Photo by: Monique Valadez

Staff Reports

CHINO –The holiday lights are glistening once again along Central Avenue and city hall in preparation for Chino’s annual Youth Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec.12. This year’s theme is “A Christmas in Toyland” featuring dozens of community floats, classic cars, horse-drawn carriages, school bands, drill teams, elected officials and local youth organizations. But the prettiest sight to see will be jolly St. Nicolas at the tail end of the parade.

The parade steps off at 9 a.m. on the corner of Monte Vista Avenue. It continues east on Riverside Drive then continues south on Central Avenue, ending near city hall.

Some of the best spots are located near the announcement stages, one on Sixth Street and Central and the other on Central Avenue and D Street. But every spot along the parade route offers excellent views and entertainment.

City officials encourage parade goers to grab their spots early. Commuters are also advised of the street closures taking places on the morning of the parade. See map in this article.

Following the parade, the community is welcome to hang out at the civic center until 3 p.m. for live family entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors and a craft fair offering handmade gifts and other items.

The mayor will announce the parade float winners at noon during the festivities at the civic center.

Nearby the Chino Youth Museum will offer visitors free entry into their Santa’s Village from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in conjunction with the annual parade and fair. This year, Santa will make a pit stop at the museum on the corner of Sixth Street and D Street, so photos are recommended to capture this special guest.