The 2012 Holidays in Historic Frederick will bring the magic of the Holidays to downtown Frederick with the Kris Kringle Procession on Friday, December 7. Over seventy local groups will join Kris Kringle in this whimsical procession through the beautifully illuminated streets of historic downtown Frederick. This event is free to the public and begins at 6:30 pm.

The procession showcases the small town charm that makes Frederick so special during the holidays. Children from local schools, dance troupes and girl and boy scout troupes dress as reindeer, snowflakes, angels, elves, gifts and other Holiday themed characters and march through the charmingly lit streets of downtown Frederick. Joining the children are characters representing Frederick’s German/English heritage including figures such as Pelsnickle, Weinacht Man and Krist Kindle. Pelsnickle and Weinacht Man are known to help Kris Kringle judge whether children have been bad or good. Krist Kindle is an angel-like messenger who leaves gifts for good children. Modern holiday characters also join in the fun, including Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Following the procession attendees are invited to the Baker Park Band Shell for a holiday inspired closing ceremony featuring music, the official lighting of the City Christmas tree and a special message from Kris Kringle himself! Hot cocoa and chestnuts will be available for purchase.

The procession begins at the corner of S. Carroll and E. Patrick Streets, turns left onto East Patrick Street, turns right onto N. Market Street, and then turns left onto W. Second Street, ending at Baker Park. Nearly all of the streets are illuminated by thousands of tiny white lights.