Swampscott Holiday Parade Back For 2023 With Safety Changes

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The Swampscott Police Association's annual Holiday Parade is back for 2023 with some changes aimed at keeping things safe for children and those driving around the high school on the night of the big event.

The Swampscott Police Association said that this year there will be no drop-off in the rear of the high school in the area of the parade staging area. There will also be no parking in the rear lot. All those participating in the parade should arrive at the school on their respective float, trolley or vehicle.

"Last year we had a significant number of safety concerns with people and kids running around," the Police Association said. "This area is dark and has a tremendous number of moving vehicles and pedestrians that night."

This year's parade will be on Dec. 16 starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Swampscott Police Association is collecting toys on behalf of Toys for Local Children.

Donation boxes will be located inside the lobby of the police station. Toys will also be collected along the parade route the night of the event by uniformed police officers.

Those looking to participate in this year's parade can contact Candace Doyle, Jay Locke, Mike Kenyon or Bill Waters at 781-595-1111 or swampscottpoliceassociation@gmail.com.

The parade is set to begin at Swampscott High School, and travel from Essex to Burrill to Paradise, to Vinnin Square, to Salem Street to Humphrey Street, and end at Swampscott Town Hall.

There will be a holiday party on the Town Hall lawn to follow with music and family events.

"The Swampscott Police Association is proud to host this annual event for all to enjoy," the union said. "It is a great time to come together as a town."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)