27th Annual Navarre Christmas in the Park & Community Christmas Parade Set For December 4

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Staff reports

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Christmas in the Park “Joy To The World!”, presented by Walmart-Navarre and the Navarre Neighborhood Market, will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 9 am – 4 pm in Navarre Park at the foot of the Navarre Bridge.

A local tradition since 1994, this event ushers in the holiday season in the Navarre area with a Merry Market where dozens of local artists and crafters will gather with great gift ideas for everyone on your list.  Starting at 9 am until 4 pm, local businesses and crafty individuals will have wonderful and unique items offered for your holiday gift-giving. Original artwork, jewelry, fabric crafts, home decor items and more will be on display.  Support these small businesses by shopping locally this holiday season in a beautiful open-air market setting.

Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with “The Grinch” will arrive by fire truck in the parade and will be available for photos with children as soon as the parade ends.  Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus are sponsored by Centennial Bank and parents are invited to bring their cameras for photos.  And, Century 21 Island View Realty is sponsoring the Grinch’s photo booth.  Free baked goods and hot beverages will be available at Mrs. Claus’ Bakery sponsored by Okaloosa Gas and Eglin Federal Credit Union after the parade.

The 20-foot Christmas tree, sponsored by University Lending Group, will be erected in the park.  The Official Tree Lighting will be at dusk on Friday, November 26th this year.

The Annual Navarre Community Christmas Parade presented by PrimeLending will start at 1 pm at the Navarre Library and will roll south along Presidio Street, making a left at Esplanade Street and ending in the back parking lot of Centennial Bank. 

The Chamber encourages all businesses, groups and organizations to get involved as a sponsor, vendor, entertainer and/or parade entry .  This year’s theme, Joy to the World, reminds us that there are so many reasons to celebrate—coming together as a community being one of them.  “The Christmas Parade has a unique way of bringing together the families, businesses and civic organizations that help make our community special,” stated Frankie Gibbs, Chair of the Christmas in the Park and Community Christmas Parade Committee.

Parade applications are now available online. Parade check-in will be located by the Navarre Library with parade beginning at the intersection of James M. Harvell Road and Presidio Street. 

The Chamber Foundation’s Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk Fun Run will begin at 8 am at the Holley-Navarre Fire Station at 8618 Esplanade Street (behind McDonalds’s).  The first 200 registrants receive a long sleeve t-shirt.  There will be post race refreshments and door prizes.  A special prize will be awarded to the most festive participant.  You can download a registration form at www.navarrechamberfoundation.org

For general information regarding this Community Event or the Chamber, log on to www.navarrechamber.com or call the Chamber at 850-939-3267.