The holiday season in Reading is set to kick off in grand style with the City of Reading’s annual Holiday Parade, scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd, at 10 a.m. along Penn Street. The city, along with Mayor Eddie Morán, has announced a comprehensive traffic plan to ensure the safety and enjoyment of attendees, participants, and visitors.
The parade promises to be a highlight of the festive season, featuring an exciting lineup of floats, performers, and local organizations.
To accommodate parade-goers, the city is offering free parking from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the South Penn Garage, 4th & Cherry Garage, and 5th & Cherry lot.
For those driving to the event, important traffic changes and road closures will be in effect: No Parking Signs will be posted along key routes on Friday, November 22nd, and vehicles must be moved by 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Any remaining vehicles will be subject to towing starting at 6:30 a.m. Traffic through City Park will close to everyone except parade participants beginning at 7:00 a.m., with various streets temporarily closed for the event.
The following roads will be closed during the parade: Rose Garden Rd. in City Park. 200-1000 blocks of Penn St. 1100 block of Washington St. 1100 block of Perkiomen Ave. 1000 block of Court St. (between Mulberry St. and N. 11th St.). 11th St. (between Cherry St. and Washington St.). 5th St. (between Cherry St. and Court St.). 200 block of Cherry St. 000 block of S. 2nd St. 100 block of Franklin St.
Drivers entering the city via the Penn Street Bridge will follow a detour directing them to turn left onto N. 2nd St. and then right onto Court St. Southbound traffic on N. 2nd St. will also be diverted to the Penn Street Bridge. No vehicles will be allowed to cross Penn St. during the parade, but crossings at 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th streets will remain open, with police officers facilitating crossings during breaks in the parade.
For more information on the Holiday Parade and additional updates, visit the city’s website at readingpa.gov.
