It’s officially the holiday season when we start planning for the Christmas Parade, are we right? The free 39th Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade is happening on Thursday, December 5 in Downtown Lakeland, kicked off at 7 p.m. with fireworks over Lake Mirror.

A community tradition hosted by Junior League of Greater Lakeland, this year’s parade is themed “The Joy of Giving,” inspired by Lakeland’s nickname of “the Giving City” due to our community’s generosity. 120+ participants will walk in the parade, including floats, marching bands + decorated trailers; plus Mr. and Mrs. Claus. 🎅

The parade will leave from the RP Funding Center and travel down Lemon Street toward downtown, turn at Main Street to Cedar Street, wind around Lake Mirror, head up Orange Street + end back at the RP Funding Center.

Here’s what to bring as a parade spectator to amplify your holiday spirit:

A camera to snap pics of the festivities
Water + snacks to stay hydrated + not hangry
Your best (or ugliest) holiday sweater
A thermos of coffee or hot chocolate to pretend it’s cold outside
Chairs – but only on the day of the parade. Chairs/tape/blankets that are put out before Thursday and that block sidewalks or crosswalks will be removed due to accessibility hazards. Ⓟ
More details on the Christmas Parade here.