Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander | Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander official website
Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander | Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander official website
This year’s parade theme is “Gingerbread Dreams”
NORFOLK, Va. – (November 2023) – The 37th Annual Grand Illumination Parade steps off at 7pm on Saturday, November 18, 2023, in Downtown Norfolk.
The parade starts at the corner of St. Paul’s Blvd. and Main Street and follows a two-mile course through beautiful Downtown Norfolk. This year’s parade theme is “Gingerbread Dreams,” which will be celebrated by marching bands, motorized units, walking units, floats, and the big man himself, Santa Claus. The parade is free and open to the public.
The Grand Illumination Parade is the official kick off to the holiday season and brings tens of thousands of spectators to Downtown Norfolk to experience its grandeur, magic, and lights. The parade immediately follows the Grand Illumination that lights up the Downtown skyline at 7pm. The lights will continue to adorn Downtown Norfolk throughout the holidays.
“This is the 37th year of the region’s favorite holiday parade,” said Mary Miller, president and CEO of Downtown Norfolk Council. “We are proud of the continued quality of this beloved tradition and thankful for the hundreds of participants and volunteers that make it happen.”
The Grand Illumination Parade will also be streamed on Facebook Live @DowntownNorfolk on November 18 at 7pm. Viewers can enjoy the splendor of the parade along with colorful commentary and the ability to interact with host in real time. If you don’t have Facebook, you can still watch live on your laptop or desktop at DowntownNorfolk.org. The Facebook Live broadcast will be available after the parade on Facebook.
The Grand Illumination Parade won a Merit Award from the International Downtown Association and has been featured as a Southeast Tourism Top 20 Event multiple times.
Parade Tips & Extras:
Come Early and Enjoy the Fun
Spectators are encouraged to arrive before 5 pm to avoid traffic. There’s plenty to do for the whole family including WinterFest on the Wisconsin at Nauticus, the first night of the week-long 9th Annual Great Hot Cocoa War, and plenty of shopping and dining options. Various pre-parade entertainment options will also be available on the parade route starting at 5:30 pm.
Special Event Parking Prices
Early bird parking rates of $3 are available from 5am until 5pm in most city garages. All city garages, including MacArthur Center, are collect-on-entry and accept CASH or CREDIT. Dominion Tower Garage will maintain their regular hourly rates; PNC Garage will be COE $5 from 4pm-8pm. For all garage locations click here.
The Grand Illumination Parade, produced by Downtown Norfolk Council, kicks off the annual Holidays in the City celebrations in Downtown Norfolk. It’s a magical time to visit with holiday music, festive lights and decorations and special creations at nearby restaurants. Holiday placemaking displays adorn Downtown in addition to doorways and windows of shops and hotels. For a complete list of activities and events, visit DowntownNorfolk.org.
Downtown Norfolk Council is a private, not-for-profit membership organization comprised of businesses and individuals working toward a dynamic, attractive, and prosperous Downtown. DNC also manages the Downtown Norfolk Improvement District, a 50-block special services district with enhanced services that keep Downtown friendly, safe, and spotless. Connect with Downtown Norfolk on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or visit DowntownNorfolk.org.
Original source can be found here.
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