VERO BEACH — Vero Beach was rocking last night as Santa Claus came to town atop an elaborate Dubose & Son sleigh at the 33rd annual Vero Beach Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Oceanside Business Association and the Sunrise Rotary Club.

Visitors and residents by the thousands, many as festively adorned as the parade participants, lined Ocean Drive, eager to join in on one of Vero’s most beloved holiday traditions.

The Runner’s Depot Candy Cane 3K preceded the parade, with decorative runners setting the joyful tone. Then, in true small-town fashion, viewers and participants alike got into the holiday spirit, waving to one another as their friends and family members from schools and churches, sporting groups, civic groups, clubs and businesses merrily made their way.

Music from marching bands and even bagpipers were interspersed between floats blaring sirens and Christmas carols. Twinkling lights were everywhere, from simple glow-light necklaces to extravagant truck-bed scenes, lighting up children’s faces with wonder.