Building on last year’s spirit of generosity, this year’s theme, “The Gift of Giving Continues,” invites the entire community of Reading to keep the joy and kindness alive. The holiday season is not just about one moment — it’s about carrying forward the spirit of giving every day. This year’s parade celebrates the ongoing gift of compassion, unity, and community pride, shining a special light on those holiday heroes who make giving a year-round tradition.
We encourage parade participants to tie into this theme by showcasing acts of kindness, celebrating local heroes, and spreading the holiday joy through lights, music, and creativity. Together, we’ll remind others that Reading Knows that the gift of giving truly never ends.
We cannot wait to work together as a community to continue highlighting the true meaning of the holidays.
A few things to remember:
• The parade is on Saturday, November 22 starting at 10am.
• The parade route is from 11th and Penn to 2nd and Penn. Lineup is at City Park.
• For groups with multiple vehicles, please keep entries to a 4–5 vehicle limit to ensure smooth flow of the parade. Additionally, we ask that engines are not revved throughout the parade route, as this impacts other participants as well as spectators.
• There will be judging this year in the categories of best float, best band and best performance. Judges will be at the staging area at 5th and Penn.
• All participants will be assigned a division and unit number. Each division will have a different arrival time, line up time and location in City Park. It’s important you line up in the correct order for the announcer at 5th and Penn.
• We ask that parade participants DO NOT throw any items, candy or objects from a vehicle or float. Items to be given away must be HANDED out to the crowd by walkers.
• We ask that any participants that are performing and need their music played 5th and Penn, submit their music by November 10th so the sound technician can have it ready for the day of. Email: DowntownReading@readingpa.gov
Remember, Santa is our special guest, please respect that. No other Santas will be allowed in the parade but Santa hats are permissible.