Poinsettia Parade & Festival

Next date: Saturday, December 05, 2026 | 03:00 PM to 07:00 PM

Parade unit float with inflatable Christmas characters on it and walking on the side.

Get ready to “Sleigh the Night Away” at the annual Poinsettia Parade & Festival, presented by Quality TV Smart Home & Security! This North Port tradition brings neighbors together to celebrate the season, support local performers and organizations and create holiday memories with the people who make our community feel like home.

The festivities take place Dec. 5, beginning at 3 p.m. with the Poinsettia Festival at the City Center Front Green. Come early and make an afternoon of it before the parade begins. Cheer on local performers, browse the merchandise vendors and enjoy food and seasonal treats available for purchase from mobile food vendors while the excitement builds around City Center.

Young guests can stop by the Little Elves Craft Workshop for hands-on fun, then share their holiday wishes and take a photo with Santa. It is the kind of afternoon that lets families slow down, spend time together and enjoy the hometown spirit that makes this North Port tradition special

At 5 p.m., all eyes turn to Sumter Boulevard as neighbors line the parade route and the first entries come into view. Illuminated floats, decorated vehicles and community groups will travel south toward City Center, bringing the “Sleigh the Night Away” theme to life with music, lights and imaginative holiday displays. Find a spot along the route and cheer for the local organizations, performers and familiar faces that make the Poinsettia Parade a true hometown tradition.

After the final parade entry reaches City Center, stay for the annual tree-lighting ceremony. Gather with the community as City Center begins to glow and North Port welcomes the holiday season together. It is a favorite hometown moment and a fitting finale to an afternoon spent making memories with neighbors, friends and family.

Free shuttle service will be available from additional parking at the Morgan Family Community Center. Please review the traffic plan for more information on shuttle service and overflow parking.

Safety alerts & Updates

Wet encourage all event attendees to opt in for real-time updates and safety alerts by texting PARADE26 to 888-777. This free service provides important information straight to your phone, including traffic notices and any changes that may impact the event.

We will also be sharing key announcements, photos and event coverage using the hashtag #Poinsettia2026. Attendees are invited to join the conversation on Facebook and follow along by using the hashtag and visiting @NorthPortParksAndRec or @TheCityofNorthPort-Government throughout the event.

What to expect

Parade Unit Application & Information

To participate in the 2026 Poinsettia Parade please complete the online application in its entirety. You will receive an automatic notification of completion, please be sure to save the completion page by taking a screenshot or printing it out. Completion of this application does not guarantee acceptance into the event. Staff will reach out within 72-business hours after your submission.

Poinsettia Parade & Festival theme is "Sleigh the Night Away."

“Sleigh the Night Away” invites participants to imagine a magical holiday evening where sleighs sparkle, lights glow and celebrations fill the streets. Whether your entry is inspired by a winter adventure, a musical celebration or a journey in Santa’s sleigh, put your own festive spin on the theme and bring the joy of the season to life.

**Parade Unit Application**

Parade Setup:

The one-mile parade begins at 5 p.m. and travels down Sumter Blvd.
Parade unit check-in begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
There will be no access to participate for any units checking in after 4 p.m. The parade will last approximately 60-90 minutes depending on the number of entries received. Sunset is at 5:35 p.m. It is recommended that parade units be illuminated in some manner.

Parade Awards:

Snowflake Award: No two snowflakes are alike, just as no two floats will look alike. This category will be judged on originality and how the parade theme is incorporated into the parade unit.

Poinsettia Award: Keeping with tradition, this category will be judged on the use and display of Poinsettias in the parade unit, and how the parade theme is incorporated into the parade unit. Parade participants are encouraged to take part in the "Once Upon a North Porth Holiday" theme by incorporating tropical elements into their parade units.

Elfin Award: Open to youth groups, this category judges best youth unit in their display of the parade theme.

Kris Kringle Award: Kris Kringle is the star of the holiday season. This category is looking for the star unit of the parade and will be judged on overall best entry incorporating both the parade theme and poinsettias. All units participating in award categories will be considered.

Rudolph Award: The Rudolph Award is reserved solely for 501c3 Non-Profit organizations. This category is set to highlight shining organizations in the community and will be judged on overall best entry incorporating both the parade theme and poinsettias. All 501c3 Non-Profit parade units will be considered.

