The City of Reading is gearing up for a festive holiday season, with the much-anticipated Holiday Parade set to take place on Saturday, November 22nd, at 10 am along Penn Street. Free parking will be available from 7am-3:30pm at the South Penn Garage, 4th & Cherry Garage, and 5th & Cherry lot.
New this year, families are invited to a free Meet & Greet with Santa from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the 5th & Penn Bank Building. Visitors are encouraged to stay downtown after the parade— enjoy lunch, shop local, and take part in the holiday fun.
Additional activities for the Santa meet & greet include: Festive photo display, Hot chocolate and cookies, Seasonal crafts (while supplies last).
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, Mayor Eddie Morán is announcing the following comprehensive traffic plan for the event:
In preparation for the parade, No Parking Signs will be posted on Friday, November 21st, along the following routes:
- 200 through 1000 blocks of Penn St.
- 000 block S. 2nd St.
- 000 block N. 2nd St.
- 200 block Cherry St.
- 000 block S. 11th St.
- 000 block N. 11th St.
- 1100 block Perkiomen Ave.
- 1000 block Court St. between Mulberry St. and N. 11th St.
Motorists are advised to relocate their vehicles by 6:00 am on Saturday, as traffic enforcement and towing will commence promptly at 6:30 am.
At 7:00 am, traffic through City Park will be closed to all except parade participants. The following streets will be temporarily closed to traffic:
- Rose Garden Rd. in City Park
- 1100 block of Washington St.
- 1100 block Perkiomen Ave.
- 1000 block Court St. between Mulberry St. and N. 11th St.
- 200 to 1000 blocks of Penn St.
- 11th St. between Perkiomen Ave. and Walnut St.
- 5th St. between Cherry St. and Court St.
- 200 block Cherry St.
- 000 block S. 2nd St.
- 100 block Franklin St.
For those entering the city via the Penn St. bridge, a detour will be in place, directing vehicles to turn left onto N. 2nd St. and then right onto Court St.
All southbound traffic on N. 2nd St. will be diverted to the Penn St. Bridge. No traffic will be allowed to cross Penn St.
While 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 9th. will remain open for north and southbound traffic across Penn St., intersections manned by police officers will facilitate crossings during parade breaks. However, no turns onto Penn St. will be permitted during the event.
Mayor Eddie Morán encourages residents and visitors to join in the holiday spirit and enjoy the festivities.
