Home for the Holidays Festival & Parade

Theme: Holiday Movie Madness!
Get ready to bring your favorite holiday films to life—whether it’s A Christmas Story, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, or even Die Hard (if that’s your favorite holiday flick)! Parade participants are encouraged to decorate floats inspired by beloved holiday movies. (Note: No Santas on floats, please—Santa will make his grand arrival at the end of the parade!)

🎙 Emcee: Cole Reif, Kansas Sports Chatter
⭐ Grand Marshal: To be announced

🎅 Festival Highlights – All Day Fun

Enjoy festive activities throughout the day leading up to the lighted parade:

• 🍪 Rosewood Services Cookie Contest

• 🎨 Dilly & Doc Pop-Up Market

• 🪟 Window Decorating Contest (hosted by Great Bend Economic Development)

• 🚂 Golden Belt Model Railroad Display

• 🛍 Christmas Craft Mall

• 🐾 Pawsitive Luminaries (hosted by Paws & Claws / Adopt a Pet)

🌟 Lighted Parade – 5:30 PM

The holiday magic begins as the parade lights up Main Street!

🎁 After-Parade Festivities

Stick around downtown for:

• 🎄 Lighting of the Mayor’s Tree

• 🌭 Hot dogs & ☕ Hot chocolate

• ⛸ Ice Skating

• 🐴 Horse-drawn wagon, carriage & trolley rides

• 🚂 Train rides

• 🐑 Christmas Petting Zoo

• 🎅 Visit with Santa at Santas Around the World (1223 Main Street)

• 🍪 Cookie Contest Winners Announced

• 🌌 Opening of the Trail of Lights for the season

💫 Join the Celebration!

Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with family and friends, shop local, and enjoy one of Great Bend’s most beloved traditions.

📝 Want to participate in the parade?
Submit your entry online or pick up a form at City Hall.

📧 Planning a holiday-related event on Nov. 29?
Contact acrites@greatbendks.net to be included in promotional materials.

📲 For updates, follow The City of Great Bend and Explore Great Bend on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the city’s events page.