PLATTSBURGH — The city of Plattsburgh’s Miracle on Margaret Street is back today.
The city of Plattsburgh and the Strand Center for the Arts have teamed up once again to bring a day full of activities and holiday cheer.
This year’s festivities include children’s art activities at The Strand, the Merry Mugs fundraiser, music and dance performances, and the 10th-annual holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony.
ACTIVITIES
Starting at 3 p.m., the Strand Center Gallery and Visual Arts Studio offers free family-friendly art experiences. There will also be an opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa Claus during the Photos with Santa Fundraiser in the Strand Center Gallery, brought by Twenty-Six & Co. Photos are $10 each.
The Strand’s Merry Mugs Fundraiser also returns to the Strand Center Gallery today.
Handmade mugs to support the Strand’s Clay Studio programming will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will go directly to the Clay Studio’s programs.
Additionally, the Luxury Photobooth Experience offers free digital photos to attendees. All activities run 3 to 6 p.m. leading up to the tree lighting on the Strand’s front lawn.
PARADE
The pre-parade warm-up show will begin at 5 p.m. and include musical performances, sing-a-longs and a performance from Center Stage Dance Group.
The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will travel down Brinkerhoff Street, making a turn onto Oak Street to Court Street and traveling east on Margaret Street, where it will finish at the intersection of Margaret and Broad streets.
The tree lighting will be held at the intersection of Margaret and Brinkerhoff streets on the lawn of the Strand Center for the Arts immediately following the end of the parade.
After the tree lighting, the Candy Cane Quartet will do a 30-minute performance beside the tree.
“This parade is a highlight of the holiday season,” Emma Stewart, community engagement coordinator, said.
“It’s a chance for our entire community to gather, celebrate and kick off the season surrounded by loved ones.”
THEME
The 2025 Holiday Parade theme will be Enchanted Forest.
This year’s theme invites parade participants to bring “a world of wonder to life, where sparkling lights, mystical creatures and storybook charm” to transform downtown Plattsburgh into a winter fairytale, according to a press release from the city.
“From twinkling woodland scenes to festive forest friends, let’s celebrate the season with imagination, creativity and holiday cheer. Join us for a magical evening filled with light, laughter and enchantment as our community comes together to make the holidays truly extraordinary.”
The annual Holiday Parade trophy will be awarded to the best parade participants.
PARADE PARTICIPANTS
Stewart told the Common Council at their meeting Thursday the city received 46 entrees for this year’s parade.
“We actually couldn’t fit any more on the street, so we had to cut it off. There was actually more interest than even that,” Stewart said. “We could have had up to probably, like, 60 floats, so maybe we’ll figure out a different pathway next year.”
In keeping with tradition, parade participants will be judged on their representation of holiday spirit and the theme. The winner will be chosen by the Mayor Wendell Hughes, the 2025 and 2024 parade Grand Marshals, a member of The Strand Center for the Arts and members of the Common Council.
This year’s grand marshal will be long-time Clinton County Legislator Patty Waldron, who will be leaving office in January after 12 years.
Waldron, also the former owner and operator of Koffee Kat downtown where she supported generations of residents, students, artists and leaders, was given the title because of her dedication and service to the region, according to a recent press release from the city.