Hundreds of families, friends and other community members came together Saturday evening to celebrate traditions and the holiday season with the 69^th annual Milpas Street Holiday Parade sponsored by the Santa Barbara Eastside Society.

This year’s theme was “Christmas Traditions,” with 65 entries, including nonprofit organizations, school groups, local dignitaries, classic car clubs and more.

The participants traveled along Milpas Street from De la Guerra Street to Mason Street. They were led by this year’s grand marshal, Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Gordon.

Santa Claus, the Grinch and many more made appearances in the parade, as entries were covered in lights and holiday decorations, and groups in festive outfits danced, drove or walked along the route, waving to spectators.

Some of the groups featured in the parade included the Santa Barbara Police Activities League, teachers and students from Cleveland Elementary School and Franklin School, and the La Colina Junior High School marching band.

The holiday fun is set to continue starting at 5:30 p.m. Sunday with the 37^th annual boat Parade of Lights at the Santa Barbara Harbor. Before the parade, festivities at the harbor and waterfront will include a Winter Wonderland starting at 3 p.m. with snow, holiday elves and a visit from Santa; the human-powered category competition at 3:30 p.m.; and a tree-lighting ceremony with performances by the Dos Pueblos Jazz Choir on Stearns Wharf at 5 p.m.

Information about more festive fun planned throughout Santa Barbara County can be found in Noozhawk’s holiday events roundup here.