Lawrence, Kansas Christmas Parade

One of the nation's great parades, the annual Christmas parade in Lawrence, Kansas attracts people from around the country. This is the nation's largest horse-drawn carriage parade. It goes on regardless of weather and is a tradition for participants and observers alike. Families start claiming their place along the parade route early in the day.

The parade always delivers glimpses of an old-fashioned Christmas. Beautiful horses, authentic costumes, carriages, wagons and carts all come together in the spirit of a winter festival. Parade participants travel from neighboring and faraway states to join those from around Kansas. Each entry adds something special to this hour-long, 100 entrants event.

The parade begins with The Commanding Generals Mounted Color Guard from nearby Fort Riley, followed by Wells Fargo participants, a nod to the state’s history. The remaining participants represent an incredible variety of horse breeds. Some are rather rare, such as the Paso Fino from Spain. Percherons, Royal Friesians, and Belgians, along with miniatures and even a few donkeys add to the excitement, and all go by too quickly. Almost all are decked out in their finest holiday attire. and jingling bells. Wagons and carriages are also decorated in greenery and ribbons, with costumed passengers!

The mounted horses are also spectacular. A few favorites include the dignified Victorian Ladies Club, followed by the Vintage Cowgirls and the appropriately named Wild Women of the Frontier.

The parade ends too quickly, but the festive mood continues along Massachusetts Street for the rest of the day. This is a well-preserved authentic downtown, with historic buildings, fine shops and some of the best restaurants anywhere. The crowd is friendly and light-hearted and extremely polite and civil. The small stores, with their welcoming owners and tempting wares, are a wonderful change and business is usually brisk.

With 8-10 blocks of friendly, happy people, great restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries, a top-notch parade and sleigh bells still ringing in your memory, you will find your Christmas spirit restored!