Black White Blue in the South
Alex CarterLooking for standout #ChristmasParade costume ideas for your community or club? From festive themes to crowd-pleasing designs, we’ve got inspiration to make your parade unforgettable!
👉 https://creedleather.com/blogs/christmas-costumes-ideas/christmas-parade-costume-ideas-for-communities-clubs
Headlines AfricaBeirut hosts colourful Christmas parade despite tension with Israel http://newsfeed.facilit8.network/TPrssS #ChristmasParade #Beirut #Lebanon #HolidaySpirit #FestiveSeason
🇵🇹 Viana do Castelo 🇵🇹🎄 Braga experienced an unforgettable moment ❤️
800 participants filled the streets with color, creativity, and joy during the largest Christmas Parade ever held in the city. A beautiful celebration of sharing, unity, and the true Christmas spirit ✨
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EditorSwansea’s Christmas Parade named UK’s best council outdoor event
Swansea’s dazzling Christmas Parade has been crowned the UK’s best council‑organised outdoor event at the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Awards 2025.
The accolade comes just days after tens of thousands lined the city centre streets to enjoy the annual festive spectacle, which featured floats, performers, and a visit from Santa.
The awards, held in Bath, celebrate excellence across the UK’s outdoor events industry and bring together leading professionals from across the country. Swansea Council took home the Event of the Year – Local Authority Sector title, recognising the creativity and impact of the teams who deliver the parade each year.
Santa waves to the crowd as snow falls during his festive arrival.(Image: Swansea Council)
“A phenomenal achievement for Swansea”
Council Leader Rob Stewart said the award was a testament to the city’s ability to stage cultural experiences that unite communities and attract visitors:
“Our Christmas Parade is far more than a spectacular show, it’s a tradition that brings people together, supports local businesses, and creates shared moments that strengthen our sense of community. Winning this award is a phenomenal achievement for Swansea and something the whole city can be proud of.”
This is the second time Swansea’s events programme has been recognised nationally in 2025, following success as a finalist at the Visit Wales Tourism Awards earlier this year.
National recognition
Susan Tanner, CEO of NOEA, praised Swansea’s approach:
“Swansea Council triumphed in Event of the Year – Local Authority Sector for its forward‑thinking approach to delivering major public celebrations. The calibre of this year’s winners shows the innovation, passion and talent shaping the UK’s outdoor events industry.”
Recognition for Swansea’s events team
The award caps off a busy year for Swansea’s events programme, which has already drawn national attention at the Visit Wales Tourism Awards.
For many residents, the Christmas Parade has become a highlight of the city’s festive calendar, bringing families into the city centre and giving local businesses a seasonal boost.
This latest recognition from the National Outdoor Events Association underlines the growing reputation of Swansea’s events team and the role their work plays in shaping the city’s cultural life.
#christmas #christmasParade #cllrRobStewart #councilOrganisedOutdoorEvent #eventOfTheYearLocalAuthoritySector #nationalOutdoorEventsAssociation #noea #swansea #swanseaChristmasParade #visitWales #visitWalesTourismAwards
Swansea’s Christmas Parade lights up the city — and earns national recognition
Organised by Swansea Council, the event kicked off at the Guildhall where Santa illuminated the building in red and green before launching the first of two fireworks displays. Crowds gathered at the entertainment stage to enjoy live performances, with professional acts and community groups bringing the city centre to life.
This year’s parade followed a new route, travelling down St Helens Road and the Kingsway before arriving at the main stage supported by Specsavers Swansea and Mumbles. Kev Johns MBE kept the crowd entertained before Santa’s grand arrival, where he lit the towering Christmas tree and switched on the city’s festive lights, followed by a second fireworks display.
The procession featured illuminated floats, marching bands, and larger-than-life characters. Highlights included Spark! the light-up band, the Winter Wonderland Birds, and a new addition for 2025 — the Living Snow Globe, complete with a Snow Queen in a swirling wintry scene. The Witches of Oz float also made a magical return, with the Good Witch in pink and the Wicked Witch in green.
More than 40 local community groups took part, including Mellin Theatre Arts, One Heart Drummers, and Bonymaen Kids Play Initiative — showcasing the depth of Swansea’s creative talent and community spirit.
The parade has now been shortlisted for a prestigious national award by the National Outdoor Events Association, recognising its impact, creativity and community engagement.
Councillor Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:
“Swansea truly came alive as thousands joined us for our spectacular Christmas Parade. This event is a highlight of the festive season, and I’m incredibly proud of the effort and creativity that made it possible. It was a wonderful celebration of Swansea’s community spirit and a fantastic way to start Christmas together.”
View our photo gallery of the parade highlights, featuring illuminated floats, performers, and the moment Santa lit up the city.
A Cinderella-inspired illuminated carriage leads the parade past the Royal Court Hotel.(Image: Swansea Council)Parade performers light up the street with glowing shoes and festive costumes.
(Image: Swansea Council)The Grinch makes a mischievous appearance on the Whoville float as fireworks light up the sky.
(Image: Swansea Council)A roller-skating performer dressed as a glowing gift box entertains the crowd.
(Image: Swansea Council)The Grinch returns on a peppermint-themed float packed with festive characters.
(Image: Swansea Council)Giant gingerbread characters bring sweetness to the festive procession.
(Image: Swansea Council)A glowing red dragon puppet mesmerises the crowd with its mechanical movements.
(Image: Swansea Council)A vibrant insect lantern floats above the crowd in a sea of artificial snow.
(Image: Swansea Council)Giant gingerbread characters bring sweetness to the festive procession.
