Tulsa Christmas Parade Makes Its Way Through Downtown

The annual Christmas parade makes its way through downtown Tulsa today, and this year is expected to bring a huge turnout.

Organizers say people from all walks of life will gather in the heart of Tulsa to usher in the Christmas spirit and celebrate 'the most wonderful time of the year.'

Organizers say this year, they’ve had the most entries ever, with big companies like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Tesla, and Chick-fil-A all wanting to take part.

This year is special because two non-profits are granting two soldiers and their families wishes to kick off the day.

After that, it's parade time, with huge helium balloons, marching bands, parade floats, Santa Claus himself, and more.

The parade’s grand marshal is Tulsa icon Muriel Fahrio. She is the creator of beloved characters like the Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake.

She will be there along with one of the characters she created called Holly Berry, which is the inspiration for the theme this year ‘Have a Holly Berry Christmas.'

Organizer Paul Ross says the parade kicks off the Christmas season in Tulsa.

"The time when hopefully people are a little bit more patient with each other, you know," Ross said. "Hopefully, they’re smiling; hopefully, they’re hugging necks of their neighbors and their family and their friends more this time of year than they would other times of year.”

The parade begins at 11 a.m.

For more information and the parade map, visit their website.