Norman’s annual Christmas Holiday Parade and Winterfest on Main returns Saturday, bringing live performances, family-friendly activities and holiday traditions to downtown Norman.
This year’s theme, “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree,” celebrates local music and seasonal spirit. According to Jeff Moody, Norman parks and recreation program coordinator, the parade and winter festival have evolved over the years, but the goal of community celebration has remained the same.
Winterfest on Main has been a Norman tradition for over 30 years, according to Moody. Moody said earlier versions of the event featured fireworks, which has been replaced with a drone light show, while the tree lighting at Andrews Park has undergone significant changes in the last two years.
The free event will include visits from Santa, photo opportunities, a Grinch storytime, face painting, cookies and hot chocolate. New features this year include a mini train ride and live reindeer.
Performers include Sooner Theatre, Massay's DanceStar Productions and local band The Imaginaries, this year’s grand marshals.
The Imaginaries, an indie music duo composed of couple Maggie McClure and Shane Henry, have built a strong holiday music catalog. Moody said the duo’s music has been featured in Hallmark Channel films such as “My Christmas Love” and “Redemption in Cherry Springs.”
McClure said attendees can expect familiar holiday classics, including “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” as well as original songs.
McClure has attended the parade many times and recalls fond memories of being with family while she attended. She also performed in the parade as a member of the Norman North High School marching band.
“Something like that, staying the same over the years, it makes people feel nostalgic and a sense of comfort and home and something that feels good to come back to every year,” McClure said.
Map of the parade route.
Winterfest on Main is a tradition for many Norman families and Moody sees the event continuing to grow.
“It's going to just get bigger and bigger,” Moody said. “We are looking forward to that challenge and looking forward to what it can grow into.”
The parade starts at 6 p.m. on Main Street, from N. Pickard Avenue to James Garner Avenue. The tree lighting and Winterfest on Main starts at 7 p.m. on Jones Avenue from Main Street to Eufaula Street. The parade route is available online.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Kylie Caldwell and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