(Image: Swansea Council)A gingerbread girl waves from a candy-themed float decked in festive lights.
(Image: Swansea Council)The Snow Queen poses inside her magical snow globe, surrounded by icy branches and ornaments.
(Image: Swansea Council)A glowing snow globe reveals a wintry castle scene as families gather to watch.
(Image: Swansea Council)A giant inflatable octopus dances through the streets with glowing tentacles.
(Image: Swansea Council)Spark! performers energise the crowd with illuminated drums and theatrical flair.
(Image: Swansea Council)Giant illuminated stars float above the crowd as artificial snow blankets the parade route.A performer in a tropical costume waves to the crowd, bringing warmth to the winter parade.A traditional pipe band in full Scottish regalia marches through the city centre.A glowing float of lantern animals — including an elephant, zebra and monkey — delights spectators.Spark! performers energise the crowd with glowing drums and futuristic costumes.A character car resembling Lightning McQueen leads the way, followed by a glowing double-decker bus.Swansea’s towering Christmas tree glows with blue and white lights as crowds gather to celebrate.Fireworks light up the sky above the Guildhall as Santa kicks off the city’s Christmas celebrations.A team of LED-lit drummers perform in formation, energising the crowd with rhythm and light.A glowing snow globe float sparkles with artificial snow and icy decorations.Parade participants dressed as glowing Christmas presents light up the street with festive joy.A fierce red dragon puppet rolls through the snow as spectators cheer.Children and families line the parade route, capturing the magic of the night on their phones.Kev Johns MBE brings sparkle and humour to the parade in his iconic pantomime dame costume.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Swansea’s Christmas Parade shortlisted for national award
The city’s festive spectacular has been recognised nationally for its creativity and community impact.
New route announced for Swansea Christmas Parade
Find out how this year’s parade took a fresh path through the city centre.
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Andrea BrancatelliA wonderful korvapuusti today in #helsinki during the #christmas #parade #christmasparade #finland #food #fazer
DoRaleighRaleigh Christmas Parade 2025 Everything You Need to Know
The holiday season in the City of Oaks officially kicks off with one of the region’s most beloved traditions—the Raleigh Christmas Parade. Each year, tens of thousands of residents and visitors line the streets of downtown Raleigh to enjoy floats, marching bands, dance troupes, local businesses, and festive performances that bring the spirit of the season to life. The 2025 parade promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with new entertainment, enhanced safety features, and community-centered programming for all ages.
🎄 Key Details: Date, Time & Location
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025 Start Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Downtown Raleigh – beginning near the intersection of Hillsborough St. and St. Mary’s St., traveling through Fayetteville Street, and concluding near the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure their favorite viewing spot—especially along Fayetteville Street, which traditionally fills up first.
⭐ 2025 Grand Marshal: Dereck Whittenburg
This year’s parade will be led by Raleigh icon and NC State basketball legend Dereck Whittenburg. Best known for his unforgettable role in the 1982–83 national championship team, Whittenburg has long been a champion for education, community engagement, and youth empowerment. Today, he serves as Associate Athletic Director for Community Relations and Student Support at NC State.
In his announcement, Whittenburg reflected on the honor:
“This parade is about community gathering, about joy, and about supporting the local businesses and families that make the Triangle region so special. I’m deeply honored to serve as Grand Marshal for this annual tradition.”
His leadership adds a meaningful local touch to the beloved holiday celebration.
🎉 What to Expect at This Year’s Parade
The 2025 Raleigh Christmas Parade will feature over 100+ entries, including:
Community floats decorated by local nonprofits High school and university marching bands Dance academies and cheer squads Local businesses and neighborhood associations Giant balloons and festive costumed characters Special holiday performances Appearances from city leaders and community groups
Families can also expect a visit from Santa Claus, who will close out the parade in spectacular style.
🚗 Traffic Alerts & Street Closures
To keep spectators safe, the City of Raleigh will implement road closures beginning early Saturday morning. Key closures typically include portions of:
Hillsborough Street Glenwood Avenue near downtown Fayetteville Street Salisbury and Wilmington Streets South Street near the parade route
Full details will be available on the City of Raleigh’s official website as the event approaches. Visitors are encouraged to use City-owned parking decks, which often offer weekend rates and easy walking access to the parade route.
📸 Tips for the Best Parade Experience
Arrive early: The earlier you get downtown, the easier parking will be.
Bring chairs and blankets: Perfect for families and ideal for cooler November mornings.
Pack snacks or enjoy local restaurants: Many downtown Raleigh eateries open early for parade day.
Dress warmly: November weather can be chilly—especially if you’re staying through the morning.
Support local vendors: Many small businesses offer holiday specials along the parade route.
🎁 Holiday Spirit in Downtown Raleigh
The parade marks the beginning of Raleigh’s festive season. Stick around after the event to explore:
Local holiday markets Small Business Saturday promotions Outdoor ice skating Museum holiday exhibits Historic home tours Festive light displays throughout downtown
It’s the perfect way to spend a full holiday weekend in the heart of the city.
✨ Final Thoughts
The 2025 Raleigh Christmas Parade continues a decades-long tradition of joy, community, and togetherness for the Triangle. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning each year, this beloved celebration is a must-see event that captures the magic of the holiday season in Raleigh.
Stay tuned to DoRaleigh.com for event updates, tips, guides, and more festive happenings across the city.
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#christmas #christmasParade #cityOfRaleigh #community #downtownRaleigh #entertainment #events #family #holiday #news #parade #raleigh
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