Illustration of a parade scene (Plant City Christmas Parade)
Other Christmas Activities

Plant City Christmas Parade

Spectators gather along the streets to watch dozens of decorated holiday units, including colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups. Entries make their way along the procession with holiday music, while walking participants distribute treats to onlookers. The festive celebration also features an official appearance by Santa.

What to Expect

Plant City holiday parade featuring decorated floats, marching bands, and Santa.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Plant City Chamber of Commerce

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday parade fans

Vibe

Festive and community-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Plant City, FL
33563

Know Before You Go

  • Hours: 7 PM.

Tips & Advice

  • Learn the new 2026 route and choose a viewing spot along Collins, Reynolds or Wheeler Street, since the parade now starts at Collins and Ball Street.
  • Leave the alcohol at home, because alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the line-up or anywhere along the parade route.
  • Watch for walkers handing out candy rather than waiting for throws, since nothing is tossed from moving units and handouts stop at Drane Street.
  • Groups hoping to take part should apply well before the November 23 deadline, because only the first 75 board-approved entries are accepted.
  • Make sure a representative from your unit attends the mandatory safety meeting on November 30, because units without one cannot join the parade line-up.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The parade announces a new route for 2026.
  • The parade entry fee is waived for 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, churches, and elected officials.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What route does the parade take?

The route is new for 2026. It starts at Collins and Ball Street and heads north on Collins to Reynolds Street. It then runs west on Reynolds to Wheeler Street and south on Wheeler to Drane Street, where it ends.

Will there be candy?

Yes. Walkers aged 12 and up hand out candy, but nothing is thrown from moving units. All handouts and music stop once units reach Drane Street.

Will Santa be in the parade?

Yes. The only Santa in the parade is the one invited by the parade board.

How can my group enter the parade?

Send the application form, rules acknowledgement, liability release, proof of vehicle insurance and the entry fee by November 23, 2026. The fee is waived for 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, churches and elected officials. Only the first 75 board-approved entries are accepted, and every unit must be decorated for the holidays.

Can young children walk in the parade?

Walkers must be 12 or older. Younger children can ride in a vehicle or on a float.

Tags

paradescommunity celebrationfamily friendlyholiday traditionseasonal activitiesholiday cheer

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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