Thousands of spectators lined King Street Sunday afternoon as Charleston’s annual Holiday Parade wound its way through downtown, ending at Marion Square where the city’s official Christmas tree came to life with thousands of lights.

The parade, a Charleston tradition that dates back decades, featured floats from local businesses, marching bands from area high schools, dance troupes, and the inevitable arrival of Santa Claus bringing up the rear. Children perched on parents’ shoulders, waving at performers and snatching candy tossed from passing vehicles.

This year’s parade stepped off at 3 p.m. from Wragg Square, processing down King Street past crowds bundled against the December chill. Spectators staked out prime viewing spots hours in advance, setting up folding chairs and spreading blankets along the parade route.

City Council this year boosted the holiday events budget by more than $40,000 after members donated travel and personnel funds to expand programming. The additional money supported enhanced lighting displays, more performers, and extended operating hours at holiday venues.

After the parade concluded, families gathered in Marion Square for the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. The moment when thousands of lights simultaneously illuminated the towering evergreen drew cheers from the assembled crowd.

The tree lighting officially opens the city’s month-long holiday calendar, which includes farmers markets, the Parade of Boats in Charleston Harbor, and numerous smaller neighborhood celebrations.

For many Charleston families, the holiday parade represents an unbroken tradition spanning generations. Grandparents who attended as children now bring grandchildren to stake out the same spots along King Street.

The evening continued with live entertainment in Marion Square and the opening of holiday vendors surrounding the tree.