Watertown Christmas parade scheduled for Dec. 11 with donations still needed

Watertown’s annual Christmas parade is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, after the City Council voted to allow the event to proceed with community funding. The city did not include money for the parade in its budget, so donations are being collected to cover the cost.

The parade fund had about $7,500 as of Oct. 13, or roughly half of the amount needed, according to WWNY. The estimated cost is between $10,000 and $13,000, with most of the expense involving overtime for city employees. Portable bathrooms and snow or ice removal could add to the cost.

The Northern New York Community Foundation is serving as the fund’s conduit. Donations can be made by check to the foundation and marked for the parade. Councilman Benjamin P. Shoen said he delivered a $5,000 check from Harrienger Contracting at the Oct. 5 City Council meeting.

The council voted 5-0 on Sept. 21 to let the parade move forward with community support. The decision followed spring budget deliberations in which council members declined to fund the Christmas parade and three summer block parties in a $62.3 million budget that included an 11.1% tax increase.

The parade is planned for Washington Street, with a tree-lighting ceremony in front of City Hall. The city had budgeted for the event in previous years, and past parades followed Washington Street. The 2025 parade was held at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Dirt Monkey Equipment offered to fund the entire parade but wanted to review the cost breakdown first. The business later began considering a separate block-party-style celebration. Mayor Sarah Pierce said council members cannot solicit donations, while the community fund remains open to businesses.

The parade and tree lighting are scheduled for Dec. 11. Donations remain open through the Northern New York Community Foundation, marked for the parade.