**Palm Bay Illuminates the Season: 2023 Holiday Tree Lighting and Light Parade**
The City of Palm Bay is gearing up to spread holiday cheer with its much-anticipated Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade. These events, heralding the start of the festive season, promise to be a delightful experience for the community.
**Tree Lighting Ceremony – A Festive Beginning:**
On December 1, 2023, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, the city will come alive with the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Palm Bay City Hall. This year marks a special occasion as the city lights up its new, live holiday tree for the first time. The ceremony will include a performance by the Heritage High School Ambassador, enhancing the festive atmosphere with musical charm.
Following the lighting of the tree, attendees are invited to stay and watch "The Santa Clause" (PG) on a giant outdoor screen. This family-friendly movie screening under the stars is a perfect way to continue the evening's celebration.
**Holiday Light Parade – A Dazzling Spectacle:**
The following evening, December 2, 2023, at 6:00 PM, the Holiday Light Parade will take to the streets. The parade, presented by Thrifty Specialty Produce & Meat of Palm Bay and Cocina Cafe, and sponsored by the Space Coast Office of Tourism, is a highlight of the city's holiday festivities. Featuring a range of brightly lit floats, marching bands, and cheer squads, the parade will traverse a three-mile route from the Eastern Florida State College campus to the City Hall.
**Traffic Advisory:**
Significant traffic changes will be in place for the parade. Starting at 5:00 PM, Malabar Road will be closed from San Filippo Drive to Minton, and Minton Road will be closed between Malabar and Jupiter Boulevard. These closures are expected to last until around 9:00 PM. Motorists are advised to use Palm Bay Road or Babcock Street as alternate routes during the parade.
**A Celebration of Community Spirit:**
Both the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Holiday Light Parade embody the spirit of community and joy in Palm Bay. These events are not just about the lights and festivities but also about bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the season.
Residents and visitors are warmly invited to join in these celebrations, which promise to be a memorable part of Palm Bay's holiday season. For more information, contact the Tony Rosa Community Center at (321) 952-3443 or email HolidayParade@PalmBayFlorida.org.
The 2023 holiday season in Palm Bay is all set to be a vibrant and joyful affair, with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade standing as beacons of the community's festive spirit and unity.