The Okeechobee Christmas Festival & Parade, hosted by Okeechobee Main Street, is a holiday tradition that takes place in Flager Park. The festival offers food, gifts, arts, crafts, and activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy live music and a variety of entertainment throughout the day.
The event culminates in the lighted night parade, a popular highlight that has been celebrated since 1989. The parade begins at 6:00 PM and showcases beautifully decorated floats, holiday-themed entries, and festive lights. Vendors and participants must follow specific guidelines, including the prohibition of throwing items from floats and ensuring all animals are properly managed during the parade. The festival also hosts a special Kids Market, providing a platform for young entrepreneurs.
The parade lineup starts at 5:00 p.m. at Aldi Supermarket and is strictly limited to 100 entries, with the final entry being Santa Claus himself. Applications for the parade close on December 12 at 4:00 PM.
