Looking back on the 2025 Holiday Parade in Youngstown
Following a night of holiday festivities in Downtown Youngstown, the city is reflecting on the highlights of the 2025 Holiday Parade and Light-Up Night on December 5.
The parade received over 100 entries, featuring groups and organizations from around the Mahoning Valley, including 12 different marching bands, sponsored by the title sponsor, WesBanco.
Each music program that participated as a marching band received $1,000 for their school.
Additionally, three schools were honored with the "Most Spirited" award, including:
- West Branch Warriors in first place
- Niles Red Dragons in second place
- Austintown Fitch Falcons in third place
OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science & Technology saw over 1,200 families and over 1,000 photos were taken with Santa Claus.
In addition to parade-goers, crafters and vendors were "well supported by the crowds" at the Holiday Flea on Phelps, and Downtown Youngstown bars and other restaurants were "packed all night long."
Adam Lee, Program Director with Youngstown CityScape, said that there were very few issues.
"We had a really fantastic turnout, the logistics went well for the parade, we had some volunteer help and things went smoothly," said Lee.
Although no attendance count has officially been released, Lee says that the event usually draws in about 8,000 to 10,000 people yearly. He also says that the parade is slated to return next year in 2026.
