Richardson, TX
Home MenuRichardson’s 52nd Annual Christmas Parade
Christmas Parade 2024 - Saturday, December 7 at 9am
Theme: Holidays Around the World
This year the parade returns to the east side of town - beginning on Belt Line Road, heading north on Plano Road, and ending on Apollo Rd. The annual City of Richardson Christmas Parade benefits Network of Community Ministries.
This page includes information on how to volunteer, buy VIP tickets, apply to be in the parade, and more! For questions, please contact margaret.trame@cor.gov and Heidi.Scalice@cor.gov.
⚠️ Road Closures ⚠️
The street closures pictured below will be in place at 8am and will be lifted once the parade has pas, by 11am. Please make alternative travel plans if traveling during this time.
Interested in Volunteering?
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
Volunteers are needed to help with parade entry check-in, staging floats, and to walk in the parade as parade marshals and banner holders. It is such a fun and heart-warming event to be apart of, so we hope you consider volunteering! Refreshments will be available on-site for volunteers.
Friends of the Parade VIP Tickets
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS | Sales close Dec 4th
Tired of struggling to find parking and a good viewing spot on parade day? Elevate your Christmas Parade experience by becoming a Friend of the Parade!
Friends of the Parade receive reserved parking, reserved bleacher seating, and complimentary hot cocoa and other refreshments in the VIP hospitality tent. You will also be able to enjoy hearing the MC broadcast as floats pass the VIP / Judging area.
VIP seating area is limited. Bleachers are located near the midpoint of the parade in the parking lot adjacent to Huffhines Park ballfields on Plano Rd. All VIPs must be parked in the lot by 7:45am, as roads close at 8am. You will not be able to exit the lot until the parade is over and roads have been re-opened.
Friends of the Parade lanyards must be picked up at the Heights Recreation Center the week before the event between Dec 2-6. Information will be emailed out in late November with details about lanyard pick-up and parking maps.
VIP Gold - $75 for 4 people
VIP Silver - $50 for 2 people
Parade Entry Application NOW OPEN!
Closes Monday, Nov 25
Local organizations and businesses who are interested in walking, marching, driving, performing, or creating a float for the parade must follow the steps below:
1. CLICK HERE TO APPLY! Applications close Monday, November 25. Entry fee required with application. $100 for businesses, $25 for individuals/organizations such as school groups, churches, community organizations, etc. Entry fees are a donation to Network of Community Ministries and may be tax deductible. If you complete the form and do not receive a confirmation email receipt, please call 972-234-8880 ext. 106, as there may have been an error in receiving your application.
2. CLICK HERE TO VIEW PARADE RULES. Document must be read, initialed, and shared with everyone participating with your group. Email completed form to margaret.trame@cor.gov and heidi.scalice@cor.gov.
3. Deliver a donation of new, unwrapped toy(s) to Heights Recreation Center is located at 711 W Arapaho Rd. Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 6am-10pm, Friday 6am-9pm, Saturday 8am-5pm, & Sunday 11am-5pm. Multiple toy donations are encouraged for groups. Please no skateboards, bicycles, or scooters. Toys are donated to Network of Community Ministries for families in need this holiday season.
*4. Any entries using vehicles in the parade must provide proof of insurance. A copy or photo of your insurance card is acceptable. Email to margaret.trame@cor.gov and heidi.scalice@cor.gov.
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Trophies will be awarded for the following categories:
- Mayor’s Award – Given to the overall outstanding entry presenting and illustrating the parade theme.
- Grand Marshal’s Award – Given to the entry that has the best overall originality, creativity, appearance and uniqueness of decorations.
- Chairman’s Elf Award – Given to the outstanding entry featuring children as the main part of the display.
- Spirit Award – Given to the entry that has the most enthusiasm during the parade.
- Spectacular Sparkles Award – Given to the entry that presents an outstanding display of glitter, shimmer or shine!
- Performance Award – Given to the entry that does an outstanding, entertaining, crowd-pleasing performance during the parade!
- Spirit of Giving Award – Given to the entry that went above and beyond in their fundraising effort (bake sale, garage sale, car wash, etc.) for the parade entry fee to benefit Network of Community Ministries.
- Theme-a-rific Award – Given to the individual who stepped up and decked out their entry to match the theme.
- *NEW* Holiday Helper Award: Given to the group who goes above and beyond in their volunteer efforts for the parade (large number of volunteers, excellent service, longtime service, etc.)
Parking
There is no official parking lot for the Christmas Parade. Attendees are asked to not park in residential areas including apartment complex parking lots or community living lots.
Lost Child/Parent Area
If a child is lost during the parade activities, please notify any city staff member and they will put an alert out. Any children that are found, will be brought to the judges stand/broadcast booth area to help reunite families. Please keep a watchful eye on your group. The Christmas Parade is full of excitement and wonder and it is easy for little ones to wander away from their group.
Support the Parade & Network of Community Ministries
by Sponsoring the Event
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2024 parade. A portion of all sponsorship fees are donated to The Network of Community Ministries whose mission is “caring, coaching and empowering neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life”.
For sponsorship opportunities, please email Geoff.Wright@cor.gov
Thank you to our sponsors:
The Richardson Christmas Parade benefits Network of Community Ministries.