The Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland are proud to host the 43rd Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade! The parade will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024 in downtown Lakeland. A fireworks display over Lake Mirror kicks off the festivities at 7 p.m.

At the same time, the parade will leave the RP Funding Center and make its way down Lemon Street, winding through downtown Lakeland.

Be sure to keep an eye out for our very special guests…Santa Claus and Mrs Claus!

The Christmas parade brings joy to the entire community. Please remember to keep sidewalks clear for people using wheelchairs, walkers and scooters

No chairs until the day of the event

The city asks that no chairs be placed on the parade route until the day of the parade. Each year, many parade participants begin staking their claim earlier and earlier. Fire Chief Doug Riley says, “We understand that people want a good vantage point to watch the parade. Unfortunately, chairs have been blocking sidewalks and crosswalks days before the parade.” Police Chief Sammy Taylor added, “This poses a great danger, especially to those in our community who use wheelchairs and walkers.”

The City will remove or relocate chairs that completely block sidewalks, crosswalks, and use of handicapped parking spaces. We understand the excitement of this annual event, but we also want to keep the safety of all our citizens in mind. Riley and Taylor say, “Please, no chairs on the parade route before Thursday, December 5th.” Chairs, tape, blankets and other materials used to save spectator seating will be removed if left in the parade before the day of the parade public right-of-way.

Road closures

Due to increased security measures, gradual road closures will begin at 3:30 p.m. You should expect all streets connected to the parade route to be closed until 6:00 p.m. (see parade route). Officers will be stationed at locations along the route to assist with traffic control. Closures will be clearly marked and signposts will be in place.

Take alternative routes such as Bartow Highway (US 98) and Harden Boulevard if you just want to get from one part of the city to another.

Public parking lot

Public parking is available in downtown Lakeland on open streets outside the parade route, in public lots and in parking garages.

Interactive Parking Map for Downtown Lakeland

ADA/accessible parking

Accessible parking is available in Lot V (161 E. Lime St.) for vehicles with a disabled parking permit. See this ADA accessibilityClick the tab below for more information about the accessible parade experience.