The month of December calls for holiday cheer. People take part in all the holiday traditions set by those before them, many enjoying the holiday lights and listening to music to get into a festive frame of mind. As for Manhattan, the city hosts an annual parade called Spirit of the Holidays.
This display of holiday cheer features an array of beautifully lit floats, festive marching bands and local community groups. This year, the event will take place on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Manhattan. Spectators are encouraged to line Poyntz Avenue, where the Spirit of the Holidays Parade will proceed from Third Street toward City Park, to secure the best views for this bright kickoff to the holiday season.
Gina Snyder is the organizer of this year’s Spirit of the Holidays Parade and finds that no matter how many years this event is put on, it still takes careful time and consideration to make the holiday magic shine through.
“This is year 23, it is a well-oiled machine, and our partners and volunteers have been coordinating the Spirit of the Holidays lighted parade for at least a decade now,” Snyder said. “We start planning in September, but the parade is on everyone’s calendar as the first Friday in December. The biggest logistical challenge is closing down the streets to vehicles and getting the walking groups to walk quickly so there are no gaps in the parade.”
The event has evolved through the decades. This year, the Spirit of the Holidays Parade includes 72 entries, 20 volunteers and staff from both the Manhattan Parks Department and Riley County Police Department. As the parade evolved, the core values stayed the same — to give back to the Manhattan and Riley County communities.
“The parade is partnered with the Flint Hills Breadbasket,” Snyder said. “We use this time of year to draw attention to the Breadbasket and their work in food security. The City of Manhattan, Downtown Manhattan, Inc. and RCPD have shared values with the Breadbasket; we work to improve our community and make it a place where our residents have civic pride and a real sense of belonging.”
That spirit of collaboration extends beyond parade logistics. Each year, the Spirit of Holidays Parade becomes a moment where Manhattan’s sense of connection comes to life, offering residents a familiar warmth and belonging.
“The parade celebrates community,” Snyder said. “Whether it’s a family tradition to attend, your annual volunteer opportunity, a time to raise awareness of the Flint Hills Breadbasket or it’s the time of year that local employees, students and community members get together to build a float — it’s about community and being together.”
The feeling of togetherness shines through with the Pride of Wildcat Land marching band performance.
Natalie Shehi-Ohmes, senior in criminology, enjoys the long tradition of performing in the parade, embracing the holiday spirit.
“I think it is an honor to be a part of Manhattan traditions, and I enjoy seeing the impact the band has on the community,” Shehi-Ohmes said. “In both the Homecoming and Christmas parade, it is exciting to see not only the K-State community, but the Manhattan community as well.”
The Spirit of the Holidays Parade marks a natural kickoff to the season, giving the community an early chance to settle into the festive spirit.
“I like that the Christmas parade is typically scheduled for the beginning of December because it never fails to get me in the Christmas mood,” Shehi-Ohmes said. “The holiday lights lining the street, the people dressed in warm holiday clothing, and the crowd’s engagement with the tunes the band is playing make for a festive and fun environment.”
The atmosphere, combined with the band, allows the K-State and Manhattan community to feel not only holiday spirit but K-State pride.
“During the parade, we play two of our pregame favorites. We alternate between our school’s fight song, Wildcat Victory and our school’s march, Wildcat March,” Shehi-Ohmes said. “We practice these tunes all season long, as well as both the high-step marching and low-step marching we do in the parade.”
Although the band doesn’t play any holiday tunes, the pride that is felt through these tradition-filled songs is all the crowd needs when surrounded by the lights and the cozy feeling of downtown Manhattan.
“I really enjoy being part of a tradition such as the Christmas parade; it certainly gets me in the holiday mood and helps me feel in touch with the Manhattan community,” Shehi-Ohmes said. “Our downtown area is a magical place to be during the holidays, and I cannot wait for the parade.”
For the 24th year, the organizers are excited to see the lined streets and performances throughout this Spirit of the Holidays Parade. You can see for yourself the holiday magic by going to the best viewing spot: Poyntz Avenue from Third Street all the way to City Park.
