Christmas parades in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware: Where and when to get in the spirit
CORRECTION: Salisbury's Christmas parade is Sunday, Dec. 4, while Onancock's Holiday Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11. This story has been updated with the correct dates.
'Tis the season of parades on Delmarva.
From Salisbury and Ocean City to Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, local towns will show their hometown pride and kick off the Christmas holiday season with parades and more.
Eastern Shore residents do not have to travel far to get into the holiday spirit — just bundle up, bring your chairs or blankets and settle down to watch the decorated floats, marching bands, first responders and more step off in style in your town.
Salisbury
76th Annual Salisbury Christmas Parade
Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, Dec. 11)
The Salisbury Jaycees have partnered with the city of Salisbury again this year to hold the parade in downtown Salisbury. The grand marshal is Grace Foxwell Murdock, founder of Wicomico Grows Kindness, Kindness Commission leader and Secretary of Kindness for Salisbury.
The parade is presented by Mountaire Farms.
The event features local bands, first responders, elected officials and more. The parade will start at Poplar Hill Avenue and run west up East Main Street, crossing to West Main Street and ending at Mill Street.
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Registration is remain open until Nov. 30. For applications and more information visit the Salisbury Jaycees’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/salisburyjaycees. or email parade@salisburyjc.com.
Ocean City
Ocean City Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.
The Ocean City Christmas Parade continues a 39-year tradition started by Gold Coast Mall. Bring chairs, blankets and plan for a day in Ocean City.
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The southbound lanes of Coastal Highway will be closed for the parade in that general area, allowing spectators to gather curbside. Following the parade, head to the Carousel hotel for family-friendly fun and the awards presentation.
The parade begins at 11 a.m., with an extended route along Coastal Highway from Old Landing Road north to 120th Street.
Pocomoke City
50th Annual Pocomoke Christmas Parade
Monday, Nov. 28, 7 p.m.
Pocomoke City will be transformed into a "Winter Wonderland," playing host to one of Delmarva’s largest night time Christmas parades.Always held on the first Monday night after Thanksgiving, the Pocomoke parade has become an Eastern Shore tradition and will attract more than 100 units from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. along with thousands of spectators.It features marching bands representing high and middle schools from seven counties in three states. Also featured will be decorated and lighted floats entered by schools, civic organizations, churches and commercial enterprises.
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Clowns, marching units, fire departments, equestrian units and of course Santa Claus will round out the two-hour event. The route will take the parade north on Market Street. beginning at 14th Street and ending at the Pocomoke River.
Professional judges will score entries in many different categories. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded immediately following the event to the top entries in each category.
Berlin
Berlin Christmas Parade
Thursday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
The parade, featuring floats, dancers, fire trucks, Santa and more, starts at the Berlin Welcome Center, then runs north to the Berlin Fire Company.
The judging stand is located at West and Baker streets, near the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum.Emcee is Big Al Reno from Ocean98
The parade is sponsored by the town of Berlin and Berlin Main Street Program.
Princess Anne
Princess Anne Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m.
This year, the Princess Anne Christmas Parade will “Light the Night,” as floats, bands and more travel up Somerset Avenue in historic downtown Princess Anne.
The town is also hosting a Christmas event in Manokin River Park on Dec. 10 from 12-3 pm. The event will include free carriage rides, pictures with Santa in the historic Election House, food, music and other holiday activities.
Princess Anne's annual Christmas tree lighting will be Friday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. Enjoy choirs, carols anad holiday festivities. Hot chocolate and food will also be available.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade
Monday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.
The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company will host this year's Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade.
Come out and enjoy the parade, the Christmas tree, and, of course, the arrival of Santa Claus himself.
All parade participants and attendees are invited to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company on Rehoboth Avenue after the parade for Santa’s Christmas party, which will include refreshments and an opportunity for children to visit Santa Claus.
Lewes
90th Annual Lewes Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, Dec. 10)
The theme of this year’s parade, presented by the city of Lewes and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, is “Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Lewes.”
Former Mayor Ted Becker is this year’s Honorary Grand Marshal.
Due to the demolition of Shields Elementary School, there will be new lineup areas for parade entrants. There will be three lineup areas this year — both parking lots on either side of the Lewes Elementary School building and the Highland Acres neighborhood, accessed by Sussex Drive off Savannah Road.
The parade will step off one block closer to downtown Lewes.
Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories After the parade, everyone is invited to join Mayor Andrew Williams as he officially illuminates the Christmas tree in Zwaanendael Park, followed by candlelight caroling in the park, led by Christy Taylor with some of her music students.
Chincoteague
42nd Annual Chincoteague Island Old-Fashioned Christmas
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 (Rain date Friday, Dec. 9) beginning at 6 p.m.
This year's parade theme is "Christmas in Toyland."
The parade will begin at the intersection of Main Street and Maddox Boulevard, head down Main Street and end at the old firehouse, and it will feature floats, bands, marching units, decorated boats, fire companies from across the Eastern Shore, equestrian teams, classic cars and more. Entries may stop at the Judge's Stand in front of Chincoteague Island Library for a short performance.
The Chincoteague Police Department will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for their Annual Toy Run during the parade.
Festivities continue after the parade at the Chincoteague American Legion Post #159, 4023 Main St. Visit with Santa while enjoying refreshments provided by the Kiwanis Club of Chincoteague. Trophies and prizes will be awarded by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. Entry deadline is Nov. 19.
Visit ChincoteagueChamber.com
Onancock
Onancock Holiday Parade
Sunday, Dec. 11, 5-8 p.m.
The parade route begins at Historic Onancock School, 6 College Ave., and proceeds along Market Street to the Town Square. Come see the floats, fire trucks, caroling, and festivities as Onancock celebrates the holidays.
Exmore
Annual Exmore Community Fire Department Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m.
Annual holiday parade features colorful floats, decorated cars and trucks, fire engines, a marching band and participants from Eastern Shore of Virginia communities. Parade travels south down Main Street to the Exmore Town Park where Santa will be waiting.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Christmas parades in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia: When, where they return
