Christmas parades are here again: Guide to season's best in Salisbury, Ocean City and more
'Tis the season of parades on the Eastern Shore. Even as we're still enjoying our Thanksgiving feasts, it's already time to look ahead, so here's a guide to this season's big Christmas parades on the Lower Shore.
If we've missed any, please do email us at newshub@delmarvanow.com.
Salisbury
Sunday, Dec. 3, 1-3 p.m.
Registration for the 77th annual Salisbury Jaycees Christmas Parade is open now, and follow the link in the Facebook post below to register to enter a float or other attraction. The parade is set to run along E. Main Street, and the theme for this year's big parade is A Very Merryland Christmas.
Ocean City
Saturday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m.
The Ocean City Christmas Parade begins promptly at 11 a.m. with an extended route from Old Landing Road north to 120th Street. The southbound lanes of Coastal highway will be closed for the parade in that general area, allowing spectators to gather curbside. Following the parade head out to the Carousel for family-friendly fun and the awards presentation.
Visit ococean.com
Pocomoke City
Monday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m.
Pocomoke City will be transformed into a "Winter Wonderland", playing host to one of Delmarva’s largest night time Christmas parades. Always held on the first Monday night after Thanksgiving, the Pocomoke parade will attract over 100 units from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, along with thousands of spectators.
Each year the parade features marching bands representing high and middle schools from seven counties in three states. Also featured will be beautifully decorated and lighted floats entered by schools, civic organizations, churches, and commercial enterprises.
The route will take the parade north on Market Street beginning at 14th Street and ending at the Pocomoke River.
Professional judges, including members of the National Judges Association (NJA), will score entries in many different categories. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded immediately following the event to the top entries in each category.
More info: http://www.pocomokechristmasparade.com/
Princess Anne
Saturday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. (line up starting at 5 p.m. for participating entries.)
Participants are being sought now for the annual Princess Anne Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, set to run through the town's historic downtown. Follow the link in Facebook embed to register.
Snow Hill
6:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4 (participants line up at 6 p.m.)
The Snow Hill Lions Club is still seeking participants for its big annual parade, so chedk the link in Facebook embed to learn how to join in and show your holiday spirit.
Berlin
Thursday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.
The parade is set to feature 80+ floats, dancers, fire trucks, Santa and more.
It all starts from the Berlin Welcome Center, then runs north to the Berlin Fire Company. The judging stand is located on West/Baker Street near the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. The emcee will be Big Al Reno from Ocean98.
Visit Dec 7 Berlin Christmas Parade | Berlin Main Street
Crisfield
Traditional parade: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1
Lighted boat parade: Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m.
Yes, Crisfield really does have two Christmas parades. It's big annual parade takes place downtown, parading from the library down to the City Dock.
And in a truly Crisfield-only kind of event, the fourth annual Crisfield Christmas boat parade will feature decked out boats and, of course, Santa. There will be slips available in the Somers Cove Marina for participants.
The parade will begin in the marina promptly at 6 p.m., pass by the Crisfield city dock, Wellington beach and Crisfield American legion to end at Tawes nursing home, and then back to the marina.
For more info on boat parade: https://www.facebook.com/events/1775006856290711
Chincoteague
Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m.
The 43rd annual Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade steps off at 6 p.m., hosted by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. Fire trucks, floats, bands, classic cars and marching units parade down Main Street spreading holiday cheer to celebrate "A Gingerbread Christmas."
Donate to the Chincoteague Police Department Annual Toy Drive for children with a new toy placed in the police car in the parade to be distributed to needy children in the community this holiday season. Inclement weather date is Friday, Dec. 8.
Visit www.chincoteaguechamber.com.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Yes, Christmas parade season is here again. Guide to Delmarva's best.