Festival Merchandise Vendor Application

Festival merchandise vendor applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis based on event needs. Completion of this application does not guarantee acceptance into the event. The City reserves the right to select the categories/type of vendor to participate to minimize duplication and will determine needs based on anticipated attendance, duration of event and previous demand. Priority will be given to those that apply first. Approval of vendor application does not guarantee exclusivity of a particular item to be sold or showcased at the event. Vendors deemed inappropriate for the event will be declined. You will be contacted by one of our Parks & Recreation staff members within 72-business hours after receiving your application. If you have any questions about the application process, please call 941-429-PARK (7275), option 3.

**Registration Application**

Sponsorship Opportunities

By supporting a tradition that brings families, neighbors and local organizations together, your organization becomes part of the experiences that make North Port a vibrant place to live.

As a sponsorship of the Poinsettia Parade & Festival, your organization can connect with thousands of residents and visitors while building brand awareness and demonstrating its commitment to the North Port community. Sponsorship opportunities provide visibility before and during the event through promotional materials, marketing channels and on-site recognition.

Ready to become a sponsor? Download and complete the sponsorship application below, then submit it to Kimberly Lencki, Community Partnership & Engagement Manager, at KLencki@NorthPortFL.gov. For questions, call 941-429-7143.

Sponsorship Application(PDF, 333KB)

North Star Sponsor - $1,000 (Limited to 3)

Acknowledgement during opening remarks
Logo on special event webpage
Logo on event signage
Complimentary booth space
Media release recognition (pending commitment date)
Recognition on social media w/tag
Name on MFCC video screen
Logo recognition in Playbook

Shining Star - $500 (Limited to 6)

Acknowledgement during opening remarks
Logo on special event webpage
Name on event signage
Complimentary booth space
Media release recognition (pending commitment date)
Recognition on social media w/no tag
Name on MFCC video screen

Bright Star - $350 (Limited to 10)

Acknowledgement during opening remarks
Logo on special event webpage
Name on event signage
Complimentary booth space

In-Kind Donation $500+ value

Acknowledgement during opening remarks
Logo on special event webpage
Name on event signage
Complimentary booth space
Special social post to acknowledge donation

In-Kind Donation less than $499 value

Acknowledgement during opening remarks
Logo on special event webpage
Name on event signage

12 Days of Giving - Don't forget your donation!

We have three ways to help neighbors in need and invite you to join in the season of giving. Simply bring nonperishable canned goods, toys or hygiene products to the Poinsettia Parade & Festival to donate to the City's 12 Days of Giving drive. Bins will be placed at the first floor of City Hall throughout the month of November and at the Information Booth the day of the event.

Who your donations will support:

Donated nonperishable food items will support a local nonprofit organization
Donated new unwrapped toys will be distributed through Salvation Army Toys for Tots
Donated new personal hygiene products for local students in need to be distributed by Back Pack Angels.
Hygiene products needed:
- Combs & brushes
- Dental floss
- Deodorant
- Laundry detergent
- Maxi pads
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Soap
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper (4-pack)
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste
- Baby lotion
- Baby shampoo
- Baby wipes
- Kids' toothbrushes & toothpaste
We thank you for your help in supporting our community!

Entertainment Schedule

Poinsettia Parade & Festival Schedule
(Subject to change)

3 p.m.
Poinsettia Festival, a holiday celebration!

3-4:30 p.m.
Santa's Corner
- Letters with Santa
- Photo with Santa
- Little Elves Workshop, sponsored by The Home Depot North Port

3-5 p.m.
Community Performers
Community Holiday Mural
Reindeer Games (family-friendly lawn games)

3-7 p.m.
Yuletide Shopping & Food Village

5 p.m.
Poinsettia Parade steps off on Sumter Boulevard

Following the Parade
Closing Ceremonies: National Anthem, Presentation of Colors, Awards, & Tree Lighting

Yuletide Shopping & Food Village

To be announced!

