Santa Claus waves as he heads down Third Street in Marquette during a previous Downtown Marquette Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette Downtown Development Authority)

MARQUETTE — He’s making a list and checking it twice — just not on the first Friday in December.

The annual Downtown Marquette Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, leading from Third Street down to the Marquette Commons.

“Bundle up with friends and family as illuminated floats, tinsel-strewn trucks and colorful carolers transform Third Street into an enchanted scene from the North Pole,” reads the event page.

The Marquette Post Office will be collecting letters to Santa during the holiday parade as it moves along Third Street.

“Bring the little one and bring their letter and make sure Santa receives their Christmas wishes,” says the event page.

Michael Bradford, Business Outreach and Promotions Director for the Marquette Downtown Development Authority, said those bringing letters are advised to provide a return address so something can be sent in response to the letters to Santa.

He asks that parents be ready to assist their children with handing off the letters to the post office during the parade as there are moving vehicles.

“The (Marquette) Post Office will be at the back of the parade right in front of Santa,” he said.

Bradford said this is a free community event that officially kicks off the holiday season in Marquette.

“From the parade filled with holiday and pop culture characters such as the Grinch and Santa, to the 501st Legion who come dressed at Star Wars characters like storm troopers, Boba Fett and even Darth Vader as well as other lit up and colorful floats to help brighten up the darker days of December,” he said. “When the parade finally lands at the Marquette Commons, we then have the city tree lighting which is also free to the public.”

Bradford said there will be live music at the Commons, featuring your favorite holiday jingles.

“Santa will address the crowd before lighting the tree and vendors will be selling holiday treats including warm drinks and sweets for the kids,” he said. “Then lastly, Santa will be sitting with children to hear what they want for Christmas.”

The parade will begin at the Berry Events Center and make its way south on Third Street towards the Marquette Commons. The parade begins at 6 p.m. and will arrive at the Marquette Commons around 6:30 p.m. Once Santa arrives at the Marquette Commons, the tree lighting ceremony will begin. The event then officially ends around 8 p.m.

Bradford said the Commons will be open with a fireplace where people can come inside and warm up.

Justin Marietti can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 545. His email address is jmarietti@miningjournal.net.