Twentynine Palms hosts Holiday Light Parade at Freedom Plaza
Bundled up against a chilly evening, residents of Twentynine Palms lined downtown streets and cheered decorated floats, dazzling decorations and awaited the arrival of international celebrity, Santa Claus. Hungry shoppers who came early enjoyed the marketplace and food vendors before the parade began at 6:00 p.m., which headed south down Adobe, west on Highway 62 and into the heart of Freedom Plaza.
Dressed-up fire engines, sparkling tanks, glittering floats, festive golf carts, e-bikes, and even reindeers riding Harleys made for a festive line-up as holiday music filled the air, along with the voice of our very own, Gary Daigneault, who MC’ed the well-attended event.
There was even an Elvis sighting.
Children of all ages lined up for a photo with Santa and his date, Mrs. Claus, and some were even ready to submit a gift request straight to the man himself.
City leaders were also on hand to deliver remarks, including Mayor Steven Bilderain and Major General Mark H. Clingan, Commanding General, MAGTF Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. When asked, Mayor Bilderain offered his own Christmas wish list.
“A prosperous New Year for Twentynine Palms. Small businesses started to flourish some more. Better weather – it’s cold, but maybe not as hot in the summer? But just everyone have a healthy, wealthy next 2026. I think that’s what I would really want for everybody,” said Bilderain.
At long last, the moment came that all had been waiting for, the countdown and the point of no return – no matter how much Halloween candy and Thanksgiving turkey you have left in the house, Christmas has officially arrived.
