Illustration of children queuing at Santa's workshop grotto with toy shelves and an elf helper waving them in (Santa's Grand Arrival Parade)
Other Christmas Activities

Santa's Grand Arrival Parade

Spectators gather along North Cattlemen Road to watch Santa's Grand Arrival Parade usher in the holiday season. The procession features local schools, marching bands, clubs, and businesses celebrating the theme Home for the Holidays. Participating groups spread festive cheer to thousands of families as they showcase creative entries.

Sat, Nov 14, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Participant registration fees: commercial/for-profit businesses $250; nonprofit organizations $100; dance studios, school marching bands, and school groups free. Payment is required after the entry, insurance, and application have been approved.

Location

University Town Center · 210 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34243 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday parade fans

Vibe

Festive and communal

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Groups that want to march should get their application in by October 12, 2026, the deadline for this year's parade entries.
  • Read the Parade Rules and Regulations and the insurance requirements before you register, because insurance documents must be emailed in as part of entering.
  • Build your entry around the Home for the Holidays theme, since UTC awards prizes to the most impressive parade participants.
  • Dance studios, school marching bands and school groups can enter free, so schools can join without paying a registration fee.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The 2026 parade theme is Home for the Holidays.
  • UTC awards prizes to the most impressive parade entries.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's this year's parade theme?

The 2026 theme is Home for the Holidays, celebrating the warmth, comfort and joy of being together during the holiday season.

Who can be in the parade?

Local schools, clubs and businesses are invited to join the parade along N Cattlemen Rd.

How do we enter the parade?

Read the Parade Rules and Regulations, then fill out the registration form. Next, email your insurance documents to DILLON@eventfest.com. Once your entry, insurance and application are approved, pay the registration fee to EventFest Inc. Applications are due October 12, 2026.

Do school groups pay to take part?

No. Dance studios, school marching bands and school groups enter free. Businesses and nonprofits pay a registration fee after they're approved.

Are there prizes?

Yes. UTC awards prizes to the most impressive parade entries, in several award categories.

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