🎄 Get Ready for the Palm Bay Holiday Light Parade and Festivities! 🎄
✨ Holiday Parade, Road Closures, and Festive Events in Palm Bay This December ✨
Palm Bay, FL — The holiday season is upon us, and Palm Bay is ready to light up the night! 🎅✨ The City of Palm Bay has planned an exciting lineup of holiday events that will bring the community together in celebration. The City of Palm Bay's Holiday Light Parade is a cherished tradition that continues to grow each year. The centerpiece of the festivities is the Annual Holiday Light Parade, set to dazzle spectators along Malabar Road on Saturday, December 7th, starting at 6:00 p.m. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy the parade and navigate the holiday excitement.
Holiday Light Parade Details
The Annual City of Palm Bay Holiday Light Parade returns to Malabar Road this year, featuring dozens of brightly lit floats, marching bands, cheer squads, motorized vehicles, and more. The parade route will be packed with holiday cheer, with thousands of spectators lining up to catch a glimpse of this beloved holiday tradition. The parade begins at the Palm Bay Campus of Eastern Florida State College, turning north onto San Filippo Drive, then continuing west on Malabar Road. It will conclude in front of Palm Bay City Hall at Minton Road.
Date and Time:
Saturday, December 7th, at 6:00 p.m.
The parade is expected to end around 10:00 p.m.
Spectators can look forward to an evening of magical displays and plenty of entertainment for the whole family. 🎶 Be sure to bring a blanket or chair to stay comfortable while you enjoy the show! ✨
Tips for Enjoying the Parade
Arrive Early: With road closures starting at 3:00 p.m. and the parade beginning at 6:00 p.m., arriving early will help you secure a good spot and avoid traffic.
Bring Essentials: Be sure to bring chairs or blankets, water, and snacks to stay comfortable throughout the parade. Don’t forget a camera for those memorable moments!
Follow Safety Guidelines: Make sure to stay behind the designated barriers along the parade route for everyone’s safety, and be mindful of road closures when planning your travel.
Road Closures and Traffic Information
To accommodate the parade, several roads in Palm Bay will be closed at different times throughout the day. Please plan your route accordingly and expect delays in the surrounding areas. Here are the specific road closures for Saturday, December 7th:
Community College Parkway will close at 3:00 p.m. for parade staging.
Malabar Road will be completely closed in both directions from San Filippo Drive to Minton Road starting at 5:00 p.m.
Minton Road will be closed between Malabar Road and Jupiter Boulevard.
San Filippo Drive will be closed between Malabar Road and Jupiter Boulevard.
The estimated time for the roads to re-open is shortly after the parade ends and barriers and pedestrians are cleared. During the parade, all traffic exiting Interstate 95, both northbound and southbound, will be directed east on Malabar Road. Motorists are encouraged to use Palm Bay Road or Babcock Street as alternate routes during the event.
Expect additional traffic on open roads, especially on Jupiter Boulevard, which will remain open but experience increased congestion due to detours. Please drive cautiously and allow extra travel time if you're heading in or out of the area.
Other Holiday Festivities in Palm Bay
Palm Bay has even more holiday fun planned throughout the month of December!
🎄 Tree Lighting Ceremony: The holiday season will kick off on Friday, December 6th with a tree lighting ceremony at the Tony Rosa Community Center. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the event will feature performances by local school choirs and dance groups, holiday-themed refreshments such as hot cocoa and cookies, and a chance for children to meet and take photos with Santa. The ceremony will also include a countdown to light the tree, which will be adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, creating a beautiful start to the holiday festivities.
🎅 Breakfast with Santa: Families can enjoy a delicious breakfast with Santa at the Ted Whitlock Community Center on Saturday morning, December 14th, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.. The event will feature a hot breakfast buffet including pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and holiday-themed treats. Santa will be available for photos, and kids can share their holiday wish lists. Tickets are $5 per person, with children aged 2 and under admitted free. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Register here.
🌟 Outdoor Movie Night with Elsa: On Saturday evening, December 14th, Elsa will host a special screening of the movie Frozen at Fred Poppe Regional Park. Meet Elsa at 5:00 p.m., and enjoy the movie starting at 6:00 p.m. Bring your chairs, blankets, and some snacks for a cozy night under the stars.
🎉 Family Christmas Extravaganza: On Saturday, December 21st, join in the fun at the 16th Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Fred Poppe Regional Park. This beloved event has grown into one of the largest holiday gatherings in Palm Bay and attracts families from across the Space Coast. What started as a small community gathering has evolved into a festive celebration that brings together thousands of residents and visitors each year. The event will feature live entertainment from local bands and performers, creating a joyful holiday atmosphere. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, horse rides, face painting, and visit a holiday market with local vendors, including local craftspeople selling handmade gifts, food stalls offering holiday-themed snacks, and community organizations sharing information and activities. Santa will also make a special appearance, offering perfect photo opportunities. Free treats like popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs will be available, making it a fun day for everyone.
The City of Palm Bay is excited to welcome residents and visitors alike to join in these wonderful holiday traditions. Let's make this holiday season a joyful and safe celebration for all! 🎁✨
For a complete list of events and more details, visit PBFL.org/Holidays.
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