Families comparing Wellington events can put a seasonal afternoon on the calendar: the 42nd annual Wellington Holiday Parade is scheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2026.

The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. along Forest Hill Boulevard, traveling from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way, according to the Village of Wellington.

Attendance is free, and the Village is hosting the celebration with the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County.

What to expect along the route

The Village describes a judged parade with decorated floats, marching bands, characters and dance troupes among the attractions.

The published announcement does not provide a complete participant lineup, so check for updates closer to the event rather than expecting a particular group or performance.

The Village says Forest Hill Boulevard from Wellington Trace to South Shore Boulevard is scheduled to close from 1 p.m. until approximately 5:30 p.m. or the parade’s conclusion.

One east-side lane between Town Center Drive and Wellington Trace is scheduled to close at 8 a.m. for stage setup, while Ken Adams Way and Chancellor Drive may have limited access as the procession ends.

Plan extra travel time and choose a meeting spot before arriving, especially if your group is coming in separate vehicles.

Families with young children may want to bring water and sun protection, and keep children close when gathering near the street.

Holiday Park at the amphitheater

The celebration also includes Holiday Park at the Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard.

The Village lists school choir performances, photos with Santa, arts and craft vendors and activities as part of the festivities.

The vendor village is scheduled to open at 10 a.m., giving visitors an opportunity to explore before the parade begins.

At the time of this guide, the Village had not posted the detailed stage performance schedule or complete vendor list, so check the official event page for updates.

Individual vendors may charge for their goods or services; free admission does not mean every purchase is free.

If a photo, activity or particular performance is important to your family, confirm its availability and timing with event organizers before planning around it.

Make a comfortable day of it

Start by deciding whether your group wants to spend the morning at the amphitheater, watch the parade, or do both.

Allow room in the schedule for walking and regrouping, and consider the needs of anyone using a stroller, wheelchair or mobility aid.

For accessibility, parking and other practical questions, contact Wellington directly and ask about current arrangements rather than assuming that every part of the route offers the same facilities.

If you bring a bag, keep essentials simple: water, sunscreen, a hat and any medications your household may need during an outdoor outing.

December weather in South Florida can still be warm, and rain or other conditions can affect outdoor plans.

The Village notes that event details can change, so revisit the official listing shortly before December 13 and follow staff instructions on the day.

A community tradition

The Wellington holiday parade brings together a range of local participants for a shared seasonal celebration.

For residents who want a low-cost outing, the free parade offers community festivities while leaving each household to decide whether to browse the vendor village or make purchases.

The accompanying AI-generated images are conceptual illustrations and do not depict the actual Wellington parade, Holiday Park, school choirs or venue.