Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Harrisburg Holiday Parade will be a drive-through, due to COVID-19

Harrisburg’s Holiday Parade typically marches down 2nd Street, but, this year, the pandemic has forced a change.

Most of us are already anticipating a non-traditional holiday season.

So, it may come as no surprise that Harrisburg has announced changes to its annual Holiday Parade. The show will still go on, just in reverse.

In this year’s format, participants in the parade will remain stationary, while spectators will drive by in their vehicles to watch. It also will take place on City Island, as opposed to the streets of downtown.

“We wanted to do something where we could still keep the holiday spirit alive for the community, but in a safe way,” said Megan Roby, marketing and events manager for Harrisburg.

Although it’s a different format, Roby said there will still be decorated floats, candy and, of course, Santa. The parade takes place Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. People must arrive before noon to participate in the drive-through.

In place of the typical candy tossed for children, the first 150 cars will receive free goodie bags at the end of the parade route.

Roby expects around 40 to 50 entrants in the parade. There will be something fun around each turn on the route, she said.

The event is free to the public, and spectators are also encouraged to join the fun by decorating their cars.

The theme of the parade is “Hometown Holiday,” inspired by the months of quarantining and staying at home, Roby said.

Entrants will receive scores from a panel of local celebrity judges, with the highest score winning a $100 Amazon gift card.

In years past, there has been an awards ceremony in Strawberry Square following the parade. Roby said that will not happen this year.

The Reverse Holiday Parade is sponsored by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore HBG and the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District.

The Reverse Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, visit https://harrisburgpa.gov/holidayparade/.

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