Richardson's 53rd Annual Christmas Parade
Spectators gather along Coit Road to watch a festive holiday procession showcasing decorated floats, marching units, vehicles, and animal groups. Community organizations, schools, performers, and local businesses make up the lineup and compete for specialty and division awards. Upgraded viewing includes reserved midpoint bleachers with live parade commentary and complimentary refreshments.
What to Expect
Holiday procession featuring floats, marching units, and vehicles along Coit Road.
Event Details
Duration
The parade starts at 9am and ends at approximately 10–11am, varying at different points of the route.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Richardson Parks and Recreation
Food & Drink
VIP ticket holders can get complimentary hot cocoa, breakfast snacks, and refreshments in the hospitality tent.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of community parades
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Public parade: described as a free community event. Optional Friends of the Parade VIP tickets: individual tickets $25 each; Gold Package of 4 tickets $75 total ($25 savings). VIP benefits include reserved parking, reserved bleacher seating, live commentary, and complimentary refreshments. Parade-entry fees for participants are $100 for businesses and $25 for individuals and not-for-profit organizations.
- Hours: Starts at 9am. Road closures begin at 8:00 AM; the parade ends at approximately 10-11am, varying at different points of the route. VIP ticket holders are asked to arrive no later than 7:45 AM.
- Parking: VIP tickets include reserved parking near the midpoint of the parade. VIP attendees must arrive no later than 7:45 AM because roads close at 8:00 AM; the reserved parking area cannot be accessed after closures. Show photo ID to the parking lot attendant for lot access and a parking pass. For the parade generally, road access is impossible after 8am until the parade ends.
- Accessibility: Accommodations for persons with disabilities can be requested by contacting 972-744-0908 or ADACoordinator@cor.gov.
Tips & Advice
- Get to your viewing spot before the roads close, because there is no road access anywhere along the route until the parade ends.
- VIP ticket holders should arrive before road closures begin, since the reserved parking area cannot be reached once roads close and late arrivals get no refund.
- Bring photo ID to show the parking lot attendant, then pick up your VIP lanyard at the hospitality tent to get your reserved seat and refreshments.
- Make sure every member of a marching or walking group can handle the roughly 3-mile round trip, because there are no return shuttles.
- Bring new, unwrapped toys for your entry's donation, and leave out skateboards, bicycles and scooters because they are not accepted.
Special Events & Promotions
- Friends of the Parade VIP tickets (extra ticket) add reserved parking, midpoint bleacher seats, live MC commentary and free refreshments in the hospitality tent.
- The four-ticket Gold Package of VIP tickets costs less than buying four individual tickets.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to get reserved seating?
Yes. Friends of the Parade VIP tickets include reserved parking, reserved bleacher seating at the midpoint of the parade and live commentary from the parade MC hosts. They also include free hot cocoa, breakfast goodies and other refreshments in the Friends hospitality tent.
How can my group be in the parade?
Applications open in late October. Pick a division (float, vehicle, marching/walking or animal) and a unit type, and agree to follow the parade rules. You also pay the entry fee, donate new unwrapped toys and send proof of insurance for any motorized vehicle.
How far do walking and marching groups go?
The full route and back is roughly 3 miles round trip. There are no return shuttles, so every member must be able to walk the whole way.
What toys can entries donate?
New, unwrapped toys, with no skateboards, bicycles or scooters. Drop them at Heights Recreation Center, 711 W Arapaho Road. The toys go to Network of Community Ministries for families and children in need.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteer sign-ups open in fall 2026. Volunteers help check in and line up floats, carry parade banners or serve as parade marshals, and organizations can earn volunteer hours.
More Christmas Events Near Richardson
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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.