Great Weather and Big Crowd Expected for This Season’s Downtown St. Cloud Christmas Parade

The temps will be in the low 30's all day on Saturday and by the time Saturday evening rolls around, they'll only drop to the mid 20's. Some say that's perfect parade weather. Of course, you'd only say that if you live in Minnesota!

Tomorrow night, thousands will converge on Downtown St. Cloud for the annual Christmas Parade. You should swing in early to get a prime parking spot, then take advantage of the shopping specials some downtown businesses will be offering and grab a quick bite to eat in one of the restaurants. Starting around 4, you can catch a horse drawn carriage ride at 6th Avenue North and W. St. Germain.

Between 4 and 6, keep an eye out for the carolers as they sing their way thru the crowds and warm your hands with free hot beverages all along the parade route. Either way, make sure you've staked out your territory  by 5 for a 'Dickens of a Holiday' parade, as the warmer weather is sure to increase the crowd this year.

After all 45+ units have rolled by, you'll catch a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer on the last unit. Then round up the kids and follow them all the way down to the official St. Cloud tree lighting at The River's Edge Convention Convention Center.  The ceremony ushers in the after-parade party at the Kelly Inn... with cookie decorating for the kids (and adults, who are we kidding?!?), delectable foods and live music from one of St. Cloud's legendary bands; The Receders. Of course, Santa and his helpers will be there for photos, so have your wish list ready for the big man.

Holler a Merry Christmas to the MIX 94.9 Elves (Ty, Jade and Intern Ashli) in the parade handing out candy canes and look for our own jolly fat man, Peter K, as he is doing the parade unit introductions. He'll be bouncing around at the after-party, too!