There’s no St. Petersburg Santa Parade this year

St. Petersburg kicks off the holiday season and throws the switch on the city’s holiday tree Nov. 27.

There will be snow fun and chuckles from Santa, but the 2021 Santa Parade has been canceled due to lack of public interest.

“Due to a significant decline in public entries for the 2021 Santa Parade, we are unfortunately not able to host the parade this year,” the city’s Facebook page says.

The line up of this year’s holiday events in St. Petersburg is as follows:

• Tree Lighting: Join Santa and Mayor Rick Kriseman to light up the tree. Those who did sign up for the canceled parade will perform before and after the tree lighting. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27. North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg.
• Santa in the Park: Santa sits in his rocking chair as he waits to visit with children and hear their Christmas wish lists. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras for photos. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 10-12 and 17-23. North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg.
• Snowfest: Families can enjoy a snow-themed carnival in the park with holiday lights, snow, inflatables and a giant ice luge. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 18. North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg.
• Cookies with Santa: Kids can join Santa and his elves to decorate gingerbread and other cookies. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17. $10 (registration required). Pole Barn at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 2900 31st St S, St. Petersburg.
• Holiday Lights and displays: Take a stroll along the waterfront to see falling snow, thousands of lights and a giant greeting card display. Anytime Nov. 27-Jan. 2. In and around North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg.

Visit stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents for more information.