On Thursday, December 2, 2021 the Annual Lakeland Christmas parade, sponsored by The Junior League of Greater Lakeland, will kick off at 7:00 pm with a fantastic fireworks display over Lake Mirror.
Can’t make it to the parade in person? Watch live online and on cable. You will find the parade broadcast:
- LakelandGov TV
- Facebook Live
- Spectrum Channel 643
- FiOS Channel 43
- Comcast Channel 5 (PGTV)
When is the 2021 Lakeland Christmas Parade?
Thursday, December 2, 2021. The Lakeland Christmas parade is the first Thursday in December and kicks off the holiday season in Lakeland.
Where is the Lakeland Christmas Parade?
The parade begins at the RP Funding Center, and makes its way through Downtown Lakeland and around Munn Park on Lemon Street, Tennessee, and Main, goes around Lake Mirror, and back down Orange to the RP Funding Center. See the map below for the parade route.
What is the best place to sit for the Lakeland Christmas Parade?
Many Lakelanders have their personal favorite spots and there isn’t one location that is best. Some people love to be near the lights in Munn park, others want a good view of the fireworks display over Lake Mirror, or maybe even want to be near the start of the parade to get done early. Here are a few things to consider when you decide where to sit:
The parade begins at the RP Funding Center at 7pm, so if you are trying to be one of the first ones “done” choose a spot along Lemon Street. Just remember you can’t cross the parade route when leaving (walking or in your car), so check the map to plan your departure.
If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, spots near the beginning and end of the parade route around the RP Funding Center seem to be less crowded. Plan to be packed in on the sidewalks through Downtown Lakeland and around Lake Mirror.
No candy or any other items are given out during the Lakeland Christmas parade due to safety precautions, so the only reason to try and be in the front row is for the best view.
If you know anyone in the parade, text them where you are sitting so they can look for you! It is fun for people on floats to wave at friendly faces in the crowd. You’ll also want to ask their float number so you know when they are getting close.
Parking for the Lakeland Christmas Parade
Public Parking is available in Downtown Lakeland on open, non-parade-route streets, in public lots and parking garages. Interactive Downtown Lakeland Parking Map (If you can find another spot, I would avoid the parking garages – they will be completely full when the parade ends and likely take a long time to clear out).
ADA/Accessible Parking – Accessible parking is available in the Rose St. parking lot (across from the Lakeland Fire Department on Lake Mirror) for vehicles with a disabled parking permit. See the ADA Accessibility tab on the City of Lakeland website for more info on an accessible parade experience.
What’s the story with the Lakeland Christmas Parade Chairs??
Since the parade is so popular, people like to reserve their seats well in advance. That started with people putting chairs out the morning of the parade, and seems to get earlier and earlier each year. We’ve seen chairs out as early as Monday for the Thursday night parade. Beginning in 2019, the City of Lakeland said no setting chairs out before Thursday {but let’s be honest, people did it anyway}. There was no parade in 2020, and we are waiting for the City of Lakeland to put out a statement on Christmas Parade Chairs for the 2021 Lakeland Christmas Parade.
If you do put chairs out in advance, even on the day of the parade, be sure you do not block any bus stops, crosswalks, or block walkways. Chairs can pose a hazard for those in wheelchairs and walkers.
Is there food at the Lakeland Christmas Parade?
Many of the restaurants in Downtown Lakeland will be open for takeout. There are also food vendors in various locations along the parade route before it starts. Check the City of Lakeland Parade page for a detailed list of locations. We usually prefer to pack dinner and take it with us, or pick up pizzas to keep things simple. Just be sure you pick up your garbage and take it with you or find a garbage can. Don’t be a Scrooge and leave a mess for someone else to clean up.
Fireworks at the Lakeland Christmas Parade
The Lakeland Christmas Parade begins with a fireworks show over Lake Mirror. It lasts approximately 5-7 minutes.
How long is the Lakeland Christmas Parade?
The Lakeland Christmas Parade kicks off at 7 PM from the RP Funding Center. The entire parade typically lasts around 1.5 hours. It will also depend on where you are sitting – for example, one year we sat near Barnett Park and it was 8:45pm when the final float (Santa!) came by. The full parade distance is approximate 3 miles.
How can you be in the Lakeland Christmas Parade?
The Junior League of Greater Lakeland coordinates the parade each year. Applications are typically open from mid-summer through September. Check the JLGL Website for the application. The bands, schools, local businesses, and community groups that are approved to be in the parade are responsible for inviting their own parade participants.