Fredericksburg’s Christmas parade kicked off in style, with chilly temperatures setting the mood for hot chocolate and family gatherings up and down Caroline and Princess Anne streets on Saturday night, December 7, 2024.

“Fredericksburg Toyland” was the theme of this year’s parade, and this paved the way for creativity in the form of lighted floats and energetic teens. Some may have been staying active just to keep warm on this frigid night. Just about every family gathered on the curbside had a few blankets draped over everyone.

“My face is frozen,” said one man on Caroline Street, but it seemed there were lots of vendors handing out hot chocolate, including the Christian Motorcyclists Association who were up on Princess Anne Street handing out free hot chocolate. This year wasn’t their first parade. “We’ve been doing this for a whole lot of years,” said one of the members.

There was a wide variety of participants in this year’s parade. Of the 83 total entries registered with the city, the city said there were four marching bands, three animal rescue groups, four dancing-cheer-majorette groups, two roller skating organizations, and 30 assorted commercial-corporate groups.

For those who couldn’t make it, Fredericksburg live-streamed it and posted pictures on its social media. Ella Weaver was one of the streaming sources who sat amongst the crowd on Caroline Street with her camera, streaming it for the city. She is an independent contractor the city temporarily hired for this parade.

Everyone seemed to have a favorite part, too. “I like seeing the people and the smiles,” said one of the park employees. “Everyone’s joy on their face,” said a member of the Lighthouse Pond. “The creativity that’s put into the floats,” added another.

The School of Rock had a band on its trailer, playing “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Holiday Road,” “Run Run Rudolph,” and “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” over and over again.

Fredericksburg will host its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in downtown. The weather will be clear and cold on Saturday night, with temperatures dropping to 28 degrees.

The parade route will follow Caroline and Princess Anne Streets. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and wear walking shoes. The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to explore downtown shops and restaurants before the parade begins. Many businesses will remain open after the event. A parade map is available for additional information.

 

Press Release:

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, several streets in downtown Fredericksburg will close for the annual Fredericksburg Christmas Parade. Parking will not be permitted on the streets along the parade route and some adjacent side streets beginning at 2:00 PM and closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 3:30 PM. There will be signs indicating the restrictions and vehicles will be towed at the owners’ expense on Saturday afternoon that have not been removed from the street.

The roads will remain closed until City maintenance crews finish cleaning the route. All streets are expected to be open by 9:00 PM. Expect traffic delays before and after the parade. Please be patient, use caution, and obey traffic signs.
Timeline for streets impacted by the Christmas Parade:

2:00 PM – Parking restrictions begin at VRE Lot located at Sophia Street and Frederick Street, towing enforced.

2:00 PM – Parking restrictions begin on the following streets downtown, and towing is enforced where signage is posted.

• 300-1000 blocks of Caroline Street
• 100-200 blocks of Amelia Street
• 500-1300 block of Princess Anne Street
• 100-300 blocks of George Street and William Street
• 100-400 blocks of Wolfe St, Charlotte St and Hanover St
• 800 block of Charles Street

3:30 PM – Streets listed above will be closed to through traffic
5:30 PM – Parade begins
9:00 PM – Streets reopen after parade cleanup

Information about where to park and the best places to view the parade is available online at www.FredericksburgChristmasParade.com. The parade is free for the public to attend. Please dress for cold weather and wear walking shoes. Many downtown businesses will reopen immediately after the parade for evening shopping on December 7th!

It wouldn’t rain on the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade despite shaky weather forecasts.

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City of Fredericksburg: “On Saturday, December 2, Fredericksburg will host one of our favorite Holiday traditions: the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests can border the sidewalks of downtown Fredericksburg to enjoy the over-75 groups participating in the Parade.”

Here are a few tips to Know Before You Go to the Parade:

• Parking will be strictly limited in downtown Fredericksburg. There will be no parking allowed starting at 2 p.m., and the streets will close at 3:30 p.m.
• Be advised that once you park downtown, you will not be able to move your car until after the Parade.
• Make sure that you park in an open space; No Parking signs will be prevalent throughout downtown.
• There will be handicapped parking available at the VRE drop-off, and garage parking will be $2.00 per car for the first three hours, and $1 for each additional hour (the maximum day rate is $8).

“When planning to go to the Parade, know that all viewing locations will be on a first come, first serve basis, and will fill up quickly. We recommend finding a spot early, and welcome you to bring blankets and lawn chairs.”

“The Parade can be viewed on downtown sidewalks, with the exception of the sidewalk in front of the courthouse.  Unless there are safety concerns from the weather, the Parade will take place rain or shine. On the off chance that the Parade is canceled, it will not be rescheduled.”

More information can be found online.

“We always have a great time with the Christmas Parade, and cannot wait for you to enjoy it as well. If you would like to volunteer, you can sign up here.
See the Fredericksburg Christmas parade map here.”