Houston Christmas Parade: A Holiday Tradition

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than with a festive parade? For over 70 years, the Houston Christmas Parade has been a beloved holiday tradition, attracting thousands of spectators and participants alike. This iconic event is a testament to the city's vibrant culture and community, showcasing the very best of Houston's festive flair.

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, the city of Houston transforms into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a palpable sense of excitement and joy. The Houston Christmas Parade is the crowning jewel of this festive season, bringing together local businesses, community groups, and of course, Santa Claus himself, to create a spectacle that is not to be missed.

From its humble beginnings in the 1940s to the present day, the Houston Christmas Parade has grown in size and scope, becoming one of the largest and most popular holiday parades in the country. With over 100 entries, including elaborate floats, marching bands, and giant balloons, this event is a true spectacle that delights audiences of all ages.

History of the Houston Christmas Parade

The Houston Christmas Parade has a rich and storied history, dating back to the 1940s. In the aftermath of World War II, the city of Houston was looking for ways to boost morale and create a sense of community. A group of local businessmen, led by the Houston Chamber of Commerce, came together to organize a festive parade that would bring the city together and kick off the holiday season.

The first Houston Christmas Parade was held in 1949, with a modest 20 entries and a small but enthusiastic crowd. However, the event quickly gained popularity, and by the 1950s, the parade had grown in size and scope, featuring more elaborate floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus himself.

Today, the Houston Christmas Parade is one of the largest and most popular holiday parades in the country, attracting over 500,000 spectators and featuring over 100 entries.

Parade Route and Schedule

The Houston Christmas Parade takes place on the first Saturday in December, with the parade route stretching through the heart of downtown Houston. The parade begins at 10:00 AM, with participants gathering at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Main Street.

From there, the parade makes its way through the city, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Houston City Hall, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, and the George R. Brown Convention Center. The parade route is approximately 1.5 miles long, with plenty of viewing areas and grandstands along the way.

In addition to the parade itself, there are plenty of other festive activities and events to enjoy, including a pre-parade party, featuring live music, food vendors, and of course, Santa Claus himself.

Parade Schedule

• 9:00 AM - Pre-parade party begins, featuring live music, food vendors, and activities for kids
• 10:00 AM - Parade begins at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Main Street
• 12:00 PM - Parade concludes at the intersection of Milam Street and Congress Avenue

Parade Entries and Participants

The Houston Christmas Parade features a wide range of entries and participants, including:

• Floats: Elaborate and festive floats, decorated with lights, decorations, and of course, plenty of holiday cheer
• Marching Bands: High school and college marching bands from across the city and state, performing festive holiday tunes
• Giant Balloons: Giant balloons, featuring beloved holiday characters, such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman
• Community Groups: Local community groups, such as the Houston Food Bank and the Houston Humane Society, participating in the parade and promoting their causes
• Santa Claus: The big man himself, Santa Claus, making an appearance in the parade and bringing joy to children of all ages

Participating Organizations

• City of Houston
• Houston Chamber of Commerce
• Houston Food Bank
• Houston Humane Society
• Houston Independent School District
• University of Houston

Tips and Tricks for Attending the Parade

Attending the Houston Christmas Parade can be a fun and festive experience, but it can also be crowded and chaotic. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your parade experience:

• Arrive early: Get to the parade route early to secure a good viewing spot and beat the crowds
• Dress warmly: December in Houston can be chilly, so dress warmly and bring blankets and chairs to keep you comfortable
• Bring snacks and drinks: Bring snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the parade
• Follow the parade on social media: Follow the parade on social media to get updates and behind-the-scenes peeks at the parade preparations

Parade Viewing Areas

• Grandstands: Grandstands are available along the parade route, offering a comfortable and elevated viewing experience
• Bleachers: Bleachers are also available along the parade route, offering a more affordable and casual viewing experience
• Viewing Areas: Designated viewing areas are available along the parade route, offering a more relaxed and family-friendly viewing experience

Volunteering and Sponsoring the Parade

The Houston Christmas Parade is made possible by the generous support of volunteers and sponsors. If you're interested in volunteering or sponsoring the parade, here are some ways you can get involved:

• Volunteering: Volunteers are needed to help with parade preparations, setup, and teardown. Volunteers can also help with crowd control and parade operations during the event.
• Sponsoring: Sponsors are needed to help support the parade and its operations. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, from $500 to $10,000.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Parade preparations: Help with parade preparations, including setup and teardown
• Crowd control: Help with crowd control and parade operations during the event
• Float decorating: Help decorate floats and participate in the parade

Sponsorship Opportunities

• Presenting sponsor: $10,000
• Grand marshal sponsor: $5,000
• Float sponsor: $2,500
• Parade sponsor: $1,000

Conclusion

The Houston Christmas Parade is a beloved holiday tradition that brings the city together and kicks off the festive season. With its rich history, elaborate floats, and festive atmosphere, this event is not to be missed. Whether you're a longtime Houstonian or just visiting the city, the Houston Christmas Parade is a must-see event that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

So mark your calendars, grab some hot cocoa, and get ready to experience the magic of the Houston Christmas Parade!