Boats decorated in holiday lights for the Christmas Boat Parade in Savannah, Georgia. Photo by Geoff L. Johnson

Savannah Boat Parade of Lights. Photo by Geoff L. Johnson

Jingle All the Way with Georgia's Christmas Parades

Pull out your jingle bells; it's time to get into the holiday spirit with the Christmas parades throughout Georgia!

Pull out your jingle bells and your striped tights; it’s time to get into the holiday spirit with the annual Christmas parades throughout Georgia. The Christmas parade signals the start of the holiday season for me, and it’s a great inexpensive family tradition. It seems no matter where you travel in Georgia, you’re bound to find a Christmas parade to welcome in the holiday season. Here are several from around the state.

Nov. 19, 2022

Christmas in the Country & Chili Cook Off

Join this family-fun event in Rutledge, and enjoy live music, food trucks, craft vendors and a Santa surprise. Chili tickets are $5 per person, and proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. 

Celebrate the Holidays in Braselton

Get a jump on your holiday festivities at Braselton's parade. The evening ends with a tree lighting by a special guest, a tradition in town that dates back to the 1920s.

Nov. 26, 2022

Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia

Light Up Blue Ridge

Light Up Blue Ridge is always the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and features lighted floats. While you're there, vote for your favorite gingerbread house and window decorations, and write a letter to Santa!

Savannah Boat Parade of Lights

Savannah sure knows how to do a parade. The Savannah Boat Parade of Lights features lighted boats parading along the waterfront. Bring a chair and blanket to enjoy the show. Watch all the excitement at Plant Riverside District, where you’ll also find a holiday market, music and Santa, or you can get out on the water with the Savannah Riverboat Cruises Boat Parade of Lights Cruise.

Nov. 29, 2022

White Lighting Ceremony in St. Marys

Unlike in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, when Santa is the final attraction, Santa and Mrs. Claus lead this parade through St. Marys and make their way to the waterfront. Along the way, Santa magically turns on thousands of twinkling lights that remain lit through the holidays, and he lights the giant St. Marys Christmas Tree.

Rome Christmas Parade

This is one of Northwest Georgia's oldest and largest Christmas parades. The Rome parade is organized by a volunteer committee and has more than 100 entries each year.

Dec. 2, 2022

Hinesville Illuminated Christmas Parade

Hinesville Illuminated Christmas Parade
Hinesville Annual Illuminated Christmas Parade

Enjoy the twinkling lights on unique floats created by community groups at this parade in Liberty County as the procession winds through historic downtown Hinesville.

Dec. 3, 2022

Annual Parade of Lights Christmas Parade

Celebrate the season in downtown Douglas with this longstanding and beloved evening tradition. The Parade of Lights Christmas Parade is a joy to behold for the whole family.

Christmas in the Mountains Celebration & Lighted Parade

Visit with Santa, shop the holiday market on the Cleveland Courthouse Square, enjoy musical performances in Freedom Park, and marvel at the lighted Christmas parade through town. Don't miss the lighting of the community Christmas tree!

2022 Christmas Parade in Toccoa

Arrive in Toccoa by Friday evening to enjoy Christmasfest and the lighting of the Christmas tree, and come back Saturday morning to see the parade through historic downtown Toccoa.

Christmas on Main in Villa Rica

Start your day in Villa Rica with the Reindeer Run 5K and Egg Nog Jog, and enjoy an afternoon of shopping at the Mistletoe Market, featuring handmade crafts. The Christmas parade will feature lighted floats, local high school bands and, of course, Santa Claus!

Dublin Christmas Parade

Santa is coming to Dublin! Watch kids' eyes fill with glee as handfuls of candy and Christmas cheer are tossed their way during this parade in Dublin.

Christmas Parade in Clayton

Look for heavy-duty trucks decorated for Christmas playing music as they travel along Main Street in the Christmas Parade in Clayton. Church floats with kids and adults will be singing their hearts out, and there may be a live band or two. Lots of walkers hand out candy to the kids and so much more!

Christmas on the Square and Parade in Blairsville

Bring the kids for pictures with Santa in the afternoon, and stay for the evening parade, tree lighting and caroling in the Blairsville downtown square.

Christmas Jubilee & Parade of Lights

Watch the evening parade in Woodstock and then head to The Park at City Center and visit Santa with your wish list. The mayor and Santa will flip the switch to light the Christmas tree, and the winners will be announced for the Best Holiday, Most Original, and the History & Heritage Award floats. Enjoy music by Ronnie the DJ, free cupcake decorating, crafts, hot cocoa, apple cider, and more.

Dec. 5, 2022

Decorated vehicle in Jekyll Island Christmas Parade
Holly Jolly Jekyll Light Parade

Holly Jolly Jekyll Parade

Golf carts don their Christmas best and jingle all the way from Corsair Beach Park to the Jekyll Island Golf Club in this fun and festive evening parade on Jekyll Island.

Holly Jolly Christmas Parade in Blairsville

All kids (0-99+) are invited to enjoy free family fun at the Union County Community Center. Play games, have pictures taken with Santa, hear live music, and of course, watch the parade!

Conyers Christmas Parade
Conyers Christmas Parade

Conyers Christmas Parade

Join the holiday tradition in Olde Town Conyers as floats wind their way through town in the afternoon.

Dec. 8, 2022

Festival of Lights Christmas Parade

Known as one of the largest in south Georgia, Downtown Moultrie's Festival of Lights Christmas Parade is sure to entertain the whole family!

Dec. 9, 2022

Hometown Christmas

This annual evening event has become one of the favorites in Warrenton. Enjoy the parade, tree-lighting ceremony, live nativity, carriage rides and hayrides, shopping, visits with Santa, and more!

Dec. 10, 2022

Helen Christmas Parade

The costumed characters and floats are sure to delight young and old alike as they parade through Helen for the Helen Christmas Parade.

Caroling by Candlelight

See the parade through downtown Madison in the afternoon, and then join the caroling celebration in Town Park. Local choral groups, bands and musicians perform holiday carols and lead the crowd in familiar carols to extend the holiday cheer. Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves, and enjoy hot chocolate with roasted marshmallows.

Perry Christmas Parade

Celebrate the holiday season with the City of Perry's Christmas Parade through the heart of downtown Perry. See businesses, organizations, civic groups, school groups, and more participate in the annual parade.

 

Find more parades on ExploreGeorgia.org/calendar-of-events.

Published: October 2022
Written by: Sue Rodman
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