LAWRENCE, Kan. (November 14, 2025) – A holiday tradition returns to downtown Lawrence on Saturday, December 6, at 11:00 a.m. For more than three decades, the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade celebrates the holiday season while honoring Lawrence’s rich history, agricultural roots, and vibrant community spirit. This unique event features historically accurate replicas of late 1800s and early 1900s horse-drawn vehicles, with entries and riders adorned in holiday or period attire.

“This year’s parade will not disappoint, with a number of new entries along with treasured favorites,” says Marty Kennedy, president of Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc. “We look forward to the families and friends that we see every year. And it is especially gratifying to see new people discover our special community event, creating new traditions for years to come.”

As always, the all-horse parade features authentic carriages and wagons pulled by horses big and small as well as donkeys and mules of all sizes. New participants in 2025 include a striking four-horse hitch from Carthage, Mo. who have pulled historic wagons at Cheyenne Frontier Days; an authentic reproduction stagecoach pulled by a team of red dun molly mules; and a high wheel wagon behind a team of sorrel Belgian geldings. 

Special guests Haskell Indian Nations University Royalty, representing Indigenous communities, and Kansas Miss Amazing, providing opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build self-esteem, reflect the parade’s commitment to celebrating diversity and ensuring all residents see their identities represented and valued. By offering a free, family-friendly event in the heart of downtown, the parade ensures accessibility for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

The Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade has become a beloved tradition for many families, marking the start of the holiday season. The public is invited to visit the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Friday evening, where many of the horses are stalled overnight. Downtown Lawrence offers a variety of pre- and post-parade activities, from breakfast or brunch at local restaurants to special holiday events. Before the parade, families can enjoy the Watkins Museum’s Tails & Trails Scavenger Hunt or have breakfast with Santa at the Lawrence Festival of Trees. Many businesses offer hot drinks and exclusive promotions on parade day.

After the parade, visitors can explore Downtown Lawrence’s shopping and dining options as traffic disperses. Shoppers can also participate in the Winter Wonder Pass, a free program from Explore Lawrence, to earn points and win prizes.

The parade is made possible by the support of dedicated volunteers as well as local individuals and businesses. Presented by the City of Lawrence and Explore Lawrence, the 2025 event is also generously sponsored by Cans for the Community and Bo Killough, The Chamber, Eldridge Hotel, Bishop Business Services, Kennedy Glass, Kuhn Ranch, Rademacher Financial and Standard Beverage, with media sponsorship from Lawrence Business Magazine. Individual and business sponsors known as Friends of the Parade contribute to making this annual event a reality.

For more information about the parade, visit its website. 

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FOR INTERVIEWS 

Please contact Julie DeYoung at 785-393-7498 (cell).