Illustration of a parade scene (City of Venice Holiday Parade)
Other Christmas Activities

City of Venice Holiday Parade

The City of Venice Holiday Parade celebrates its 50th anniversary with the 'Golden Traditions' theme, honoring the City's Centennial and America's 250th birthday. This spectacular event features over 100 parade units and thousands of participants, including the historic 'Old Betsy' fire engine as Grand Marshal. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with live entertainment, family activities, and a special Elf Dash fun run.

What to Expect

50th anniversary parade celebrating 'Golden Traditions' with historic Grand Marshal.

Event Details

Duration

Activities begin at 3 p.m., parade steps off at 6:30 p.m.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Venice

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

City of Venice

Food & Drink

Snacks, drinks, and trinkets available for sale near City Hall, Centennial Park, Fountain Park, and across from Venice Library.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, community members, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, celebratory, traditional

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Downtown Venice
W. Venice Avenue
Venice, FL
34285

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $ – Get tickets
  • Parking: Public parking is available at Venice High School, Centennial Park, Graser Park, Legacy Park, Venice Beach, and under the North/KMI Bridge. Parking is restricted at City Hall and the Venice Cultural Campus (pass required for south lot).
  • Accessibility: The website mentions an ongoing accessibility initiative using the Monsido Platform™ to help identify and prioritize accessibility issues.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early, as roadways close at 2 p.m. and parking fills up quickly. Consider using the suggested detour routes to avoid congestion.
  • Bring your own snacks and beverages, as vendor options may be limited and sales help support local school teams.
  • If participating in the Elf Dash fun run, ensure your parking pass is visible and be aware of the 6 p.m. deadline for registration.
  • Be patient with potential gaps in the parade; they are often due to participants enthusiastically showcasing their holiday spirit.
  • Check the official parade map and rules for specific guidelines on parade units, including vehicle size and participant limits.

Special Events & Promotions

  • 50th anniversary of the parade
  • City's Centennial celebration
  • America's 250th birthday celebration
  • Elf Dash Fun Run
  • Sponsorship opportunities available

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the theme of the 2026 Venice Holiday Parade?

The theme for the 2026 parade is 'Golden Traditions,' celebrating the 50th anniversary of the parade, the City's 100th birthday, and America's 250th birthday.

When and where does the parade start?

The parade officially begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from the intersection of W. Venice Avenue and Ave Des Parques, heading east.

What are the road closure times?

Roadways along the parade route will begin closing at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2026. They are expected to reopen before 10 p.m.

Where can I find public parking?

Public parking is available at Venice High School, Centennial Park, Graser Park, Legacy Park, Venice Beach, and under the North/KMI Bridge. Parking is restricted at City Hall and the Venice Cultural Campus.

Can I throw candy from my float?

No, the City prohibits throwing candy and trinkets from floats for safety reasons. Items may be walked to and hand-delivered from parade participants to spectators.

Tags

paradesholiday traditioncommunity celebrationfamily friendlyfestive foodseasonal activitiesNew Years Eveholiday seasonfestive events

More Christmas Events Near Venice

More Christmas Events near Venice

Open the map around Venice →

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