A Festive Tradition Marches On: Don’t Miss Wellington’s 41st Annual Holiday Parade

By Shannon Anastasio

As the holiday season twinkles into view, the community is once again preparing to dazzle residents young and old with one of its most cherished traditions, the 41st annual Wellington Holiday Parade. The parade will touch off on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m., following its traditional route along Forest Hill Blvd., from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way.

The street will come alive with color, music and holiday cheer at this free event that draws thousands of onlookers enjoying more than 100 parade entries. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time guest, everyone is invited to join the festivities and embrace the magic of the season.

This beloved community celebration is presented by the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, in partnership with the Village of Wellington. The organizations work tirelessly each year to make sure that the parade remains one of the highlights of the year.

What began in 1983 as the imaginative brainchild of Dennis Witkowski, a founding member of what was then called the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, has since blossomed into an annual spectacle. For more than four decades, the parade has showcased its signature two-mile route down Forest Hill Blvd., turning the roadway into a living, breathing canvas of holiday wonder.

One of the hallmarks of the Wellington Holiday Parade is its fresh, creative theme each year, and 2025 is no exception. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Season Through the Years,” which promises a nostalgic journey through holidays past and present. Expect floats bursting with imagination — some evoking classic holiday traditions, others delivering modern twists, all designed to spark joy and bring the community together.

The parade is no stranger to inventive themes. Just last year, “Rockin’ in the Holidays” electrified with music-inspired floats and lively performances. The year before, residents enjoyed a world tour through “Holidays Around the World,” celebrating seasonal customs from across the globe. Each theme offers its own unique energy, and this year’s tribute to holiday traditions through time is set to be a showstopper.

Beginning at Wellington Trace and rolling all the way to Ken Adams Way, the parade will feature a dazzling lineup sure to enchant spectators of all ages. Expect to see intricately decorated floats, beloved holiday characters waving from atop their festive rides, and exhilarating performances from local marching bands, dance troupes and community groups. The creativity on display is a testament to the collaborative, vibrant and deeply connected spirit of Wellington.

But the fun doesn’t stop with the parade itself. Holiday Park at the Wellington Amphitheater will host a full slate of holiday experiences throughout the afternoon. Families can take photos with Santa, browse arts and crafts from local vendors, and enjoy heartwarming performances from area school choirs. With activities for kids, adults and everyone in between, the event offers something for every holiday enthusiast.

To ensure safety and smooth movement of the parade, Forest Hill Blvd. will temporarily close from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Wellington Trace to South Shore Blvd., with additional surrounding lanes also restricted. Guests planning to attend should note that parking will be available at Wellington Town Center (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), but vehicles will not be able to exit until the parade concludes.

As anticipation builds, the Wellington Holiday Parade continues to embody what the season is all about: community, creativity and celebration. So, mark your calendars, dress up in your festive best and get ready for Wellington’s holiday magic.

Learn more about the Wellington Holiday Parade at www.cpbchamber.com and www.wellingtonfl.gov/events.