Event Map

(PDF, 2MB)

Parade Detours, Closures & Parking Information

This year’s parade begins at the corner of Morandi Avenue and Sumter Boulevard and travels south to City Hall Boulevard before making it way past the City Center Front Green. To prepare for the parade, road closures and detours will begin at 2 p.m. Traffic will be impacted as follows:

Detours

The Northbound lanes of Sumter Boulevard between City Center Boulevard and Lorri Circle will be closed from 2 p.m. until parade completion, at approximately 7 p.m. Northbound traffic will be diverted to utilize one lane of the Sumter Boulevard, Southbound side during this time.
All traffic approaching Sumter Boulevard from the East will remain in the Southbound lanes of Sumter Boulevard and be diverted South towards Price Boulevard, starting at 2 p.m. until parade completion, at approximately 7 p.m.
All traffic approaching Sumter Boulevard from the West will be required to utilize Hansard Avenue to enter Sumter Boulevard and be diverted North towards I-75/Tropicaire Boulevard; between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. until approximately 7 p.m.
Eldron Avenue will remain open throughout the parade. As part of the Price Boulevard closure, traffic will be detoured utilizing the Salford Boulevard to La France Avenue detour route, U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail), and Sumter Boulevard. Signs are placed throughout the detour route to direct drivers.

Closures

Starting at 9 p.m. on Dec. 4, all traffic on both sides of the City Center Front Green, Rue Berryman Street and Main Street will be closed for the event. Please plan appropriately for drop-off or pick-up of event attendees. Road closures will impact access to the event site Dec. 5.

On Dec. 5, at 4 p.m. all roads entering the City Center Campus will be closed to vehicular traffic in preparation for the parade. These roads will remain open for pedestrians. All City Center Campus entry and exits will reopen at approximately 7 p.m., following the conclusion of the parade.
Also, on Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. the following intersections will be closed:

West of Sumter Closures:

La France Avenue at Adina Circle
La France Avenue at Sumter Boulevard
Morandi Avenue at Sumter Boulevard
Morandi Avenue at Dongola Street
Sylvania Avenue at Sumter Boulevard
Sylvania Avenue at Dongola Street
All traffic approaching Sumter Boulevard from the west between 2 p.m. and the parade’s conclusion at approximately 7 p.m. must use Hansard Avenue to enter Sumter Boulevard and will be directed south toward Price Boulevard.

East of Sumter Closures:

La France Avenue at Sumter Boulevard
La France Avenue at Crittendon Street
Sylvania Avenue at Sumter Boulevard
Sylvania Avenue at Crittendon Street
All traffic approaching Sumter Boulevard from the east between 2 and 4:30 p.m. must use Morandi Avenue to enter Sumter Boulevard and will be directed north toward I-75/Tropicaire Boulevard. From 4:30 p.m. until the parade concludes at approximately 7 p.m., traffic approaching from the east must use Eldron Avenue and exit via Salford Boulevard.

Parking

When determining where to park, please keep in mind that there will be several road closures and detours to ensure a safe experience for all attendees.

Parking is available at:

The City Center Campus, 4970 City Hall Blvd. Vehicular access to the City Center Campus closes at 4 p.m. and will not reopen until after the parade passes and the road closures and detours have been cleared, approximately 7 p.m.
Morgan Family Community Center, 6207 W. Price Blvd. Entrance to and exit from the parking that the Morgan Family Community Center will not be restricted due to road closures or detours. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided from the Morgan Family Community Center to the City Center Green.
Overflow parking is available at the vacant lot off Price Boulevard, adjacent to the Florida Cancer Specialist & Research Institute. Attendees are encouraged to use this location if primary event parking areas reach capacity. Clear signage will direct drivers, and the lot is within convenient walking distance of the City Center Campus.

Watching the Parade

Spectator viewing is available along Sumter Boulevard between Morandi Avenue and City Hall Boulevard, as well as the City Center Front Green. For your safety, spectators will not be permitted in the medians along Sumter Boulevard.

Questions?

For the most current event information, call 941-429-PARK (7275).

Volunteer Opportunity

Parks & Recreation is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us bring the magic of the Poinsettia Parade & Festival to life! Whether you’re passionate about spreading holiday cheer, enjoy working with people or want to give back to your community, we’d love for you to join our team. Volunteers will assist with a multitude of tasks which will aid in creating a memorable experience for all. Interested in making this year’s festival unforgettable? Call us at 941-429-PARK (7275) and let’s celebrate the season together!