Scranton and Wilkes-Barre to Host Festive Santa Parades This Saturday

This Saturday marks an unofficial start to the festive season in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, where Santa Claus will be making appearances to ignite holiday spirits. Organized by local groups, these events promise to bring joy and community togetherness.

Scranton Welcomes Santa with a Parade

In Scranton, Santa will take part in the Santa Parade, which is set to begin at 9:15 a.m. and conclude around noon. The event has been orchestrated by Tom Fritz, the public relations and talent director, who has been preparing since January to ensure everything runs smoothly for the 31st celebration in the Electric City.

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The Santa Parade

Local community groups, businesses and other organizations will march in the Santa Parade, some on floats or handling balloons.

“It’s definitely a year-round effort to make sure that Santa gets here on time with his entourage and everybody enjoys what they see,” said Fritz. This year’s parade is expected to be the largest yet, with over 100 floats, vehicles, and nearly 1,500 participants.

The parade route starts at Biden Street and Franklin Avenue, continuing along Biden Street, turning left on North Washington Avenue, right on Linden Street, and concluding on Adams Avenue. Visitors can enjoy face painting, food trucks, and other activities at Lackawanna Courthouse Square. After the parade, children can meet Santa at his tent.

Wilkes-Barre Celebrates with a Parade and Tree Lighting

Santa Claus will greet boys and girls at the Wilkes-Barre Christmas parade Saturday afternoon.

Later in the day, Santa will make his way to Wilkes-Barre in Luzerne County. The Wilkes-Barre Christmas Parade begins at 3 p.m. Starting at the corner of Main Street and South Street, the parade moves along Main Street to Public Square, ending at North Main and Union Street.

Following the parade, a tree lighting ceremony will take place on Public Square. The 31-foot tree, donated by Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and planted by a senior parishioner, will be illuminated. Entertainment will be provided by Polka Bandski, while food trucks will serve refreshments.

Additionally, an ice skating rink will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Public Square, with free skate rentals available. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The rink will remain open throughout the holiday season on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.