Call Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, because the Lakeland Christmas Parade is back on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Whether it's your first year attending or your 44th — yes, it's been that long since the parade began — you won't want to forget these tips.

Made possible every year in part by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, this year’s theme is "Rocking Around Lakeland." Parade participants will compete for awards like most outstanding band, most original float, and judge's choice.

Pro tip: The festivities will kick off with a fireworks display over Lake Mirror right at 7 p.m.

Here comes Santa Claus

...right down Lemon Street. The parade route will begin at the RP Funding Center, travel through downtown, pass Munn Park, wind around Lake Mirror, and head down Orange Street to end back where it started.

Pro tip: Want to be one of the first to leave? Find a spot near the start of the route, north of the RP Funding Center, so you can cut out early.

Bookmark the map for easy access on parade night. | Image via City of Lakeland

Candy Cane Lane (closures)

Expect heavy traffic throughout Lakeland, and especially downtown. Road closures around the route may begin as early as 3:30 p.m., and past parades drew as many as 50,000 visitors.

Save the city's interactive map + our downtown parking guide for help in snagging a good parking spot. You can also find accessible parade viewing and spaces for vehicles with a disabled parking permit in the Park & Ride lot on East Rose Street.

The free Squeeze shuttle service has also run during parade hours in past years, so keep an eye out for details from Citrus Connection.

Pro tip: Parking further away can help you avoid the heaviest crowds, so head outside the downtown core for more options.

Anything left to save a seat before parade day may be removed by the city. | Photo by LALtoday

Trade Santa's lap for lawn chairs

From top to bottom, the parade takes anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours, so come prepared to get cozy. We recommend bringing a chair, plus blankets in case it gets chilly. Anywhere along the route is sure to give you a good experience, but we usually find a spot near Lake Mirror for a clear view of the fireworks.

Pro tip: You may have a favorite spot along the route, but the City of Lakeland asks residents to refrain from placing their chairs until the day of the parade + to keep sidewalks clear.

Home for the holidays

Can't make it in person? The parade will be televised on the City of Lakeland’s Facebook page, LakelandGov TV, Spectrum Channel 643, FiOS Channel 43, and Comcast Channel 5.

Pro tip: Use our community events calendar to find more wintry fun, minus the crowds.

Season's eatings

Come hungry, because there will be plenty to eat + drink downtown, from your favorite eateries to food trucks along the parade route. Head to The Joinery to stay close to the parade route, or grab a drink at Swan Brewing before the fun begins.

Pro tip: Some spots will close early to give staff the chance to attend the parade, so check your favorite restaurant's social media accounts for updates before making dinner plans.

Are there any pro tips we missed? Send yours in and we'll check it twice.