Santa Claus makes his annual arrival at Brecksville Public Square 

by Dan Holland

Mayor Daryl Kingston and his wife, Nancy, join Santa, Rudolph and Frosty for a ride in the parade.

Santa and his helpers arrived at Brecksville Public Square via a parade float on Nov. 30 during the city’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting. The parade featured live animals, private vehicles, city safety vehicles and various civic groups who paraded along Brecksville Road from city hall.

The award for “Best Little Reindeer Team” went to Revel Dance Complex. Bear Landscaping won first place as “Winter Wonderland Champion,” while the “Sleigh-ed It” award went to Cuyahoga Valley Native Sons & Daughters. The “Clause for Applause” award for third place went to Brecksville Co-op Preschool.

Activities on the square included photo opportunities with Santa, Frosty, the Grinch and Rudolph, with Santa and his helpers performing holiday songs. Choral group performances included the Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School Chamber Choir, with current members of the chamber choir and alumni, and the Brecksville Recreation Department Children’s Theater Group.

New to the event this year were covered stalls on the square featuring a petting zoo with nativity-themed animals. A raffle was also held for one lucky entrant to win a red Christmas Power Wheels truck courtesy of Valley Ford.

Holiday lights and the Christmas tree were all illuminated in synchronization with a 20-minute-long fireworks show to end the program.

Brecksville residents Tom and Rachel Heines visited the festivities for the first time, along with their children Mia and Bryn. 

“We’ve seen the fireworks before, but this is the first time that we’ve come out to the Christmas parade,” Tom said. “We’re all looking forward to the magic of Christmas and Santa Claus – the tinsel, colors, music and fun – we’re looking forward to it all.”

Broadview Heights residents Paula and Josh Ayers braved the chilly weather, along with children Josephine and Jack. 

“We are looking forward to seeing Santa and the Christmas tree lighting, along with cookies, hot cocoa and all the other fun activities,” Paula said.

The Cesnan family, of Brecksville, took up temporary shelter in a bus stop along the parade route to shield themselves from the gusty winds. The family includes Prem and Cate Cesnan and their children Vivien, River and Georgia. 

Parks & Recreation Director Rachele Engle attended the celebration with her children, Avery and Anderson. 

“We’ve been to this event many times before,” said Prem. “The kids are looking forward to watching the parade and seeing fireworks.”

The city’s annual tree lighting and Christmas parade continues to be one of the most cherished traditions in the Brecksville community, said Mayor Daryl Kingston. “Every year, I am reminded how lucky we are to live in a town where people show up for one another with such spirit and heart,” he said. “From our incredible volunteers, city employees, and performers to the families lining the streets, the energy was joyful, festive, and full of hometown pride,” he added. “It is moments like these that bring us together and remind us what the holidays are all about.” 

Photo caption:  Aurora and Eleanor Pennington take time to pose with Santa Claus during the city of Brecksville’s annual Christmas parade and holiday tree-lighting ceremony, which was capped off by a fireworks display Nov. 30. All Photos by Dan Holland.