The City of Great Bend announces the theme for the 2024 Home for the Holidays Parade: “Creating Christmas Traditions.” This theme was chosen in honor of this year’s Grand Marshal, Sarah Krom, who was named last month in recognition of her many years of dedication to preserving the Christmas Parade tradition in Great Bend. The theme perfectly embodies the heart of the holiday season, celebrating the customs that make Great Bend a true “Christmas City.”

The Home for the Holidays Festival always takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to officially kick off the Christmas season in Great Bend. This year, the festivities will be held on Nov. 30. One of the most beloved holiday traditions during this event is Santa’s official arrival, after which he begins his regular hours at Santa’s Around the World Building, 1223 Main Street.

Throughout the day leading up to the parade, festival-goers can enjoy a variety of holiday activities, including: The Rosewood Services Cookie Contest; The Dilly & Doc Pop-Up Market; The Window Decorating Contest, hosted by Great Bend Economic Development; The final day to “Explore Great Bend & Win $1,000”

The lighted parade will begin at 5:30 p.m., making its way down Main Street. After the parade, the community is invited to stick around for all the exciting after-parade festivities, including: The Annual Lighting of the Mayor’s Tree; free hot dogs and hot chocolate; free ice skating; free horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides; trolley rides; a chance to visit Santa and tour Santas Around the World; the announcement of the Cookie Contest and Explore Great Bend Month winners; the official opening of the Trail of Lights for the season.

For more details, follow on Facebook at Explore Great Bend.