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. 21, 2026
Christmas in Downtown Dawsonville
Shop for gifts from local vendors starting at 2 p.m., and cheer for the parade floats starting at 4 p.m. At 6 p.m., see the annual tree lighting ceremony, and enjoy food trucks, ornament decorating, and photos with Santa.
Holiday Parade & Festival in Braselton
Watch the parade through historic downtown Braselton, starting at 10:30 a.m., and enjoy a day of shopping and food trucks on the town green.
Warm Springs Annual Christmas Parade
Visit Warm Springs for the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour Parade at 6 p.m. Held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Santa rides through town on a firetruck and greets the kids in the welcome center. Enjoy extended hours of shopping in the town lit up with Christmas lights.
Nov. 28, 2026
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.
Dec. 1, 2026
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.
Dec. 3, 2026
Athens Downtown Parade of Lights
The Parade of Lights through downtown Athens ignites the holiday spirit with festive floats parading through the streets. Visitors will be treated to an abundance of holiday performances, including Christmas concerts, holiday music, and magical renditions of The Nutcracker, hosted at The Classic Center and UGA Performing Arts Center.
Hometown Holidays Parade in Forsyth
Visit Forsyth for the Annual Hometown Holidays Parade at 7 p.m. The lighted parade winds through downtown Forsyth, spreading holiday cheer to children and adults of all ages.
Dec. 4, 2026
Downtown Clarkesville Christmas
Witness the holiday magic of the Habersham County Christmas Parade starting at 5 p.m., and enjoy a variety of activities, including photos with Santa, photos with Christmas llamas, a holiday cookie crawl through downtown, live music, and holiday shopping.
March of the Toys Parade
This parade, benefitting Toys for Tots, starts at 7 p.m. in Ball Ground. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots campaign. See floats, light displays, marching bands, antique cars, and cosplayers, who will be available for photos after the parade. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available for photos.
30th 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. 5, 2026
Conyers Christmas Parade
Join the holiday tradition in Olde Town Conyers as floats wind their way through town in the afternoon.
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 evening parade in Dublin.
Dec. 6, 2026
Christmas Jubilee & Parade of Lights in Woodstock
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.
Christmas on Green Street in Gainesville
This magical event includes a parade of antique cars, holiday floats, marching bands, and community groups starting at the Gainesville Civic Center and continuing all the way down Green Street in Gainesville. Before the parade, enjoy musical groups performing on front porches, strolling magicians, face painters, balloon artists, jugglers, Santa Claus, miniature train rides, and food trucks. The night will end with the Christmas on Green Street Parade and the traditional Lighting of the Rotary Tree at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 10, 2026
Festival of Lights Christmas Parade in Moultrie
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. 12, 2026
Lighted Christmas Parade in Savannah
Enjoy bands, more than 50 vibrant floats, dancing groups, and more, all decked out in twinkling lights, creating a magical spectacle through downtown Savannah. The Annual Lighted Christmas Parade begins at Plant Riverside District on the west end of River Street at 5:30 p.m. and continues to the east end, then winds its way up to Broughton Street and through City Market.
Christmas Parade in Brunswick
Join the fun at this annual tradition in Brunswick that starts at 5:30 p.m. at Howard Coffin Park.
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.
Find more parades on ExploreGeorgia.org/calendar-of-events.
