Nothing puts us in the Christmas spirit quite like a holiday parade. While we love all the pomp and circumstance of the larger metropolitan parades that are on television, on the Eastern Shore, what we really look forward to is a good old-fashioned town parade. From Rehoboth Beach to Pocomoke City, there are parades to enjoy up and down the Eastern Shore this week, so bundle up and hit the streets for all of the local Christmas parades.
Pocomoke City Christmas Parade – December 2, 7:00pm
Pocomoke may be a relatively small town, but that doesn’t mean they take their parades lightly. In fact, nearly 10,000 people will descend upon Market Street in downtown Pocomoke for the annual Christmas parade. Dating back to 1972, when the parade was little more than a few fire trucks and Santa Claus, the parade is now considered one of the largest nighttime parades in Maryland. The event has grown significantly since then, with floats from all over Delmarva set to march down Market Street.
Rehoboth Beach – December 3, 6:30pm
Sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, the Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade will ride through town tomorrow evening. Immediately following the parade, head over to the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center for Santa’s Hometown Christmas Party. Parade prizes will be presented at the party along with refreshments. Santa will also be on the scene, giving kids a chance to whisper their Christmas wish lists in Santa’s ear.
Anyone who grew up in or around Berlin and Ocean City knows that the Berlin Christmas Parade is the place to be each holiday season. Sponsored by the Berlin Main Street Program in cooperation with the merchants of the town, the parade draws spectacular crowds each year. This year’s parade theme is “A Magical Berlin Christmas,” and will include a variety of local floats and performances. You can find us in Historic Downtown Berlin Thursday night, snuggled up in front of The Atlantic Hotel with a piping hot cup of cocoa.
Ocean City – December 7, 11am to 1pm
The resort town transforms itself during the holidays. Between the Winterfest of Lights and the Light Up Downtown Celebration, it’s hard not to find yourself in the holiday spirit while driving through Ocean City. As if that weren’t enough reason to sing a few carols, the Ocean City Christmas Parade will be held this Saturday, December 7 from 11am until 1pm. The holiday parade will showcase local high school bands, floats and marching units. The parade route runs from 100th Street to 115th Street.
Snow Hill – December 9, 7pm
Mark your calendars for Monday, December 9…the Annual Snow Hill Lion’s Club Christmas Parade is coming to town. The parade begins at 7pm on Colbourne Lane and proceeds down Church Street to Market Street where the Judges Stand is set up in front of the Worcester County Court House.
