This is a big year for the annual community Christmas Parade and not just because more than 100 parade units will participate and thousands will attend.
This year, the Christmas Parade celebrates its 50th anniversary. “Our Golden Christmas” parade – presented by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance – opens Williamsburg’s holiday season at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.
“It has been truly, truly an event that the community has grasped,” said Naomi Flythe, service representative at the chamber.
The 100 parade units, including 60 floats, represent all corners of the community including churches, nonprofits, civic organizations and commercial groups. From marching bands, to a visit from Santa Claus, there’s something for everyone.
And this year, there’s a twist. Each unit will incorporate a theme chosen from the parade’s past 49 themes. Organizers also invited grand marshals from the past 49 parades to participate.
“This is all kind of pulling the last 49 years together,” Flythe said.
This year holds another surprise: a reversed route.
Instead of starting on Duke of Gloucester Street, where Liberty’s Ice Pavilion now stands, the parade will launch from its former ending point, William and Mary Hall. From there, the parade will follow Richmond Road, enter Merchants Square and turn right on Henry Street.
Though the parade follows the same route, simply reversed, Flythe said it will be new to volunteers and participants alike.
“This is a great way to start, to celebrate, to see how we all come together to make this the best parade ever,” she said.
Want to go?
When: 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5
Where: William and Mary, Merchants Square, Henry Street
