Crowds packed downtown on Saturday as performers, families and travelers celebrate a season restored after last year’s hurricane losses.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The holiday season officially began in St. Petersburg on Saturday night as a towering Christmas tree lit the skyline and hundreds of people lined downtown streets for the city’s 97th annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony.
Dozens of floats and cars, including several from the city’s Water Resources Department, transformed everyday equipment into festive displays. Along the parade route, performers said the night felt especially meaningful.
“It’s just a good feeling when you can help people,” said Alexis Schruder with the department.
“It’s just joyous. Everything is joyous,” added Debbie Grant of the Fascinators of Tampa Bay dance group.
Grant recalled how last year’s holiday season was marked by devastation from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“Very hard times,” she said. “We perform a lot down in Gulfport. Gulfport was completely annihilated. Some of our home parades was cancelled down there as well.”
This year, with clear skies and no weather disruptions, dancers and marching groups filled the streets as daylight faded and lights illuminated the city.
Some spectators traveled far to make the event in the “St. Nick of time.” John Mingione and his son, Leo, arrived to the very front of the parade route only moments before it started after driving from the Pittsburgh area back to their home in St. Petersburg.
“A thousand miles. We made a stop overnight. We just got in 30 minutes ago and then made it here,” Mingione said.
When asked what he enjoys most about the season, Mingione said, “I mean family, presents and the lights. I like lights all over our house.”
The crowd soon saw plenty of lights of their own.
North Straub Park burst into color as the city’s Christmas tree was illuminated for the season, drawing cheers from families gathered beneath its glow.
The city is already looking ahead: St. Petersburg will celebrate the parade’s 100th anniversary in 2028.
Those who missed Saturday’s festivities can still tour holiday lights and decorations throughout Straub Park, Pioneer Park and the St. Pete Pier in the weeks ahead.