Atlanta Botanical Garden lets Fido join in reindeer games

Peanut was chosen best in show in a past Reindog Parade. The parade is an annual cavalcade of canine fashion at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photo: Atlanta Botanical Garden

Peanut was chosen best in show in a past Reindog Parade. The parade is an annual cavalcade of canine fashion at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photo: Atlanta Botanical Garden

Now that Halloween is over, and the Halloweenie dogs have had their moment in the spotlight, it’s time for the next wave of holiday dogs to step out in their finest attire.

The ninth annual Reindog Parade and contest, to take place Saturday, Dec. 3, will showcase winter fashions for canines, including canines who look like they could help pull Santa’s sleigh.

The contest begins at 11 a.m., when dogs in their Christmas best will parade across a stage before a panel of judges and compete for prizes. Categories include Best Puppy, Best Adult, Best Botanical, Best Dog-Owner Dress-alike, Best Dog Pack, and ultimately, Best in Show. Emceeing the competition will be Atlanta resident Victoria Stilwell, host of the Animal Planet TV show “It’s Me or the Dog,” and Atlanta TV and radio personality Holly Firfer.

Participants may have photos of their dogs taken with Botanical Saint Nick.

Owners of all dogs attending the event are encouraged to pre-register at www.atlantabg.org through the month of November. The cost, in addition to regular admission, is $15 per dog, or $18 at the door (maximum two dogs per owner).

Getting visitors in the mood for the Reindog Parade will be the sixth annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights lighting display at the Botanical Garden, which runs Nov. 12 - Jan. 7, featuring botanical-inspired displays created with millions of LED lights. Information: www.atlantabg.org.