2025 Ambler Holiday Parade: One of the Biggest

A Thriving Tradition: The Ambler Holiday Parade

The Borough of Ambler was alive with excitement over the weekend as thousands gathered to celebrate the holiday spirit during the annual Ambler Holiday Parade. This beloved event, which has become a cherished tradition in Montgomery County, brought together residents and visitors alike for a day filled with festive cheer.

“It went very, very well. It was probably one of our biggest parades,” said Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier, the Main Street Manager for Ambler. The sidewalks along Butler Avenue were packed with people on Saturday afternoon, who came to witness the sights and sounds of this long-standing celebration. While the day began with some snowfall, which Wahl Kunzier noted “got you in the mood” for a holiday-themed event, it didn’t deter the crowds from showing up in full force.

A Celebration of Creativity and Community

The parade featured an impressive lineup of participants, including longtime emcee Juan Varleta, a former B101 DJ, and co-managers of the Ambler Farmers Market, Andrew and Kelly Gaess, who served as marshals. The event showcased the creativity and dedication of local groups, with around 800 participants marching through the streets, displaying floats that stretched between Bethlehem Pike and Susquehanna Road.

Wahl Kunzier highlighted the “sheer volume of humanity” at the parade, noting that the floats this year were particularly impressive. “Everyone put a lot of thought into their floats. Our judges had a really hard time picking them. I mean we just have super creative people,” she said.

Several standout displays paid tribute to popular movies such as Home Alone, The Grinch, and Wicked. Santa and Mrs. Claus were also big hits, waving to the enthusiastic crowd. The parade included participation from area businesses, Cub Scouts, fire companies, Girl Scouts, neighborhood groups, and school marching bands.

Awards and Recognition

The competition among the floats was fierce, with the Wissahickon Boys and Girls Club taking first place, followed by the Ambler YMCA in second and the Dance Time Dance Academy in third. The Wissahickon Girl Scouts received an honorable mention for their outstanding display.

Representatives of Ambler Heights, a neighborhood group, showcase a Home Alone themed float during the Ambler Holiday Parade on Dec. 6, 2025 in downtown Ambler. (Photo courtesy Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier)

The Grinch stands on a float on Dec. 6, 2025 traveling along Butler Avenue during the Ambler Holiday Parade. (Photo courtesy Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier)

The Goddard School in Spring House participants march along with their float on Dec. 6, 2025 during the Ambler Holiday Parade in downtown Ambler. (Photo courtesy Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier)

Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to crowds of people attending the Ambler Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in downtown Ambler. (Photo courtesy Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier)

Looking Ahead to More Holiday Fun

With the holiday season in full swing, Wahl Kunzier is already looking forward to upcoming events. On Thursday, Old St. Nick will return to Ambler during the “Santa by Train” event, starting at 7 p.m. at the south side platform of SEPTA Regional Rail’s Ambler Station, located at 35 W. Butler Ave.

The festivities will continue this week with Ambler’s annual holiday shopping weekend. Wahl Kunzier mentioned that carolers and a barbershop quartet will be stationed downtown to provide entertainment for shoppers as they stroll along Butler Avenue.

“It will be darn festive this weekend,” she said.