Illustration of a santa visit scene (Kris Kringle Procession)
Other Christmas Activities

Kris Kringle Procession

Visitors can watch local organizations, youth clubs, and musical groups march alongside costumed characters through downtown Frederick streets illuminated by thousands of tiny white lights. The procession highlights German heritage figures like Pelsnickle, Weinacht Man, and Krist Kindle alongside modern favorites like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph. The event concludes in Baker Park with the lighting of the City Tree.

What to Expect

Downtown parade featuring heritage characters and the City Tree lighting.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Frederick

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Celebrate Frederick

Food & Drink

Hot cocoa is provided by Roy Rogers Restaurants.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday parade fans

Vibe

Festive and community-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Free to attend.
  • Hours: 6:30 PM.
  • Parking: The Kris Kringle Procession Google Map shows recommended parking and good places to stand.
  • Accessibility: Onsite ASL interpreting is provided.

Tips & Advice

  • Pick a spot along East Patrick, North Market or West Second Street, where nearly every street on the route glows with thousands of tiny white lights.
  • Follow the procession into Baker Park at the end, since the night finishes there with the lighting of the City Tree.
  • Check the procession's Google Map before heading downtown to find recommended parking and good places to stand along the route.
  • Tell the kids to watch for Pelsnickle and Weinacht Man, who help Kris Kringle judge whether children have been bad or good.
  • Dress warmly for an evening outdoors in downtown Frederick, and warm up with the hot cocoa provided by Roy Rogers Restaurants.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What route does the procession take?

It starts at the corner of South Carroll and East Patrick streets and runs along East Patrick. It turns right onto North Market Street, then left onto West Second Street, and ends in Baker Park.

Which characters will we see?

Characters from Frederick's German heritage include Pelsnickle and Weinacht Man, who help Kris Kringle judge whether children have been bad or good. Krist Kindle is an angel-like messenger who leaves gifts for good children in small baskets. Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer march too.

Who marches in the procession?

Local organizations, youth clubs and musical groups march alongside the costumed characters.

How does the night end?

The procession ends in Baker Park with the lighting of the City Tree.

Is there anything warm to drink?

Yes. Roy Rogers Restaurants provides hot cocoa.

Tags

paradestree lightingSanta visitscommunity celebrationfamily friendlyholiday traditionfestive atmosphereanimated displays

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team