Celebrate the Season with Watertown's 29th Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Watertown is preparing for a festive start to the holiday season with the 29th Annual Uptown Holiday Lighted Parade, set for Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:30 PM. The event promises an evening filled with light, music, and community spirit.

The parade theme is "Your Favorite Christmas Carol," and it will be led by Dr. Stanley Allen, who will serve as the Grand Marshal.

A major highlight of the evening is the Fireworks display, which will take place before the parade begins. Following the parade, a "huge display" of fireworks is scheduled at the Jenkins Living Center. Lew's Fireworks is providing the fireworks.

The event will also serve as a community drive for the Watertown Food Pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item and to watch for the float collecting them at the start of the parade. All donations collected will be delivered to the Salvation Army Food Pantry.

Attendees can also enjoy free hot chocolate, which will be available and should not be missed. The hot chocolate is being provided by the Jefferson Scout Pack 4 and 6G, with the chocolate itself generously donated by County Fair Foods.

Before the parade, a Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at the Jenkins Living Center. This ceremony is sponsored by Jenkins Living Center and the Watertown Business Association, and everyone is invited to attend.

In addition to the main parade event, the Watertown Optimist Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Lighted Park is scheduled to open for the season. The display will open on weekends, running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 29th through Sunday, December 21st.

Security and the distribution of candy canes are provided by the VVA and VFW Veterans, to whom the organizers extend their thanks.

The event is organized by the Watertown Business Association, which can be reached at 886-3040.