Photo Courtesy of Town of Greenwood
For families who have already checked off the bigger city parades, Greenwood offers something a little different.
Jamie Kleman | Contributing Writer Delaware Live | December 2025
If your family is still looking for a classic small-town Christmas parade to round out the season, Greenwood has you covered. The annual Greenwood Christmas Parade returns Friday, December 12, with a charming Santa’s Workshop theme that captures everything people love about a hometown holiday celebration and a winter night out.
The parade steps off at 7 p.m. in the heart of Greenwood, giving families time to grab an early dinner, bundle up, and stake out a good viewing spot before the first lights roll by. Organizers encourage spectators to arrive early to enjoy the festive atmosphere and avoid last-minute parking scrambles. Greenwood is expecting visitors from across Sussex County, which adds to the lively energy along the parade route.
A big part of the fun this year happens even before the parade begins. From 4 to 6 p.m. families can stop by for photos with Santa. It is a great chance for little ones to share wish lists while parents snap keepsake pictures. This early window also gives people a chance to support local businesses, warm up with a hot drink, and ease into the evening instead of rushing in at the last minute. Parade volunteers are planning simple activities for children and encouraging residents to show their holiday spirit by dressing in bright red, green, and cozy sweaters.
As the sky gets dark Greenwood will start to glow. The Santa’s Workshop theme invites floats, marching groups, and community organizations to think in terms of toy trains, elves, peppermint stripes, candy canes, and twinkling lights. Residents can expect a mix of decorated vehicles, school and church groups, first responders, scout troops, and small businesses all doing their part to bring the North Pole to Sussex County for one night. Many participants spend weeks preparing their floats which leads to friendly competition and extra creativity.
The parade also doubles as a community fundraiser. Town organizers have highlighted gift baskets and raffle prizes tied to the event, with proceeds helping to underwrite parade expenses and future celebrations. Local businesses have stepped up to donate items and sponsorships to keep the tradition strong year after year. Proceeds will support community activities throughout the coming year.
For families who have already checked off the bigger city parades, Greenwood offers something a little different. It is intimate, easy to navigate, and full of familiar faces yet still big enough to feel special. Kids get their Santa moment, parents get that warm small town feeling, and the entire community gets a reason to gather, wave, and wish each other a merry Christmas.
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