Jingle All the Way with Georgia's Christmas Parades

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. 30, 2024

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. 3, 2024

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. 5, 2024

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.

Dec. 6, 2024

28th 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.

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 also will be available for photos.

Dec. 7, 2024

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 parade in Dublin.

Dec. 8, 2024

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 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 12, 2024

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. 14, 2024

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.

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.

Dec. 15, 2024

Milledgeville Christmas Parade

Join the fun starting at 3 p.m. as local bands and floats parade through downtown Milledgeville for the annual Christmas parade.

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