Guide to the Annual Holiday, Christmas and Santa Parades in Ohio

The holiday season is almost upon us. There are always many activities going on during the season. Some of the more popular festivities are holiday parades. Parades are fun for the whole family, however, children seem to particularly enjoy them because they usually mark the long-awaited arrival of Santa.

If you are looking for a holiday parade in Ohio, then look no further. Below, you will find my guide to annual holiday parades (also called Christmas parades or Santa parades) in Ohio. So gather the family, head off to a parade, and have a splendid time!

Northwest Ohio

Archbold Parade of Lights (Archbold)- This parade features vehicles of all kinds (fire trucks, cars, buses, tractors, and more) all of which are decorated with Christmas lights.

Annual Holiday Parade (Bowling Green)- This is Northwest Ohio's biggest holiday parade. It features more than ten marching bands, forty floats, and of course, Santa Clause. The parade is sponsored by the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce. This year's theme is Holiday Reflections: Past-Present.

Bryan Santa's Arrival Parade (Bryan)- This parades marks the arrival of Santa as he makes his grand entrance on a horse-drawn sleigh. After the parade, Santa greets all the children outside the courthouse and they have a chance to sit on his lap and tell them what they want for Christmas.

Olde Fashioned Christmas Festival Parade (Van Wert)- This is the second year for this parade. Features include horse-drawn carriages and lighted floats as well as Santa.

Santa Parade (St. Marys)- Santa makes his grand arrival at this parade. Following the parade, there is also a free kids show.

Winesburg Christmas Weekend and Santa Parade (Clyde)- This parade used to be celebrated before Thanksgiving but it has been moved so it doesn't conflict with the Ohio State-Michigan football game. Following the parade, children can visit Santa at his house.

Southwest Ohio

Amelia Christmas Parade (Amelia)- This parade is sure to be fun for the whole family. Children will find it particularly enjoyable because it marks the arrival of Santa to the village.

Christmas In Historic Springboro Parade (Springboro)- This parade is celebrated in an old-fashioned, small-town style. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are the grand marshals. There is also a lot going on before and after the parade that is sure to be fun for the whole family.

Christmas Parade (Williamsburg)- This parade kicks off the holidays with the arrival of Santa.

Dayton Children's Parade (Dayton)- This parade takes place as a part of Dayton's Holiday Festival. It designed to be fun for all ages and marks the beginning of the holiday season.

Historic Lebanon's Annual Christmas Festival and Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade (Lebanon)- This festival actually features two parades: one during the afternoon and one during the evening. The evening parade is lit by candlelight. Between parades, there are plenty of festivities for the whole family.

Hometown Holidazzle- Illuminated Parade & Festival (Wilmington)- This parade features thousands of lights and marks the arrival of Santa. After the parade, Santa is available to hear kids' wish lists. The are also other festivities including indoor arcade games and food vendors.

Santa Parade (Hamilton)- Fun for all ages, this parade features floats, clowns, bands, and entertainment. It also marks the arrival of Santa and the beginning of the holiday season. After the parade, visit Santa in at his house at Butler County Courthouse Square.

Troy Hometown Holidays Tree Illumination and Parade (Troy)- Festivities kick of with a parade. At the end of the parade, Santa makes his grand appearance. Stick around after the parade to see the Grand Illumination of the tree in downtown Troy.

Winter Wonderland Parade (Sidney)- The festivities at this parade include food, shopping, and a lighting ceremony. It also marks the arrival of Santa.

Northeast Ohio

Dalton Holidays Festival and Santa Parade (Dalton)- This parade features a small town atmosphere and plenty of holiday cheer. There are also festivities for the whole family before and after the parade.

Dover's Annual Christmas Parade (Dover)- This parade marks the arrival or Santa and the start of the holiday season. There is also a lighting ceremony immediately follwing the parade.

"Light up Berea Parade" (Berea)- Features of the parade include floats, marching bands, area organizations, and of course, Santa. Immediately following the parade, there is lighting celebration marking the beginning of the holiday season.

"The Miracles of Christmas" Parade (Carrollton)- This parade features Santa, Santa's friends, treats for the kids, floats, music, and much more.

Toronto Christmas Parade (Toronto)- Santa makes his grand arrival at this parade. Be sure to stick around after the parade to let him know what you want for Christmas.

Welcome Santa Parade (Akron)- This parade marks the arrival of Santa. New to the parade this year are giant balloons, one of which is a 48-foot reindeer.

Southeast Ohio

"A Dickens of a Christmas" Holiday Parade (Cambridge)- Festivities begin with the annual lighting ceremony at the Guernsey County Courthouse. The parade immediately follows. Features include floats, Santa, bands, and Father Christmas.

"Come Home for the Holidays" Parade (Dresden)- This lighted parade features floats, vintage cars, choirs, bands, and of course, Santa. There are also many festivities that take place before and after the parade.

Salem Annual Christmas Parade (Salem)- Welcome Santa and kick off the holidays with this parade.

Steubenville Christmas Parade (Steubenville)- Sure to be fun for the whole family, this parade marks the arrival of Santa.

Central and North Central Ohio

Bladensburg Christmas Parade (Bladensburg)- 2007 marks the thirty-seventh year for this event. The parade marks the arrival or Santa and the holiday season.

Bucyrus Annual Santa Parade (Bucyrus)- Santa makes his grand arrival at this parade. Afterwards, children can visit him at his house.

Christmas Parade (West Liberty)- Usher in the holidays with this parade that features floats, Santa, and Santa's helpers. Children can visit Santa after the parade in his house.

Downtown Christmas Parade (Marion)- This event includes many festivities before and after the parade. The parade marks the arrival of Santa and includes ponies, marching bands, floats, and much more.

Elks Christmas Parade (Marysville)- Santa and his friends kick off the holiday season as the make their long-awaited appearance.

Holiday Lights! Parade & Festival (Gahanna)- Arrive before the parade and enjoy festivities that are fun for the whole family. The parade is known for being "Central Ohio's Original All-lighted Nighttime Parade." It features floats, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, and of course, Santa.

Mount Vernon's Annual Christmas Parade (Mount Vernon)- During the parade, Santa makes his grand arrival. The parade also includes dozens of other entries.

Richwood Christmas Parade (Richwood)- This parade kicks of the holiday season as Santa makes his grand appearance.

Winter Lights Holiday Celebration and Parade (Grove City)- Along with the traditional holiday parade there are a lot of festivities for the whole family including a lighting ceremony.