th. A special tree lighting ceremony featuring the mayor will occur at 6:15 PM before the start of the parade. The parade 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 tree lighting and 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. The Santa Fe Plaza will also have a tree lighting ceremony for the tree located in the heart of the plaza. Visitors can find many close parking spots in the Santa Fe Plaza area.

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. The downtown district is filled with plenty of restaurants and shopping. Visitors can shop around the local area while they wait for the parade to start.

Have more questions about the parade?  Find more information on the Temple Parks and Recreation website.

While you enjoy some time in downtown Temple waiting for the parade to start, don't forget to shop at local businesses, enjoy a meal, or check out other great spots to view the parade. Cha Community is open until 7 PM for those who want to sip on delicious boba tea as the floats go by. FoxDog, located just a block from the Downtown Christmas Parade route, will be open from 5 to 8 PM. Guests can enjoy drinks and purchase dinner from the Bahler Street Pizza food truck. Weird Doughs Bakery will also be open from 5 to 8 PM. Warm up with some hot chocolate and coffee and treat yourself to scrumptious Christmas cookies to get in the holiday spirit. 

The Parlour Antiques & Oddities will also be open from 4 to 8 PM. Stop by for Christmas shopping before you watch the parade!

Support your local businesses as you get ready to witness this wonderful, family-friendly tradition in the City of Temple!