DENVER (KDVR) — Residents raised a ruckus online after learning that the annual Parker Christmas parade was cancelled for 2025, but hosts pointed to the costs as the reason why.
Instead, the Downtown Business Alliance of Parker has pivoted to focus on its Downtown Parker Holiday Market Event, aiming to bring economic success and some holiday joy to the downtown area.
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The annual Christmas celebration has been billed previously as the city’s “most anticipated holiday event,” with previous years including a holiday market, parade, live reindeer and more.
The DBA said that the parade costs nearly $60,000 each year to operate “at a foundational level,” and by mid-October, the group had only about $30,000 in committed sponsor support.
“As a nonprofit organization, the DBA board made the tough decision to change plans to a 5-hour event that keeps Mainstreet open and helps all our business’s connect with the community,” the board told FOX31. “We believe the Downtown Parker Holiday Market will be much more beneficial to our local businesses and offer the community a one-stop location to spend time in our beautiful downtown.”
The holiday market is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in O’Brien Park.
The DBA said that it has held the holiday market for two years and has received positive support around the event in years past.
“Our wonderful Downtown businesses and local vendors have expressed their excitement around the opportunity to connect with all who attend,” the board told FOX31.
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When asked if the DBA would return to hosting a Christmas parade in future years, the board demurred.
“Operating a parade involves essential safety measures and logistics that can be a significant financial commitment for any organization,” the DBA explained. “From barrier fencing and security to permits and staffing, these elements require us to raise several thousand dollars through local business sponsorships.”
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Online, the DBA said that it is open to speaking with local organizations that would be willing to assist with coordinating the Holiday Parade in the future, and that the event wasn’t cancelled due to financial hardships, but instead aimed at ensuring responsible stewardship and long-term sustainability.
“The DBA wanted to ensure resources were invested in an event that maximizes community benefit, business participation, and holiday joy,” the DBA wrote online.
The group said it’s looking forward to seeing how Parker residents and business owners react to the Downtown Parker Holiday Market, and is looking forward to finding future holiday events to support local businesses.
At this year’s holiday market, visitors will find local vendors selling crafts, handmade goods and holiday gifts. Periodically throughout the day, bands and performers who have participated in past parades will entertain families from the stage and “bring festive energy to the market.”
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If you’re worried that without the parade, you’ll miss out on seeing the Big Man himself — do not fret. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at their North Pole house at the market, where they will greet families, discuss wish lists and take photos.
Food vendors will offer snacks and seasonal treats, and the DBA is planning a mix of entertainment options throughout the day.
However, vendor applications can still be submitted through Nov. 1, with the vendor form available here.
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