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:
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🍪 Rosewood Services Cookie Contest
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🎨 Dilly & Doc Pop-Up Market
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🪟 Window Decorating Contest (hosted by Great Bend Economic Development)
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🚂 Golden Belt Model Railroad Display
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🛍 Christmas Craft Mall
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🐾 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:
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🎄 Lighting of the Mayor’s Tree
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🌭 Hot dogs & ☕ Hot chocolate
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⛸ Ice Skating
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🐴 Horse-drawn wagon, carriage & trolley rides
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🚂 Train rides
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🐑 Christmas Petting Zoo
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🎅 Visit with Santa at Santas Around the World (1223 Main Street)
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🍪 Cookie Contest Winners Announced
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🌌 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.
Date and Time
Saturday Nov 29, 2025
All Day Event
Location
📍 Downtown Great Bend — primarily along Main Street. Specific attractions take place at various spots downtown, including: Parade Route: Main Street (lighted parade begins at 5:30 PM) Santa’s Around the World Building: 1223 Main Street (Santa visits here after the parade) Other activities like the Cookie Contest, Pop-Up Market, and Craft Mall are held at downtown venues throughout the day.
Fees/Admission
FREE
Contact Information
For more information or to participate in the parade:
Contact Aubree Crites at acrites@greatbendks.net
or call (620) 793-4111.
Visit www.greatbendks.net
or follow The City of Great Bend and Explore Great Bend on social media for full event details.
