Christmas Parade Tips for Families

Best Ways to Enjoy Holiday Parades With Children

Nov 3, 2009 Tamiko Nicholson

Watching a parade can be a lot of fun for children, but the waiting and crowds can make it stressful. Here are some tips to help make it a good time for all.

Make the best of a parade experience and be prepared so that the littlest kids to the oldest adults in the family can enjoy the event to the fullest.

Find out the Route of the Parade

Get all the details possible about the parade. Find out what time it starts and what the exact route is. Then get a map out if need be and strategize what the best place along the route would work for the family. The idea is to pick a spot along the route that will allow for the easiest access in and out of the area compared to where the family lives. Also look to see if it’s close to a restaurant or two in case a child needs to go to the washroom.

Some people favor the start of the route to see all the starting out action, others like to be somewhere in the middle and others still like being at the end of the parade route. Remember that hundreds to thousands of people will be coming out. Sometimes, particularly with big cities, it is better not to bring a vehicle but to take the local transit.

Go Early to Get a Good Spot for the Parade

Particularly for big cities, it sometimes means going hours earlier in order to get a good spot. If this is the case, it might be a good idea to go with both parents or with other friends and family. That way if a child needs to be taken to a washroom, there will be someone to remain behind to save spots. Some people bring chairs or blankets to sit on, which can be warmer than sitting on cold cement or asphalt.

Parades in larger towns often have a Christmas Square area where there are booths for buying food, activities for kids and entertainment. Family and friends can take turns checking out the entertainment and activity. It also makes for a nice break for kids who keep asking, “When is Santa coming?”

Enjoy the Parade by Dressing for the Weather

Depending on where a person lives in the world, Christmas parades can mean very cold weather. Wear the right clothes and be prepared for the worst weather conditions. It’s best to dress in layers and check the forecast before heading out. It’s good to have umbrellas and slickers handy in case it rains and the parka and mittens if snow is expected. Bringing warm blankets and hot packs can also help.

Have Festive Food and Drink for the Parade

Bring snacks and drinks to keep little bellies happy and full, especially since both the wait for the parade and lineups at local restaurants can be long. To make it festive, bring a thermos of hot chocolate or apple cider, gingerbread men and turkey and cranberry sandwiches to share with the kids.

Talk to Kids Beforehand About the Wait for Santa

If there is going to be a long wait before the parade happens, it’s a good idea to talk to kids about that beforehand. Young kids may be disappointed the parade isn’t starting as soon as they arrive. Let them know it takes a while for Santa and his friends to get ready for the big show. Also let them know that it might take some time to get home because everyone will be leaving the area at the same time. Tell everyone to “Pack your patience!”

Talk to Kids Beforehand About Parade Etiquette

Kids will be excited about seeing the bands, dancers, floats and Santa Claus. They are also very excited when there is candy or other small toys handed out during the parade. Explain to kids that they can wave, cheer, clap and sing from where they are, but they cannot join the parade or run out to get candy. Sometimes it can get very cramped with spectators at a parade and it’s good to teach young kids to say "sorry" or "excuse me" if they accidentally bump into someone.

Make a Christmas parade experience the best it can be by finding out the route, going early, dressing warmly and bringing festive snacks. It’s also a good idea to talk to kids about parade etiquette and that the wait for Santa might be long but worth it.

Read about the Santa Claus Parade in Best Christmas Events in Vancouver.

HOL101

The copyright of the article Christmas Parade Tips for Families in Kids Activities is owned by Tamiko Nicholson. Permission to republish Christmas Parade Tips for Families in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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