(PLATTSBURGH- Wednesday October 30th 2024) - Something magical is coming back to Margaret Street on Saturday December 7th! The City of Plattsburgh and The Strand Center for the Arts are teaming up once again to bring a day full of festive activities and holiday cheer. This year’s festivities include children’s art activities at The Strand, The Nutcracker Ballet, a Merry Mugs fundraiser, music and dance performances and the 9th annual Holiday Parade and tree lighting ceremony!
Art Activities for Kids, Photos with Santa, Merry Mugs Fundraiser, and More at the Strand
Starting at 3:00PM, the Strand Center Gallery & Printmaking Studio will be offering free, family-friendly, art experiences. You will also have the opportunity to have your photo taken with Santa during the Photos with Santa Fundraiser in the Strand Center Gallery, photos are $10/each. Also, the Strand’s popular Merry Mugs Fundraiser returns to the Strand Center Gallery! Purchase a beautiful handmade mug to support the Strand's Clay Studio programming. All proceeds from mug sales go directly to the Clay Studio’s programs—don’t miss this cozy way to support local art! All activities run 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM leading up to the tree lighting on the Strand's front lawn.
Be sure to book your tickets now to catch this year’s performance of The Nutcracker Ballet presented by Lake Placid Center for the Arts, being held in the Strand Center Theatre at 1:00PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.strandcenter.org/theatre-events.
Parade Theme and Grand Marshal
This year the City of Plattsburgh is pleased to announce the 2024 Holiday Parade Theme: Elf the Movie: Holiday Adventure! Get ready for a holiday adventure inspired by Elf! This year’s theme invites parade participants to bring Buddy's spirit and winter wonder to life with dazzling lights, iconic scenes, and all things festive! From snowball fights to decorating with candy canes and syrup, let's celebrate the joy, wonder, and magic of the North Pole. Join us for a spectacular display of lights, laughter, and holiday cheer that’s sure to warm hearts and bring the community together!
The annual Holiday parade trophy is waiting to be awarded to the best group, and this year the City has expanded its judging categories for more chances for groups to place in the contest. In keeping with tradition, parade participants will be judged on their representation of holiday spirit and the theme. The winner will be chosen by the Mayor of Plattsburgh, the 2023 and 2024 Parade Grand Marshals, a member of The Strand Center for the Arts and members of the Common Council.
The big question on many people’s minds is who will be named this year’s parade grand marshal? The City plans to share our 2024 Holiday Parade grand marshal closer to the event, so please stay tuned!
9th Annual Holiday Parade
The pre-parade “warm-up” show will begin at 5:00PM and include musical performances, sing a longs and a performance from Center Stage dance group.
The parade will begin at 5:30 pm. It will travel down Brinkerhoff Street making a turn onto Oak Street, to Court Street and traveling east on Margaret Street where it will finish at the intersection of Margaret and Broad Street. The tree lighting will be held at the intersection of Margaret and Brinkerhoff Streets, on the lawn of the Strand Center for the Arts, immediately following the end of the parade.
“Miracle on Margaret Street is a chance for everyone to come together and enjoy the holiday season,” said Emma Stewart, Community Engagement Coordinator for the City of Plattsburgh. “We’re excited to see the creativity in this year’s parade displays and to share a day of fun and tradition with the community!”
Details on how to Register for the Parade
Space is limited, but floats and walking groups are encouraged to sign up until the deadline of 4:00PM Friday November 22nd. Local businesses, schools and all community groups can sign up by completing the online form which can be found at www.discoverplattsburgh.com/events or on the City’s Facebook page. For more information on signing up or to volunteer, email events@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov or call 518-536-7510.
The City of Plattsburgh would like to thank The Strand Center for the Arts for partnering to make this event possible. The City would also like to thank Schluter Systems, Brennan Buick, Lake Champlain Pools, Hall Communications, Norsk Titanium, UFirst Federal Credit Union, Seacomm, and Dannemora Federal Credit Union for making this event possible.
