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One of Lakeland’s favorite holiday traditions, the annual Christmas parade and fireworks, returns on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.
What: 44th Lakeland Christmas Parade
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, beginning with fireworks over Lake Mirror
Where: The parade starts on Lemon Street west of Florida Avenue, winds through downtown via Munn Park and Lake Mirror and takes Orange Street back to the RP Funding Center.
Who: More than 100 units, including floats and marching bands; as many as 50,000 spectators have attended in the past. The event is sponsored by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.
Theme: “Rocking Around Lakeland”
Weather: The forecast for Thursday evening calls for temperatures in the 60s under mostly cloudy skies, according to The Weather Underground.
Watch it live: lakelandgov.net/TV, Facebook Live, Spectrum 643, FiOS 43, or Comcast Channel 5 (PGTV).
Also read our companion article
Chairs: Spectators are asked to refrain from placing chairs along the route until Thursday. The city of Lakeland warns that chairs or other materials used to save spaces will be removed before the day of the parade.
If placing chairs on Thursday morning or afternoon, do not block sidewalks, entrances or ADA ramps or place chairs in wheelchair accessible seating areas, or your chairs may be removed.
Streets/parking: Streets along the parade route will begin closing at 3:30 p.m. The parade route will be completely closed by 6 p.m.
Public parking is available on open, non-parade-route streets, in public lots and parking garages (Downtown Lakeland Parking Map). Tips from experienced parade-goers to avoid the inevitable traffic jams at the end of the parade:
- Avoid downtown garages.
- Park several blocks from the parade.
- Remember that you cannot cross the parade route during the event, so park accordingly if you plan to leave early.
Accessibility: Parking will be available for vehicles with a disabled parking permit at the Park & Ride lot at 808 E. Rose St., east of The Joinery. That location will also have a wheelchair-accessible parade-viewing area available first-come, first-served.
Food: Around a dozen food vendors are set up along the parade route. The list of 2025 vendors is not yet available.
Length: From the time the first floats get to your location, the parade typically lasts about an hour and a half to two hours.
Security: LPD typically has 150 officers on duty at the parade.
Awards are given in eight categories: most outstanding band, most original float, best professional float, best youth or educational float, best community float, best business float, best theme float and judge’s choice.
Traffic: Lots. Expect delays getting home.
ALSO: LakelandMom publishes an excellent family-friendly guide to the Christmas parade with lots of tips for parade-goers. See it here.
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