BEDFORD — Downtown Bedford is getting ready for one of the city’s most popular holiday traditions as the 2025 Bedford Christmas Parade steps off Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. This year’s parade features 90 entries, live reindeer, food trucks, festival vendors on J Street, and a visit from Santa, who will close out the illuminated procession. Charles Edwards has been selected as the Grand Marshal, and the City of Bedford will issue a proclamation honoring his achievements at the parade.
The parade begins at the corner of M and 15th streets and ends at 13th and Lincoln Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and line the marked route shown on the official map at DowntownBedford.org.
This year brings an important procedural change: lineup positions will be assigned in the order participants arrive, reducing the need for floats and vehicles to constantly reshuffle for placement. Parade organizers note that some entries may still be asked to move if spacing conflicts arise.
Parade entries must follow a general Christmas theme. The rules prohibit Santa costumes or impersonators, as the official Santa appears at the end of the parade. Safety regulations include fire extinguisher requirements for any float using generators or flammable materials, spacing guidelines, and a ban on throwing or handing out candy or literature from floats. Walkers must keep pace with the parade or ride with their group.
Nathan Watson, president of Bedford Revitalization Inc., summed up the parade’s purpose: “We are in the memory business. We want you to remember your picture with Santa, petting a reindeer, and seeing an exciting parade. That’s what it’s all about.”
WBIW, WQRK, and LiteFM 102.5 will provide music along the parade route, creating a festive atmosphere as official vendors serve food and treats between 15th and 16th streets. For those who prefer to stay warm indoors, the parade will also be streamed live on the stations’ Facebook pages, allowing viewers to enjoy the celebration from the comfort of home.
With lights, music, vendors, and dozens of decorated entries, this year’s parade aims to deliver one of the most memorable Christmas celebrations Bedford has hosted.
