Annual event attracts festive crowd to welcome holiday season

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The Grinch was all over downtown last Saturday night, but he wasn’t able to steal even a moment of holiday spirit in Kokomo.

In fact, he and Santa Claus made sure everyone in attendance took home a cherished memory at the annual Christmas parade.

Dozens of local businesses and organizations decked out their vehicles in blinking lights, ropes of tinsel garland, and mounds of cotton snow as they wended their way through the city’s core.

A stage stood near the route’s terminus at Main and Sycamore streets, where local vocalists sang their favorite Christmas carols.

They were joined by Mayor Tyler Moore who took to the microphone after riding through the parade.

Kokomo High School turned out in style, with the band, the cheerleaders and dancers, and Koko all entertaining the crowd as they traveled along the parade route.

The parade is just part of the month-long celebration in the City of Firsts. Already, features like the Wintertyme Village and Frozen Sandlot at Kokomo Municipal Stadium have offered up some Christmas spirit.

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library has a full slate of holiday events planned. And the Howard County Historical Society is offering tours through the Seiberling Mansion, which is decorated for the season.

Of course, there are light shows throughout the area as well, from Highland Park to the Howard County Fairgrounds to the Grissom Air Park and many places in between.

For a list of Christmas events and displays, check out What’s Happening This Week? and What’s Coming Soon? at the Kokomo Lantern.

See additional photos from the 2024 Christmas Parade, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.