Since 1991, the Spirit of Springfield has helped welcome Santa Claus to town with Springfield’s own 75-foot inflatable “Cat in the Hat”, a few of his inflatable friends, bands and colorful contingents. At 11AM on the day after Thanksgiving, they promenade down Main Street, entertaining crowds estimated at 70,000.
The parade features musical, marching and motorized contingents, and Santa arriving high atop Springfield Fire Departments Ladder #1.
Following the parade, Tower Square hosts a holiday open house with many children's activities and performances.
History
A parade of helium giants has been a longstanding tradition in Springfield. The Spirit of Springfield took responsibility for the event in 1991. With permission from Audrey Geisel, Theodor Geisel's widow, a "Cat in the Hat" balloon was commissioned in honor of the famed author's famous feline. Mrs. Geisell traveled to Springfield for its debut to an overwhelming crowd and was serenaded by the Mary O. Pottenger School Chorus.
In its early years, the parade processed down State Street to Tower Square. When the airwalk that crossed Main Street was taken down, the route went down Main Street from north to south.
Parade Marshals
- 2019 – Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, Springfield Police Department
- 2018 – Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno
- 2017 – Commissioner John Barbieri, Springfield Police Department
- 2016 – Chief Master Sergeant Maryanne Walts, 104th Fighter Group at Barnes Air National Guard Base
- 2015 – U. S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan Family
- 2014 – Colonel Thomas Kleeland, Air Force Junior ROTC, Springfield Central High School
- 2013 – Colonel James Keefe, Wing Commander, 104th Fighter Group at Barnes Air National Guard Base
- 2012 – Colonel Robert Brooks, Jr., Wing Commander, 104th Fighter Group at Barnes Air National Guard Base
- 2011 – June 1, 2011 Tornado First Responders
- 2010 – Sheriff Michael Ashe, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department
- 2009 – Major General Joseph Carter, Massachusetts Adjutant General
- 2008 – Springfield Police Commissioner William Fitchet
- 2007 – Spirit of Springfield Board of Directors
- 2006 – Springfield City Council
- 2005 – Mayor Charles V. Ryan
- 2003 – Springfield Department of Public Works, Al Chwalek, Director
- 2002 – Cat in the Hat
- 2001 – Springfield Fire Commissioner Gary Cassanelli
- 1991 – Audrey Geisel
