The Wandering Disciple

With Thanksgiving behind us, the Holiday Season is in full swing. In Venice, the season kicks off with the Venice Holiday Parade, leading the way for a month of holiday fun. With the arrival of Santa at the end of the parade, the holiday season officially begins. (Photo: November 30, 2019)

Venice, Florida: The holiday season ramps up in Venice with the Venice Holiday Parade leading the community into the holidays. For 44 years, the parade has brought together citizens of the community to usher in the holiday together along the parade route. This year’s parade did not disappoint. Thousands of spectators lines the parade route which stretched through downtown Venice. They were entertained by over 3,000 participants representing over 120 community organizations all with one message, a happy holiday season for all. The Venice Holiday Parade is considered the official start of the season for Venice. It occurs annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving and kicks off all the festivities the region has to offer. Click on the photo above to view the 2019 Venice Holiday Parade photo gallery .

Ronald McDonald helped spread some Christmas cheer along the parade route during the 41st annual Venice Holiday Parade.  The annual event kicks off the holiday season on the Suncoast.   Be sure to check back later for more photos from tonight's parade.  (Photo: November 26, 2016)

Tow Mater makes his way along the parade route during the 2014 Venice Holiday Parade.  Tow Mater inspired by the Disney-Pixar Cars franchise was one of several Hollywood cars in the parade by Ideal Classic Cars.  (Photo: November 29, 2014)

Santa Claus closes out the Venice Holiday Parade, kicking off the holiday season.  The two hour parade through the island of Venice is the official kick-off of the area's holiday festivities.  (Photo: November 29, 2014)

Venice, Florida:  Thousands of spectators lines the streets of downtown Venice for the annual Venice Holiday Parade.  The parade featured over two hours of floats and performers showcasing the holiday spirit. The evening of festivities kicked off at 5 pm with live entertainment along the parade route.  All the entertainment led up to the main event, the parade which started at 7.  Several hundred participates packed this years parade which started on Venice Avenue near Park Avenue and continued through the city until reaching the community center. The annual parade takes place after Thanksgiving and signals the start of the holiday season. Click on the photo to view more photos from the 2014 Venice Holiday Parade .