City of Venice Holiday Parade
Spectators line downtown streets to watch a vibrant procession of floats, marching groups, vehicles, lit bicycles, and golf carts, led by 100-year-old retired fire engine Old Betsy. Two emceed stages feature announcers and judges from the Venice Area Toastmasters Club who evaluate entries. Visitors can also enjoy family-friendly downtown activities and purchase refreshments from local high school booster clubs.
What to Expect
Celebrates its 50th anniversary with a festive downtown parade.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Venice
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Venice
Food & Drink
Local high school booster clubs sell snacks and drinks near City Hall, at Centennial Park and Fountain Park, and across from the Venice Library.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and parade fans
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: No spectator admission price is stated. Parade participation has no fee.
- Hours: Downtown activities begin as early as 3 p.m.; parade steps off at 6:30 p.m.
- Parking: Public parking is available at listed locations near the route, first come, first served, and spaces will fill quickly. No public parking is available at City Hall. Venice Cultural Campus parking is restricted or limited by pass only; its south lot is reserved for Elf Dash participants and its north lot for City staff and volunteers. Roadways along the route close beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28; detours are advised. Limited or local traffic only applies in parade staging areas.
- Accessibility: ADA and family accessible permanent restrooms are available along the route at Centennial Park, Hecksher Park, and Venice Beach.
Tips & Advice
- Allow extra travel time, because roads along the parade route close to all traffic hours before step-off. Detour using Tampa Avenue or San Marco Drive.
- Arrive early to grab a spot in the public lots near the route. They're first come, first served and fill quickly, and City Hall has no public parking.
- Pick a spot in an approved viewing area, since the eastbound lane of W. Venice Avenue between Harbor Drive and Nokomis Avenue is closed to spectators.
- Bring some spending money for the Venice High booster club stands, which sell snacks, drinks and trinkets near City Hall, Centennial Park, Fountain Park and the library.
- Don't expect candy thrown from floats. Parade participants walk candy and trinkets over and hand them to spectators along the route.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 50th annual parade's theme is Golden Traditions, also marking the City's 100th birthday and America's 250th.
- Old Betsy, the city's century-old fire engine, is the 2026 Grand Marshal.
- The Elf Dash Fun Run kicks off the parade for its third year, with a 0.9-mile run down the route (separate registration and fee).
- The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce live-streams the parade.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where's the best spot to watch?
You can watch from both sides of Nokomis Avenue between W. Venice Ave and Turin Street, or from both sides of Turin Street between Nokomis Ave and Riviera Street. On W. Venice Avenue, watch from the westbound lane between Nokomis Ave and Harbor Drive, or the eastbound lane between Harbor Drive and Ave Des Parques. Viewing isn't allowed on the eastbound lane between Harbor Drive and Nokomis Ave, which is kept clear for emergency access.
Where can we park?
Public parking lots are a short walk from the route, first come, first served, and they fill quickly. There's no public parking at City Hall. The Venice Cultural Campus lots are pass-only.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. Venice High School sports booster clubs sell snacks, drinks and trinkets near City Hall, at Centennial Park and Fountain Park, and across from Venice Library.
Are there accessible restrooms?
Yes. There are permanent ADA and family-accessible public restrooms at Centennial Park, Hecksher Park and Venice Beach.
How can my group be in the parade?
There's no fee, and you don't need to be based in Venice. Apply through the online form by Friday, Oct. 16, or before all spots fill. The parade is limited to 50 units. Each unit can have up to 10 vehicles, 10 bicycles, 10 golf carts and 30 walkers.
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