Merced Hometown Christmas Parade

December 7, 2024, 2 p.m.  

Cowboy Christmas is 2024 theme

Bob Hart Square
Main Street between G & N Streets
Merced, CA
facebook.com/ visitmerced

Schedule of Events

• Parade Kickoff 2 p.m.
• Santa Pictures & Hot Cocoa 5 p.m. Merced Breakfast Lions Club will be giving out hot chocolate
• Musical Performances 5 p.m.

Parade route is usually Main Street
Merced, CA

The Christmas Parade includes many local talents such as school marching bands, dance academy performances, and a few beauty queen contestants in the mix. Costumes are festive and bright, and Santa always waves and wears a smile as he arrives in his sleigh, disembarking to take photos after the parade.

Vendors offer food and gifts for sale after the parade, as well, so stick around and see the grand tree lighting ceremony - the lighting of the MERCO Community Christmas tree! 

Approx. 100 entries ranging from bands and drill teams to motorcycle clubs, car clubs, demonstrations, horse riding, and even local Roller Derby girls dressed in solidarity with their counterparts around the world are featured in the HomeTown Christmas Parade. 

In recent years, the annual event has drawn more than 10,000 people downtown. The parade is organized by the enthusiastic Active 20-30 Club, which took over the event two years ago. It's also sponsored by the Merced Irrigation District. Radio Merced will have a DJ during the parade. The parade starts at 3 p.m. It goes from . and downtown holiday celebration includes crafts and foods on Canal Street, which will be entirely shut down. Annual Bob Hart Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony immediately following parade.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.