2022 Christmas Festivities and Annual Nite-time Santa Parade
Saturday, December 3 – “Christmas Toyland”
Christmas lights light up the night at Annual Santa Parade. Lighted floats and entries cruise down Main Street while people snap photos of the colorful, bright submissions. The parade wraps up a day of holiday activities on December 3 in Lowell that includes an art and craft holiday sale, a pancake supper, a book sale, a live nativity, Rudolph’s Craft Workshop, Santa visits on the Lowell Showboat VI and Hot Chocolate and Cookies in the Chamber.
The parade is the highlight of the day-long festivities, and the holiday entries light up the darkness. Spectators line the downtown streets to watch entries featuring floats, bands, and more. Liz Baker, Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director says, “The 2022 theme is “Christmas Toyland.”
The parade begins on Riverside Drive heading east on Main Street and ending at the Lowell United Methodist Church. First, second and third prizes for theme and decorations will be awarded to the different entries. The float entries are allowed to decorate in any manner they interpret the annual theme. Participants will be creative on their floats with lights, music, decorations, etc. The top ten entries will be featured on Facebook for the People’s Choice award where the community chooses their favorite.
Baker says, “Everyone who enters the parade gets into the spirit. The school bands who perform even wear lights on their hats and often decorate their instruments.” The parade starts at 6 pm sharp so be sure
to find your special place along Main Street. The deadline is November
23 for those interested in entering a float. There is no charge, but participants do need to fill out an application by clicking on the link above!
Santa visits are a highlight of our Lowell Christmas tradition. Each year, children have delighted in seeing Santa in Lowell and sharing their special dreams of that perfect gift they hope to receive. Santa will be available on the Lowell Showboat VI. This experience is one of the many that brings families back to Lowell year after year during the month of December, creating family memories.
“Our Santa is the real deal. He really is amazing. Children and adults alike who visit him get a magical experience,” said Liz Baker, Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Santa starts his official visits on Saturday, December 3, from 2pm to 4pm, on the first level of the Lowell Showboat VI. Additional visits include: 5:30pm to 7pm on Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21. On Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17, Santa will be available from 10:30 am to 1 pm. The visits all include online photos with Santa by professional photographer, Bruce Doll, hot chocolate, and cookies served in the Chamber.
A Nite of Christmas Cheer, December 9 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm is a great family night to enjoy the crisp winter air on the Riverwalk with visits & photos with Santa, horse & carriage rides, hot dogs, roasted chestnuts, live reindeer, warming fires and hot cocoa & cookies in the Chamber.
The line to visit Santa is outdoors and can be long. We encourage you to dress accordingly for the weather. A suggested $2 donation for activities and pictures is encouraged. For more information on the Santa visits or any of the holiday events, visit www.discoverlowell.org or call the Chamber of Commerce at (616) 897-9161.
