LYNN — Despite the rise of COVID-19 cases, Ward 7 Councilor John “Jay” Walsh said the Lynn Christmas Eve Parade is still happening.
The Christmas Eve Parade route was posted on Facebook titled, “Official Lynn MA Christmas Parade” on Dec. 18. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Summer Street and Austin Square this Friday. Walsh said it will be outside and there is no need for strict measures.
“It’s all outside,” said Walsh. “Yeah, it’s happening. We need this parade after what happened this past year. It’s happening rain or shine.”
During the height of the pandemic in 2020, the city had to cancel the parade. Walsh said that the city will have the parade this year and is thankful for everyone who helped to organize the event.
At 5:15 p.m., the parade will turn right onto Boston Street and then turn left onto Myrtle Street, merging into Holyoke Street. At 5:30 p.m., the parade will arrive on Walnut Street and travel down Linwood Road to North Franklin Street.
At 5:45 p.m., the parade will turn right from North Franklin Street back to Boston Street, and then take a left onto Cottage Street to McDonough Square. At 6 p.m. the parade will arrive on Western Avenue, travel north to Market Square, travel down South Common Street, take a right onto Pleasant Street and then left onto State Street. At 6:30 p.m., the parade will turn right onto Market Street to merge onto Broad Street and will travel to Lewis Street followed by Lafayette Park.
At 6:45 p.m., the parade will arrive on Fayette Street, turn left onto Essex Street and then turn right onto Chestnut Street. At 7:15 p.m., the parade will turn left from Chestnut Street onto Western Avenue, turn onto Chatham Street and then left onto Lewis Street. At 7:45 p.m., the parade will turn left onto Eastern Avenue before turning back onto Western Avenue.
At 8 p.m., the parade will travel down Stanwood Road to Fernwood Avenue. From Fernwood Avenue, the parade will turn left onto Chase Road, merge onto Euclid Avenue and then turn right onto Broadway. At 8:30 p.m., the parade will turn left on Broadway and travel to Jenness Street. From Jenness Street, the parade will travel to Den Quarry Road and merge into Cedar Brook Road.
At 9 p.m., the parade will travel to York Road and then turn right onto Casco Road. At 9:15 p.m., the parade will turn left onto Lynnfield Street and travel down to Wyoma Street. Finally, at 9:30 p.m. the parade will turn left onto Broadway, travel down onto Boston Street and arrive at Lynngate Plaza.
The parade was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Walsh said this year’s parade is to make up for a lack of one in 2020, and to remember those who were lost during the pandemic.
“This is to remember the people that we don’t have anymore,” said Walsh. “We have been in a yo-yo of up and down with COVID and we need good acts of kindness right now.”
The parade has been a city tradition since 1986, and Walsh has seen and participated in every parade since then. As a city councilor, he is the head planner for the event. Residents and businesses all play a role in the festivities with floats, fire engines, truck rides and even a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“Everyone who has come here has put in a lot of time and effort,” said Walsh. “These people are the ones who make it happen.”
