Okeechobee Main Street Christmas Festival & Parade 2024 in Florida

The Okeechobee Christmas Festival and Parade is one of the main annual events in Okeechobee, Florida. Organized by Okeechobee Main Street, the festival is held in Flagler Park on the second weekend of December. The festival features a thrilling entertainment program for mailers, craft vendors offering unique gifts and holiday decor, food vendors, music, and fun activities. So grab some hot chocolate and take a stroll through the downtown, enjoying beautifully decorated displays by local businesses.

Festival Events & Activities

Okeechobee Christmas festival is a great occasion to relish that Christmas spirit in central Florida and get ready for the holidays. Taking place in the heart of Okeechobee, in Flagler Park, the event boasts a rich program of entertainment, enough to satisfy individuals of all ages.

At the festival, visitors have an opportunity to taste delicious treats from the local vendors, buy last-minute Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, and groove to catchy music. This year also marks the 2nd edition of the Christmas Kids Market, held as part of the festival. Children set up stalls and show off their entrepreneurship skills by selling various souvenirs, crafts, and mouthwatering treats.

Okeechobee Christmas Parade

The Okeechobee Christmas Parade, which dates back to 1989, is the culmination of the festivities, which take place in the evening. Thousands of sparkling lights, decorated floats, vehicles, and holiday music create a unique holiday atmosphere in downtown Okeechobee. Thousands of kids await the appearance of Santa Claus!

Parade Route

The staging for the parade normally begins near the Aldi Supermarket at S Parrot Avenue, SW 4th Street, and 2nd Avenue. The procession usually heads northward along Highway 441, then turns west on Highway 70, past Cattleman's Square, finally stopping at Flagler Park. Throughout the entire route, the participants are greeted by hundreds of spectators, cheering them on and taking snapshots.

Festival Schedule

The festivities at Flagler Park span from 10 am until 8 pm. The culmination of the day, the Christmas parade, takes place at 6 pm. The children's market unfolds from 10 am until 9 pm.

Okeechobee

The city of Okeechobee is situated in south-central Florida, on the northern shore of Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in the state. Known as the "bass capital of the world" in the fishing circls, Okeechobee draws in hundreds of fishers, wanting to try their lake at catching big-sized bass. The city is located 42 miles (68 km) from Port St. Lucie and 96 miles (155 km) from Fort Myers.