Jumpstart Your Holiday Season at The Staunton Christmas Parade!

A mother in an orange dress nuzzles noses with her young son in a white sweater in a park in fall at sunset after the staunton christmas parade

‘Tis the season to be merry, holly jolly, and in the spirit of Christmas, and what better way to kickstart your festive cheer than by attending a Christmas parade? As the weather grows more crisp and the streets come alive with twinkling lights, a parade is just the thing to bring a community together to celebrate in style. The Staunton Christmas Parade is a beautiful way to jumpstart your holiday season. This year’s theme, “A Cozy Christmas,” will warm your heart with a healthy dose of nostalgia, gratitude, and love. 

About The Staunton Christmas Parade

The Staunton Downtown Development Association, or SDDA, is an organization that has been working hard to revitalize Downtown Staunton into a thriving community hub. They have always seen its potential as a gathering place where people in the community can come together to explore, shop, dine, and “experience the rich heritage and charm of the area.” Over the years, they have been working on collaborative and strategic initiatives showing locals and visitors what a fantastic place Downtown Staunton is! 

Today, thanks in no small part to the SDDA’s efforts, Downtown Staunton has come alive with local restaurants, shops, and businesses that represent the vibrancy and success of our small town. Additionally, they have created a calendar of fabulous events designed to engage the community throughout the year and showcase just how awesome Downtown Staunton truly is. The Staunton Christmas Parade is one of those beloved events! 

Mom and dad kiss while standing in a park path in full fall colors with their four children hugging them

Parade Details

The 2023 Staunton Christmas Parade typically takes place at the end of November as an official kickoff to the holiday season. It has become quite the beloved holiday tradition for Staunton families and has found its place as one of the more popular events created by the SDDA. Typically, over 100 organizations and businesses participate, sponsoring floats or displays that make their way through the streets of downtown Staunton. In fact, they’re still accepting participants, so if you want to experience the parade in a new way this year, you can submit to be included! 

The Christmas parade is a great way to engage your family, young and old, in holiday cheer. From live music to familiar characters to beloved local businesses, it’s truly a celebration of what promises to be another sensational Christmas season. Be sure to bundle up and head downtown early to find the perfect spot for parade-watching. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate or spiced cider for an extra special treat, or bring a cozy blanket to adhere to this year’s “A Cozy Christmas” theme!

A young girl in a blue dress leans against her father in a white sweater in a park at sunset staunton christmas parade

Specialty

Nothing kicks off the holiday season quite like a sighting of Christmas’s most famous couple. The Staunton Christmas Parade is the place for your first view of none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus! Wave hello as they make their way through the streets of Downtown Staunton before heading back up to the North Pole to prepare for the busy holiday season. Once you spot them, you’ll truly be in the Christmas spirit! 

Staunton Christmas Parade

Whether you’re a resident of Staunton or just passing through, the Staunton Christmas Parade is a fabulous way to celebrate the beginning of this beautiful season. Pack the car with your favorite people and your coziest accouterment, and head on down to watch the parade! 

Don’t forget, this is also the perfect time of year for gorgeous holiday photos! Book your session soon to get those beautiful pictures back in time for annual holiday cards or personal gifts.

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