After your house guests have returned home and all the turkey has been eaten, you’ll want to start getting into the holiday spirit. There’s no better way to start the season than with an Austin Tradition, Chuy’s Parade. So take some time off from shopping and attend the parade this Saturday, Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. This annual holiday tradition takes place in downtown Austin and benefits Operation Blue Santa. Chuy’s
Parade highlights include giant inflatable balloons, festive holiday floats, classic cars, famous children’s characters, spectacular marching bands, cool classic cars and, of course, Santa! Make sure to bring a new toy with you to the parade. The focal point of the parade occurs when the entire parade comes to a stop along the route to allow Santa’s helpers to collect toy donations from the crowd of spectators. This is an excellent way for kids to help other less fortunate children. All toys will be distributed to children by the Operation Blue Santa Program just in time for the holidays.
The parade lasts approximately one hour and starts at the State Capitol at 11th and Congress then moves south on Congress all the way to Cesar Chavez, ending just north of the bridge. The inspiration of Chuy’s co-owner Mike Young, the parade was started in 1987. After collecting toys at locations throughout Austin for two years, Mike decided to raise awareness for the toy drive by putting on a parade to collect more toys. Now it is another tradition of the season and a great way to give back.