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The city has decided to cancel the annual holiday parade this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a first-time Festival of Lights event will help fill the void.

The parade was originally scheduled for Dec. 12, according to a city press release. “While we remain under Governor Ralph Northam’s Executive Order which continues to limit the number of individuals that can gather together in public settings and mandates the wearing of masks, unfortunately, we are required to re-evaluate largescale gatherings including parades, festivals, and similar events that we have traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season,” the press release stated in announcing the parade cancellation.

However, residents are encouraged to celebrate the holiday spirit at the inaugural Suffolk Festival of Lights. This free event will include more than 35,000 bulbs and will take place nightly from 5:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m., Nov. 20 through Dec. 30, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It will be held at Sleepy Hole Park, 4616 Sleepy Hole Road.

Stay up to date by following Suffolk Parks & Recreation on Facebook for virtual activities and events @SuffolkParksandRec. Visit their website and Virtual Recreation Center at www.suffolkva.us/parks, or call 757-514-7250 for more information.