Niceville Christmas Parade 2018 to feature 90+ entries

The weather forecast could not be better for the Niceville Christmas Parade! The weatherman says to expect sunshine and temperatures in the mid-50s during the parade, which begins at 10 a.m.

The Niceville Christmas Parade, which was washed out earlier this month by torrential rain, is set to take place Saturday morning, December 15.

And what a GREAT day for a parade!

The weather forecast could not be better. The weatherman says to expect sunshine and temperatures in the mid-50s during the parade, which begins at 10 a.m.

Hosted annually by the Niceville-Valparaiso Rotary Club, the Community Christmas Parade features participants of all ages and walks of life. Dozens of civic and youth groups, organizations, churches, businesses, and individuals will take part in the procession. Thousands of spectators traditionally line John Sims Parkway and Partin Drive along the route to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas.

The parade’s postponement (it was originally scheduled for Dec. 1) has not dampened the spirits of the parade organizers or participants. In all, the rescheduled Yuletide morning march will feature more than 90 entries, according to Jimmie Boisjolie, Rotary member and a Christmas Parade organizer (better bring along an extra bag for Christmas candy!).

The Knight Family of Bluewater Bay will serve as the 2018 Parade Grand Marshal. Roger and Yoly Knight adopted a family of five siblings who had been in foster care. The Knights were featured in this article in the Northwest Florida Daily News.

The festive annual event traditionally marks the arrival of Santa Claus—and the Christmas Season—in the Nicest Little City in the South. Not to worry, Santa will take part in the rescheduled procession despite his busy schedule at the North Pole in the final days before Christmas.

Toys for Tots is once again a participant.  Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for our local Toys for Tots drive. Volunteers will collect the toys at the beginning of the parade.

The parade route begins on John Sims Parkway at the intersection of Palm Blvd. and goes west to Partin Drive where the parade will turn north and travel up Partin Drive between the Children’s Park and Ruckel Middle School. See the Niceville Christmas Parade Map below.