By Plattsburgh Community Development / Press-Republican
Something magical is coming back to Margaret Street as the city hosts its ninth annual Holiday Parade and tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 7.
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, the holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony.
“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.”
STRAND ACTIVITIES
The Strand Center Gallery & Printmaking Studio will be offering free, family-friendly art experiences starting at 3 p.m.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa during the Photos with Santa Fundraiser in the Strand Center Gallery, with photos sold at $10 each.
The Strand’s popular Merry Mugs Fundraiser returns to the Strand Center Gallery.
Attendees can also purchase a handmade mug to support the Strand’s Clay Studio programming. All proceeds from mug sales go directly to the Clay Studio’s programs.
All activities run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., leading up to the tree lighting on the Strand’s front lawn.
This year’s performance of “The Nutcracker Ballet,” presented by Lake Placid Center for the Arts, will be held in the Strand Center Theatre at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.strandcenter.org/theatre-events for $22 each.
HOLIDAY PARADE
The City of Plattsburgh announced the 2024 Holiday Parade Theme: “Elf the Movie: Holiday Adventure.”
Inspired by the classic 2003 film “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,” a City of Plattsburgh news release read.
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.
Space is limited, but floats and walking groups are encouraged to sign up for the parade until the deadline of 4 p.m., Nov. 22.
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 volunteering, email events@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov or call 518-536-7510.
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 Chris Rosenquest, the 2023 and 2024 parade grand marshals, a member of The Strand Center for the Arts, and members of the Common Council.
The city plans to announce its 2024 Holiday Parade grand marshal closer to the event, so stay tuned.
The pre-parade “warm-up” show will begin at 5 p.m. and include musical performances, sing-a-longs and a performance from the Center Stage dance group.
The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. 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.
