For the 61st year, thousands of people will be on floats, on foot, in cars, and marching in bands while tens of thousands cheer them along the Parade route along Coast Highway 101. Many of our nearly 100 parade entries aim to win a prize in one of the Parade’s judged categories for lights, creativity, performance, music, spirit and overall impression. Parade spectators will be able claim a good spot to watch the parade as soon as Coast Highway closes at 4 pm. Followed by a countdown and ceremonial tree lighting, Santa himself will make a brief appearance to kick things off at 5 pm at the Lumberyard shops courtyard (near Starbucks). The 2018 parade theme is Botanical Oasis.