COVID-19 is the Grinch who stole 2020, but it can't steal Central Texas' Christmas spirit. Both the City of Temple and the City of Killeen plan to go forward with their Christmas parades this year, but they won't be your traditional parades.

Temple's 74th Annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for Monday, December 7 beginning at 6:30 PM.

The parade usually makes its way through Downtown Temple along Adams Avenue, but this year's event will be a 'frozen parade'. What does that mean? Well, it means the parade won't be moving - you will.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Traditionally, you and your family would be standing together with your friends and neighbors, all crowded together in the crispy, chilly air to enjoy the floats and lights. Obviously that's not the healthiest thing for anyone to be doing this year, so what will instead happen is a "reverse parade".

Floats and displays will line the side of the road around Santa Fe Plaza. Viewers will drive through the parade route so they can enjoy the lights, displays, music, and costumes from the safety of their cars.

You've been through Nature in Lights out at BLORA, right? It'll be just like that, only not quite as long. There'll be about 75 different floats and displays for your family to enjoy though, and so expect a feast for the eyes.

Oh, and yes, Santa will be making his usual appearance. Nothing stops that guy from spreading cheer!

Killeen's Christmas parade will also be a reverse event, and it's scheduled for Saturday, December 12 starting at 6 PM. You can see more details here.

2020's taken a toll on all of us, and there's been a great deal of negativity in the air. We could all use a beautiful Christmas parade to warm our hearts and remind us of what really matters.


 

If you're feeling nostalgic for a traditional parade, here's footage of a Temple parade from Christmas Past.


 

Central Texans Share Their Holiday Light Displays

 

More From KOOC-FM