The annual Norman Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, featuring festive activities, shows and guest performances.
The parade will begin at Main Street and Pickard Avenue and end on James Garner Avenue. This year's theme will be “Twinkle in Toyland.”
Attendees can expect to see decorated floats bringing the theme to life as they travel east on Main Street and through downtown Norman. Floats and displays will also be eligible for cash prizes, with awards being given out for categories such as Best Overall, Best Entry with Children and Most Unique.
The parade will welcome OU women’s gymnastics coach K.J. Kindler and her team, who will serve as the grand marshals for the event.
Hosted by Norman Parks and Recreation, Winterfest on Main will begin around 7 p.m., immediately after the parade. According to Jeff Moody, Norman Parks and Recreation program coordinator, roads will be blocked from Jones Avenue to Eufaula Street.
“Basically, that whole area is going to transform into a little winter wonderland,” Moody said.
Attendees can enjoy a variety of events throughout the night such as live Sooner Theatre performances, pictures with Santa and a live storybook reading with the Grinch.
According to Moody, Winterfest has been a Norman tradition for over 50 years, but this is the first year the event will be held on Main Street.
“We moved it from Andrews Park to here so that it'll be in the downtown area right after the parade,” Moody said. “Everybody will be there already, and it's a good way to bring the whole city together.”
Winterfest attendees can watch the first drone show held by the city of Norman and the lighting of a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree. According to Moody, hot chocolate will also be provided by Beanstalk Coffee & Sno.
“Lots of cool surprises,” Moody said. “I can't give away too much.”
This story was edited by Shelby Emery. Grace Rhodes copy edited this story.
