9 Christmas parades will light up Clay County in December

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Oh, you better watch out; Santa Claus is coming to town.

It’s finally here: the annual Christmas parades. Clay County will have nine Christmas parades this year, as opposed to last year’s record-breaking twelve. It’s the perfect opportunity to strut that Christmas spirit, whether you are a parade fan favorite or a business.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Department said it is fully prepared for the festivities.

“We are anticipating large crowds for the holiday events as citizens will be enjoying the amazing festivities Clay County has to offer,” the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said. “There will be well over 100 law enforcement deputies working throughout the county during all the parades and holiday events this year. We have contingency plans in place, as the safety and security of all the attendees is our top priority.”

What to expect traffic-wise? Expect traffic delays and temporary road closures. Seek alternative routes during this period.

Good news for weather-watchers: clear skies are forecasted for Saturday, Dec. 7, with a high of 65 degrees and a cooler evening low of 49 degrees. Don’t forget to bring a chair, a blanket, and warm clothing to enjoy the events comfortably.

Here is a list of the upcoming parades

This year, Green Cove Springs will have a special guest star, Olympian Caeleb Dressel.

Green Cove Springs Christmas Parade

• December 7th, 2024
• Hours: 6 p.m.
• Free
• Downtown Green Cove Springs, FL, 32043

Holiday Light Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Dec. 8th, 2024
• Hours: 5:45 p.m.
• Free
• Swim Park - Eagle Harbour, Fleming Island, FL

Fleming Island Santa Christmas Parade

• Dec. 14, 2024
• Hours: 5 p.m.
• Free
• Area: Clay County; Fleming Island, FL, 32003

Keystone Heights Christmas Parade

• Dec. 14, 2024
• Hours: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Free
• 555 S. Lawrence Blvd., Keystone Heights, FL, 32656
  • Lake Region Kiwanis Christmas Parade & Santa After Glow: Right after the parade, Santa will be meeting with children at the Keystone Beach Pavillion.

OakLeaf Christmas Parade

• Dec. 14, 2024
• Hours: Parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
• Free
• Oakleaf Plantation Pkwy and Plantation Oaks Blvd

Middleburg Christmas Parade

• Dec. 14, 2024
• Hours: Parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
• Free
• Clay County Adventure Park - Address: 3829 Sergeant Bradley Crose Rd, Middleburg, FL 32068 (on CR 215)

Whitey’s Fish Camp Annual Lighted Boat Parade

• Dec. 14, 2024
• Hours: 6:30 p.m.
• Free
• 2032 County Road 220, Orange Park, FL, 32003

Firetruck Parade with Orange Park Fire Department

• Dec. 20, 2024
• Hours: 6 p.m.
• Free
• 2025 Smith Street, Orange Park, FL, 32073

Bonnie Melrose Christmas Parade

• Dec. 21, 2024
• Hours: 2-8 p.m. Parade steps off at 6 p.m. (Photos with Santa: 3-5 p.m.)
• Free
• Heritage Park 300 FL-26, Melrose, FL 32666

Check out the full parade list for Clay and Bradford County below.