If you want to feel the Christmas spirit in full force, mark your calendar for the Shawnee Christmas Parade of Lights on Friday, December 12, at 7:00 PM. It's one of the largest nighttime Christmas parades in Oklahoma, and every year it turns downtown Shawnee into a glowing ribbon of lights, music, and pure holiday energy. This is the night when Main Street steps into the spotlight, and Shawnee shows off what community feels like.

The Christmas Parade of Lights

This year’s parade will bring out everything we love. Bright floats, marching bands, classic cars, dancers, and a crowd full of people soaking in the moment. Kids love the lights. Grownups love watching Main Street come alive. And everyone loves the grand finale when Santa rolls through just before the fireworks.

Float entries are open now, and parade organizers have added a competitive twist with cash prizes in several categories. If you or your group want to participate, here are the requirements:

• Car groups may enter up to six cars with at least 100 lights on each
• Floats must include at least 1,000 lights
• Motorcycle groups may enter up to 12 motorcycles with at least 100 lights each
• No extra Santas
• Toss candy carefully
• Animal entries must have someone following behind to clean up

Submit your float entry here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252786191491971

How Sharon and I Enjoy the Parade

Through the years, Sharon and I have experienced this parade from just about every angle. We have watched family members march with one of the area high school bands, dance with a local dance troupe, or represent their school's FFA. We have walked alongside floats our church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, has sponsored, and have even joined the Community Renewal entry, greeting friends and neighbors along the route.

But one of our favorite traditions is a little more relaxed. Sharon and I grab a pair of chairs at Theopolis Social Club and watch the parade from the comfort of their sidewalk or inside if the Oklahoma wind decides to make things blustery. We have reservations again this year, and you can bet we will be toasting the parade entries with an actual glass of holiday cheer. It is the perfect blend of community, comfort, and Christmas.

Winter Wonderland in Downtown Shawnee

Alongside the parade, families can enjoy the new Winter Wonderland at the Santa Fe Depot, created by Safe Events for Families in partnership with Pottawatomie County and the City of Shawnee. This free attraction runs throughout the season and features lights, music, and festive displays made for slow strolls and memory making. It is one more reason to head downtown this season and enjoy everything Shawnee is offering.

A December Night Worth Getting Out For

Whether you come for the parade, visit Winter Wonderland, or turn it into a full evening out, downtown Shawnee is the place to be on December 12. Events like these remind us why Shawnee is such a great place to call home. Great people, strong traditions, and a little sparkle! I will be out there taking it all in, and I hope you will be too. Live it up, Shawnee. Christmastime is here!