Ventnor’s Twilight Holiday Parade returns December 6 with floats, performers, and Santa along Ventnor Avenue.

Ventnor is set to welcome the holiday season with one of its most festive community traditions: the annual Twilight Holiday Parade along Ventnor Avenue. The event steps off at 5:00 PM on Saturday, December 6, filling the avenue with marching groups, decorated floats, music, local performers, and a much-anticipated appearance by Santa Claus. According to Downbeach event updates, the parade also features mummers, making it one of the more spirited holiday displays in the Downbeach area.

A Seasonal Tradition on Ventnor Avenue

The Twilight Parade is one of Ventnor’s signature December events. The timing—just after sunset—creates a bright glow along the length of Ventnor Avenue as floats and performers move through the heart of town.

Highlights typically include:

  • Local dance and cheer groups

  • Community organizations and clubs

  • Holiday-themed floats

  • Mummers adding music and color

  • Santa Claus closing the parade

The parade draws both residents and visitors, offering a cheerful winter kickoff along one of Ventnor’s busiest corridors.

Parade Route and Timing

The event unfolds along Ventnor Avenue, an important east–west connector lined with shops, cafés, and neighborhood blocks. While the exact staging points may vary slightly year to year, the parade generally progresses through the commercial district before ending closer to residential pockets where families often gather on sidewalks.

Because the parade begins at 5:00 PM, spectators usually start claiming spots along the curb around 4:30 PM, especially near busier nodes like Portland Avenue or Dorset Avenue.

What to Expect This Year

Based on recent updates from Downbeach event listings, this year’s parade will feature:

  • Expanded community participation

  • A large presence of youth groups

  • Holiday-themed music and lighting

  • Multiple float entries from local organizations

Crowds tend to be heaviest along Ventnor Avenue between Portland and Sacramento Avenues, where restaurants and storefronts often stay active during the event.

Downbeach Moments

There’s something unmistakably warm about watching the parade lights reflect off Ventnor Avenue while families bundle up on folding chairs and kids wave at passing floats. The glow of holiday decorations, the sound of mummers, and Santa’s finale create the kind of memory that sticks with longtime residents and visiting families alike.

These small-town holiday scenes feel deeply rooted in Ventnor’s community spirit. Even as the event grows and new floats join the lineup, the tradition remains simple: neighbors gathering outside to celebrate the start of December.

Tips for Spectators

If you’re planning to attend, a few practical notes can help:

  • Arrive early: Spots fill quickly near popular intersections.

  • Dress warmly: The ocean breeze travels easily along Ventnor Avenue.

  • Use side streets for parking: Atlantic Avenue and Winchester Avenue offer more flexibility.

  • Bring a small flashlight or glow sticks for kids: It helps with visibility during the dusk-hour start.

FAQ: Vextnor Twilight Parade

Is parking available along Ventnor Avenue?
Parking is limited along the main route. Side streets between Atlantic and Winchester Avenues are usually the best options.

Will roads close during the parade?
Yes, Ventnor Avenue will be closed in sections as the parade progresses.

Are restrooms accessible?
Local businesses often accommodate visitors, and portable restrooms may be available depending on event planning.

Final Thoughts

Ventnor’s Twilight Holiday Parade is one of the most anticipated December traditions in the Downbeach area. With colorful floats, spirited performers, and crowds lining Ventnor Avenue, the parade offers a warm and lively start to the holiday season.

Sources: Downbeach event listings