Naples Christmas Parade: A Holiday Tradition In Southwest Florida

The city of Naples, Florida, is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, warm tropical climate, and vibrant cultural scene. But during the holiday season, Naples transforms into a winter wonderland, filled with festive decorations, holiday events, and a sense of community spirit. One of the most beloved holiday traditions in Southwest Florida is the Naples Christmas Parade, which takes place every year in early December.

For over 40 years, the Naples Christmas Parade has been a staple of the holiday season in Southwest Florida. The parade features a wide range of participants, including local schools, community groups, and businesses, all of whom come together to create a festive and fun-filled celebration of the holiday season. From marching bands and floats to giant balloons and of course, Santa Claus himself, the Naples Christmas Parade has something for everyone.

History of the Naples Christmas Parade

The Naples Christmas Parade has a rich history that dates back to the early 1970s. The parade was first organized by the Naples Jaycees, a local community service organization, as a way to bring the community together and celebrate the holiday season. Over the years, the parade has grown in size and popularity, and today it is one of the largest and most popular holiday events in Southwest Florida.

Early Years of the Parade

In the early years of the parade, participants were mostly local schools and community groups. The parade route was shorter than it is today, and the event was more of a small-town celebration. However, as Naples grew and developed, so did the parade. More participants began to join in, and the parade route was extended to include more of the city.

What to Expect at the Naples Christmas Parade

The Naples Christmas Parade is a fun-filled celebration of the holiday season that features a wide range of participants and activities. Here are some of the things you can expect to see at the parade:

• Marching Bands: Local high school and middle school marching bands perform festive holiday music and showcase their marching skills.
• Floats: Community groups and businesses create elaborate floats, often with a holiday theme, which are judged for prizes.
• Giant Balloons: Giant balloons, often in the shape of popular holiday characters, are a highlight of the parade.
• Santa Claus: Of course, no Christmas parade would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself.
• Community Groups: Local community groups, such as the Naples Jaycees, the Naples Rotary Club, and the Naples Woman's Club, participate in the parade and showcase their community spirit.

Parade Route and Schedule

The Naples Christmas Parade takes place every year in early December, usually on a Saturday morning. The parade route runs through the heart of downtown Naples, starting at 10th Street and 5th Avenue South, and ending at Cambier Park. The parade begins at 6:00 pm and lasts for approximately 1 hour.

How to Participate in the Naples Christmas Parade

If you're interested in participating in the Naples Christmas Parade, there are several ways to get involved. Here are some options:

• Enter a Float: Community groups and businesses can enter a float in the parade by submitting an application and paying a small fee.
• Join a Marching Band: Local high school and middle school marching bands perform in the parade, and students can join these bands to participate.
• Volunteer: The Naples Christmas Parade relies on volunteers to help with setup, registration, and judging. Volunteers can sign up through the Naples Jaycees website.

Conclusion: A Naples Tradition

The Naples Christmas Parade is a beloved holiday tradition in Southwest Florida that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season. With its rich history, festive atmosphere, and wide range of participants, the parade is a must-see event for anyone in the Naples area during the holiday season. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting Naples for the holidays, the Naples Christmas Parade is an event you won't want to miss.