images: Kalamazoo Holiday Parade
Don’t Miss the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade
Christmas events in Kalamazoo officially kick off in mid-November with the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade in Downtown Kalamazoo.
This annual tradition brings 30,000 people downtown for the parade and the festivities afterward.
Read on for the parade route, parking info and after-parade fun!
Name Change Note: Fox Motors purchased the Maple Hill Auto Group in August 2026. The parade is now named “Kalamazoo Holiday Parade presented by Fox Motors”
In this article
Kalamazoo Holiday Parade Highlights
The Kalamazoo Holiday Parade presented by Fox Motors starts at 11:00 AM and lasts about 90 minutes.
Bundle up for the parade and plan to stay downtown afterward- the fun doesn’t stop when the procession ends!
Parade Dates & Times
November 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Location
Downtown Kalamazoo – Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Parade Route
The parade starts at Jasper & Lovell Street at 11:00 AM and proceeds as follows:
- West on Lovell Street to Park Street
- North on Park Street to Michigan Avenue
- East on Michigan Avenue to Pitcher Street
- South on Pitcher Street to Lovell Street
Parking on Parade Day
With thousands attending the parade each year, parking can feel daunting. Road closures start at 10:30 AM.
Here are the parking guidelines from parade organizers:
Where Not to Park
Parking is not allowed along the parade route. Also, do not park in areas marked as Tow Zones.
Parking Options
Parking structures: Parking structures are available. However, the structures are blocked until the parade passes that location.
Most flexible parking: If you want to leave at any time during the parade, park on the side streets on the outer edges of the parade route.
After Parade Activities
Downtown Kalamazoo offers food, shopping and fun year-round, but area businesses step it up for parade day.
These are some of the highlights from 2025; stay tuned as they finalize the fun for 2026:
- Santa & Mrs. Claus: the famous duo will be downtown for visits and activities (details to be announced)
- Hot Chocolate Stations: snag a kid-designed commemorative mug and refill at stations throughout downtown.
- Shop: Local stores will be open and offer something for every age and interest. Use our Kalamazoo Shopping Guide to plan your shopping adventures.
- Food: From treats and sweets to amazing sit-down restaurants, there is no shortage of spots to grab something delicious downtown.
- Elf on the Shelf Bingo: Find all of the elves on the shelves in area stores and be entered to win a prize!
Parade Volunteers Needed
The parade succeeds each year thanks to many volunteers.
Interested in helping out? The parade typically needs about 80 volunteers.
Volunteers assist with the following: parade lineup staging, helium balloon carriers, gate welcoming, after-parade event activities (petting zoo, bands, retail promotions), and general “floaters.”
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