South Street Headhouse District Rings in Holidays with Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

South Street Headhouse District kicks off the holidays with the South Street Christmas Parade and Headhouse Square Tree Lighting this Sunday, December 4, 2016.

Santa Claus will make his annual journey down South Street on top of a shiny red firetruck Engine 11 starting at 3:00pm from 11th and South Street.

Parade special guests and participants will include CBS 3's Meisha Johnson, plus the Pennsport Mummers, the Philadelphia Freedom Band, Liberty Bellows, Philly PACK kids ensemble, Equilibrium Dance Studio, the cast of Liberty City Theatre's "It's A Wonderful Life" and more.

When the parade reaches Headhouse Square, Santa will greet all the little boys and girls to find out who's been naughty and who's been nice. He will then help light the Headhouse Square Tree at 5:00pm. Revelers will then enjoy photos of their children with Santa, Rudolph and Frosty. SSHD vendors will be under the Shambles offering snacks, hot cocoa and cider. Plus, there will entertainment from the parade performers in Headhouse Square.

CBS 3's Meisha Johnson help light the tree, and she will be on hand to collect toys for area children as part of CBS 3's 28th Annual Toy Fest for Kids Campaign. Please bring a new, unwrapped gift for a boy or girl and leave in donation boxes under the Headhouse Square Shambles during the festivities.

"South Street has long been Philadelphia's home to independent shops and residents, much like a small town USA," remarked SSHD Assistant Director Bill Arrowood. "We hope that this event will draw out of neighbors and businesses out for some festive fun, but also remind the rest of Philadelphia and the region that great things are happening on South Street."

Before or after the parade, visitors are encouraged to stroll the District and enjoy holiday window displays at 30+ boutiques and restaurants during the Window Wonderland Storefront Challenge. (Visit www.southstreet.com for a map.) Celebrity judges will select the winners who will be announced at the tree lighting ceremony.

The South Street Christmas Parade, Headhouse Square Tree Lighting and Window Wonderland Storefront Challenge are all free and open to the public. For more information, visit southstreet.com or call (215) 413-3713. During the event, follow along on Twitter at @officialsouthst #SouthStHoliday.