Holiday cheer is coming to downtown Tucson in a big way Saturday, Dec. 19.
The 21st annual Downtown Parade of Lights will feature more than 1,800 people and 85 decorated entries, including floats and animals, the Downtown Tucson Partnership said in a news release Wednesday.
Organizers are expecting more than 25,000 people to line the parade route.
The parade will feature floats from the 501st Legion, featuring a “Star Wars” theme, along with the Old Pueblo Vintage Fire Brigade, the John Valenzuela Youth Center, KIDCO, the Old Pueblo Mustang Club and Grupo Folklorico Los Amigos.
Winning entries will be announced after the parade is completed.
Santa Claus will also be on hand for the parade.
“He wouldn’t miss it,” said Brandi Haga-Blackman, Downtown Tucson Partnership’s director of operations and the coordinator of the parade, in the news release.
Carnival games, a trackless train ride, live entertainment, vendors and food will be available at Armory Park starting at 4 p.m. The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at 5:45 p.m. and followed by a holiday carol singalong.
The Parade of Lights starts at 6:30 p.m.
All the events are free and family-friendly.
Other attractions Saturday include an all-ages beer garden at The Downtown Clifton hotel, 485 S. Stone, and activities at the St. Augustine Cathedral.
Prince Chapel AME Church will offer parking, hot dogs, hot chocolate and sweet potato fries along the parade route.
The Children’s Museum Tucson will host a free “art-ivity,” including a snowflake station, popsicle-stick trees and stars, festive lanterns and other activities in the museum courtyard.
For more information, visit www.downtowntucson.org/paradeoflights.
The parade is presented by Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital and Cox Communications. Support also comes from iHeartMedia, 91.3 KXCI, KVOA-TV, Bear Essential News for Kids, Wendy’s, Lovitt and Touché, Sun Magazine, Yellow Cab and Casa de los Niños.
