RICHMOND, Va. â The 36th annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade kicked off on Broad Street in Richmond Saturday morning.
The parade, which began at 10 a.m., ran between the Science Museum of Virginia and 7th Street.
Commander Paul Galanti, one of Richmondâs most notable living veterans who was held as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam from 1966 to 1973, served as the paradeâs grand marshal.
âThis yearâs theme is âInspiring Stories,â and there isnât a more inspiring person to honor and celebrate,â Parade Director Beth Karrer said.
This yearâs lineup featured more than 100 units including themed floats, giant helium balloons, college marching bands, costumed dancers, a military tribute, and Legendary Santa courtesy of Childrenâs Museum of Richmond.

Dominion Christmas Parade Map
WTVR CBS 6 broadcast the parade live on television and streamed the parade on WTVR.com.
Cheryl Miller, Rob Cardwell, Reba Hollingsworth, Nikki-Dee Ray, Kristen Luehrs and Greg McQuade shared hosting duties.
âThe Christmas spirit and the fellowship here is palpable,â Cardwell said during the two-hour broadcast. âYou couldnât ask for a more perfect day for a Christmas parade.â
One highlight of the parade was when Greg McQuade climbed atop one parade float to meet Santa and the Snow Queen.
âI love coming down here to Richmond every year,â Santa said. âIâve been coming here since 1936. Itâs so cool!â
âI think heâs an honorary elf,â Cardwell said in response to McQuadeâs childlike exuberance.
[BONUS: Click here for the parade line-up.]
The parade will also be rebroadcast on CBS 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Christmas Day.
The tradition attracted tens of thousands of people from across the state and thousands more tuned in for the TV and online broadcasts.