Illustration of a santa visit scene (Kris Kringle Procession)
Other Christmas Activities

Kris Kringle Procession

Experience the magic of the annual Kris Kringle Procession in historic Frederick. This beloved holiday parade features a delightful array of costumed characters, from traditional German figures to beloved modern icons, winding through beautifully illuminated downtown streets. The procession culminates in Baker Park with the enchanting lighting of the City Tree, a truly festive community celebration.

What to Expect

Traditional procession with tree lighting and costumed characters.

Event Details

Duration

Evening event, starts at 6:30 PM

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Frederick

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Celebrate Frederick

Food & Drink

Hot cocoa provided by Roy Rogers Restaurants.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, traditional, community-oriented

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Parking: A Google Map with parking recommendations is available.
  • Accessibility: Onsite ASL Interpreting is provided.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the procession route, especially near the start or the Baker Park Bandshell.
  • Dress warmly, as the event takes place in December and involves standing outdoors for the procession and tree lighting.
  • Check the provided Google Map for parking recommendations to navigate downtown Frederick's streets efficiently.
  • Bring a small basket if you'd like to participate in the tradition of leaving gifts for good children, inspired by the Krist Kindle character.
  • Consider bringing a portable chair or blanket for comfort while waiting for the procession to begin or during the tree lighting ceremony.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Sponsored by Wawa
  • Presented in partnership with Key 103
  • Hot cocoa provided by Roy Rogers Restaurants
  • Onsite ASL Interpreting

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kris Kringle Procession?

It's an annual holiday parade in Frederick, MD, featuring costumed characters and culminating in the lighting of the City Tree.

Where does the procession take place?

The procession starts at the corner of South Carroll and East Patrick streets and ends in Baker Park.

Is there ASL interpretation available?

Yes, onsite ASL interpreting is provided for the event.

What kind of characters can I expect to see?

You'll see a mix of traditional German holiday figures like Pelsnickle and Weinacht Man, as well as modern characters like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph.

Is there a cost to attend?

No, the Kris Kringle Procession is free to attend.

Tags

paradestree lightingSanta visitscommunity celebrationfamily friendlyholiday traditionfestive atmosphereanimated displays

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team