This year’s Venice Holiday Parade is a big one. It’s the 50th parade, and it celebrates three milestones at once: the parade’s golden anniversary, the City of Venice’s centennial and America’s 250th birthday. The theme is fitting: “Golden Traditions.”
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Here’s everything you need to plan the weekend, plus the rest of Venice’s holiday calendar through mid-December.
A City Turning 100
Venice was officially incorporated on July 1, 1926. The city has been marking the milestone with an 18-month Centennial Celebration that began at last year’s holiday parade and runs through May 2027. This year’s parade is a highlight of that celebration.
The 2026 Grand Marshal fits the moment, too: Old Betsy, the city’s original fire engine. Former City Councilman and Vice Mayor Earl Midlam and his wife, Karen, have kept her running for years. They’ll ride along with the volunteers who have cared for her over the decades.
Friday, Nov. 27: The Mayor’s Hometown Christmas
5–7 p.m., Centennial Park, downtown Venice
The season officially starts the day after Thanksgiving with the Mayor’s Hometown Christmas. The evening includes the Christmas tree lighting, holiday music from local choirs including The Venice Chorale, and time with Santa. Bring chairs or a blanket, and stay to shop and eat downtown. Venice MainStreet presents the event.
Saturday, Nov. 28: Small Business Saturday and the 50th Holiday Parade
Parade day is also Small Business Saturday. Make a day of it: shop the downtown boutiques in the afternoon, grab dinner, then find your spot on the curb.
Before the parade
Downtown activities begin as early as 3 p.m., with pre-parade entertainment around 5 p.m. High school booster clubs, Scouts and local nonprofits sell drinks and snacks along the route, so bring some small bills. Your snack money supports local kids and causes.
The Elf Dash
Feeling festive? The Elf Dash is a just-under-one-mile fun run tied to parade day. Elves must cross the finish line within 20 minutes. Check the city’s parade page for registration details.
The parade — 6:30 p.m.
The parade steps off near City Hall at the corner of Park Boulevard and West Venice Avenue. It heads east along Venice Avenue, turns onto Nokomis Avenue and ends at the Venice Community Center. Expect floats and marching units from local businesses, schools, churches, clubs and music groups.
Tips for parade night:
- Arrive early. Downtown fills up fast, and road closures start well before step-off. Check the city’s page for closures and public parking.
- Bring chairs and layers. Late-November evenings can get cool once the sun goes down.
- Plan your exit. Expect traffic leaving downtown after the parade. Lingering over dessert is a good strategy.
Thursday, Dec. 3: Christmas Walk
5–8 p.m., downtown Venice (Miami, Tampa and West Venice avenues)
Downtown shops stay open late for Venice MainStreet’s Christmas Walk, with treats, live music and decorated storefront windows. It’s one of the most relaxed holiday evenings in the area and a great chance to finish your shopping locally.
Saturday, Dec. 5: Venice Christmas Boat Parade
The Venice Christmas Boat Parade is always held the Saturday after the Holiday Parade. Dozens of decorated boats cruise the Intracoastal Waterway. A private group of captains and residents organizes it, so check the organizer’s website for this year’s start time and best viewing spots.
Sunday, Dec. 6: Grand Chanukah Klezmer Festival
Chabad of Venice hosts the Grand Chanukah Klezmer Festival in Centennial Park. Expect festive music in the heart of downtown.
More holiday fun in Venice
- A Christmas Carol at Venice Theatre runs Dec. 9–22. Check Venice Theatre’s listing for showtimes and tickets.
- Friday Night Concert at Centennial Park with Shirley St. John, Friday, Dec. 11, 7–9 p.m. at the Centennial Park gazebo.
- Venice Farmers Market every Saturday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., next to City Hall. It’s a good stop for local gifts and treats.
Celebrate Local
Fifty parades in, the Venice Holiday Parade is still what it’s always been: neighbors, local businesses and community groups showing up for each other. That’s what we love about this community, and it’s why we’re proud to be your community bank. We hope to see you downtown.
Event details were confirmed with organizers as of November and can change. Please check each organizer’s website before attending.
