The City of Lake Charles is ready for the 2017 Christmas Holiday season. The Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration is right around the corner. As the city's workers put up the hundreds of displays, trees, and lights around the city, anticipation is growing for the fun-filled annual event.

If you or someone you know would like to participate in the Christmas parade, either by Land or Sea, entries are being accepted now. Everyone in the community is invited to join in on this spectacular event. This year's parade route will start on Mill Street, travel down Ryan Street, and end at the Dr. DeBakey/Lock Park intersection.

Saturday, December 2, 2017, the Lake Charles Christmas Celebration will get underway. The Christmas parade will begin at 11 am, with Santa Claus taking his journey through downtown Lake Charles. Lake Charles Toyota will award trophies to participants who go all out with their decorations. Categories include: Best Decorated Vehicle and Floats, Best Marching Bands, and Specialty Groups.

Below is the schedule of events for the 2017 Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration

11am: Street ParadeThrough Downtown Lake Charles

Noon: Gingerbread House Contest

1-5pm: Santa’s Workshop - Coliseum and Exhibition Hall: Kids’ games, prizes and entertainment

Time TBA: Lake Charles Community Band Concert at Trinity Baptist Church

5-6p.m.: Lighting Ceremony - Civic Center Front Lawn. Entertainment leading up to flipping the switch to light up the lights!

6:30 p.m.: Lighted Boat Parade

7:15 p.m.: Fireworks Extravaganza

Don't miss the Lighted Boat Parade, beginning at 6:30 p.m. along the Lakefront Promenade. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for the best decorated boats, 30 feet long and smaller, and 31 feet long and over. Each boat will be judged on originality, creativity, decorations, presentation, enthusiasm, best crew, and best of show. Afterward, enjoy the magical fireworks extravaganza! Tune into 92.9 The Lake FM radio for the simulcast music.

For more Christmas events in Lake Charles and surrounding areas, click hereFor entry forms or more info about this year's Christmas celebration, contact the City of Lake Charles at (337) 491-1382, katie.harrington@cityoflc.us or www.cityoflakecharles.com.

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