Held on the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving in downtown Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Jaycees Santa Parade is a West Michigan tradition of more than 100 years. The parade serves as the kickoff to the holiday season in the region.

The parade hosts a crowd of approximately 10,000 patrons annually. Nearly 100 entries make up the parade every year. The parade dates back to the late 1800s. In 1969, the Grand Rapids Jaycees took control of all aspects of the parade.

*** Parade Route for 2012: The parade will start at the corner of Michigan and Monroe, travel south on Monroe past Rosa Parks Circle and end at Market and Weston.***