Celebrate the official start of Christmas

Christmas begins in Brecksville on Sunday, Nov. 26 and to add to the celebration, the Brecksville Christmas Parade is back with step off at 4 p.m.

This year’s parade will march in the opposite direction this time, however. It will begin at the square, at the intersection of state Routes 82 and 21, and head south on state Route 21 to city hall.

In annual tradition, there will be trophies for “best of” entries. The four categories include the Santa’s Little Helper Award, given to a kids’ group or a Scout pack or troop; Best in Reindeer Games; Most Festive Attire; and All-Around Best of Show.

Applications are necessary and can be printed off from the City website, brecksville.oh.us or call Kristen at 440-526-4351.

All participating vehicles should be decorated. Those who plan to throw candy are asked to toss it to the street curb to avoid an accident with children running into the road.

After the parade, join Mayor Jerry Hruby behind City Hall for more fun. A choral group will lead the community in singing traditional holiday songs followed by sleigh bells indicating Santa Claus’ arrival! Santa will entertain and then children can get their picture taken with him. Frosty and Rudolf will be there too.

There will be cookies and hot cocoa as the parade winners are announced and a radio show will play holiday tunes as the community awaits the countdown to the city’s spectacular holiday lights and fireworks show. The sound system surrounding city hall will blast music with the fireworks.

There’s plenty of parking at the community center, across from the fire station, behind PNC Bank and the Brecksville Town Center parking lot. ∞