A Christmas parade returns to Lake Ridge this year with a new route, and a new holiday festival.
“Santa’s Lake Ridge Parade” will travel down Harbor Drive at 11 a.m. on December 12. The parade will end at Tackett’s Mill shopping center on Tacketts Mill Drive in Lake Ridge.
The new route replaces the old route used by “Santa’s Old Bridge Parade,” which traveled down Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge. The parade was canceled in 2014 for the first time since its inception in 1995 after traffic delays formed on Old Bridge Road and Interstate 95 during the 2013 parade, stated Nancy Kyme, who manages the Tacketts Mill center.
The date of the parade was also moved up from November to be closer to Christmas. Santa Claus will arrive on a OWL Volunteer Fire Department truck.
Following the parade, residents are invited to WinterFest 2015 at the center for a day of activities and night time fireworks.
Here’s more in a press release:
The day begins with Santa’s Lake Ridge Parade from 11am to Noon. The parade begins near Minnieville Road and moves north on Harbor Drive toward Old Bridge Road. It turns into the Tackett’s Mill Center and winds down to the beautiful Lakeside.
The theme is a “Rock N Roll Christmas”. Parking is available in the commuter lot on Minnieville Road. Email [email protected] for more information or to enter the parade. Entries are being accepted until the end of November.
The 3rd Annual Holiday Arts Market, (Noon to 4pm) is on the end of the Santa Parade route at 2233 Tackett’s Mill Drive, Lake Ridge VA. Santa Claus will be there along with live music, holiday treats, and many talented local artists offering unique holiday gifts for purchase.
WinterFest continues from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Historic Occoquan for an evening of shopping and dining. with strolling carolers, holiday music, fire pits, marshmallow roasting, period dressed re-enactors and historic demonstrations.
The Workhouse Arts Center joins WinterFest from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the Second Saturday Art Walk. Stroll through artists’ studios and enjoy refreshments, fire pits and sing-along caroling, and Santa Claus.
Fireworks complete the day! A festive display of fireworks from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m is sponsored by Prince William Marina and dedicated to all active military service members.
At the marina, you’ll see the winners of the boat decorating contest and Santa arriving by boat! Free parking is available as well as great views of the fireworks from the Occoquan Regional Park. Or watch along the riverfront in the town of Occoquan.
