Local TV Will Air Santa Claus Parade, Online Stream Planned

Local television station 18 WJTS announced on November 21 that it will air the Santa Claus Christmas Parade and simultaneously post the program online, a move that widens access to one of Dubois County's largest seasonal events. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. The station plans a primary television broadcast on Thursday, December 18 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern and a rebroadcast on Sunday, December 21 at 2:30 p.m. Eastern. The initial airing will be posted to WJTS's YouTube channel at the same time.

For families who cannot attend in person, the multiplatform distribution provides a live community experience from home, and for older residents and those with mobility challenges remote viewing reduces barriers to participation. Broadcasting the parade also extends exposure for local businesses and nonprofit groups that participate in floats and marching units, potentially boosting holiday foot traffic and spending in nearby shops and attractions in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The timing of the initial airing on December 18 falls in the busiest retail shopping window of the season, which can amplify promotional value for sponsors and advertisers. Posting the program on YouTube preserves the event for later viewing and sharing, which can increase statewide and national visibility for Santa Claus and other Dubois County destinations during peak holiday travel planning.

Community organizers and local leaders often rely on parade visibility to support volunteer recruitment and fundraising. By making the event accessible on television and online, 18 WJTS helps strengthen civic ties while creating modest economic opportunities for parade participants and sponsors. Residents who want to plan viewing or coordinate family gatherings can note the December 18 and December 21 broadcast times and the December 13 parade date to join the celebration live or watch afterward online.