The second annual Villawood Gawler Christmas Parade lived up to the hype with more than 15,000 people tuning in to join the festivities, both in-person and online.

Families lined Murray Street eagerly awaiting the procession and waves of locals hit the Gawler Apex Club Community Christmas Markets at Apex Park before and after the parade.

Event organiser and Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, expressed his gratitude and pride in the community's involvement.

"The overwhelming turnout and positive feedback from everyone truly shows how much this event means to our region," Mr Piccolo said.

“It wasn’t just those in the parade who were embracing the Christmas spirit, with many in the crowd dressed in their festive gear as a sea of red, green and sparkles swept though the heart of the Gawler community – and the noise could certainly be heard across the region.

"I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the partners, volunteers, sponsors, entrants and the incredible community support that made this event possible as they’ve rallied to ensure this was a resounding success.”

The parade featured a record 42 local parade entrants this year, including emergency services, local businesses, community groups, dance troupes, marching bands and sporting clubs.

With more activities and event on offer throughout the evening for the entire family this year, Mr Piccolo said it only enhanced the experience for all involved.

Gawler Apex Club Community Christmas Markets Event co-ordinator Bronte Rhodes said the markets and the parade are a “miracle match”.

“The two events combined together and supported each other, and we kept the community occupied in the hours before and after the parade,” said Mr Rhodes.

“We were overwhelmed with the number of people who walked through the market as it was the biggest crowd in the last 6 years that we’ve had, so we’re happy with that.

“The vendors were all happy with the day as some of the site made six times more than they did the year before, with many food vendors selling out of items.

“A thank you to all the Apex volunteers on the day who made it happen as there were 20 people putting in hours of their own time to make it happen, and also the community and everyone involved across the events.

“We’ve filled the park to capacity, so next year, we’ll have to gather the market and parade committees to figure out how to make the markets area bigger to hold more stands.”

Naming rights sponsor Villawood Properties’ CEO Alan Miller said, “The Christmas Parade is a fantastic community initiative, and it builds on wonderful community spirit.”

“The warmth and community bonds that Gawler's families and groups and businesses show with this parade is the kind of magic that Christmas is really about.

“Villawood is delighted to be part of it and congratulates everyone who's played a part in its success.

“Villawood is all about building great communities this is just one of the many ways we are supporting 100's of community groups around Australia.”

Sponsors for this year's event also included Town of Gawler, Gawler Business Development Group, Gawler Central Shopping Centre, Gawler Mitre 10, and Beyond Bank.

Town of Gawler assisted with advertising the event and organising the road closures to keep the community safe.

Mayor Karen Redman was pleased herself, fellow Councillors and new CEO Chris Cowley could also take part in the parade.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to the Villawood Christmas Parade for delivering such a spectacular event,” Mayor Redman said.

“The joy and excitement in the air was truly contagious, it was great to see so many children and families with beaming smiles enjoying the evening along with the bustling markets added to the festive atmosphere.

“The vibrant Christmas floats were a highlight for me, showcasing some incredible creative talents.”

The event was further supported by an array of partners, such as Steinborner, The Bunyip, AMA Security, Seychell Traffic, Gawler Light Rotary, Gawler Town Band, SAPOL, Gawler Apex and Lions Gawler.