It's the most wonderful time of the year for holiday parades around Atlanta, and you'll feel merry and bright surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas at one of these community-centered events.
Enjoy these six holiday parades around the metro, which will give your family an unforgettable experience to remember for a lifetime and will fill your hearts with festive joy.
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Credit: Steve Schaefer
The Children's Christmas Parade. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free. Parade starts at 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. www.choa.org.
You can't miss the Children's Christmas Parade on Dec. 2, which has become the largest holiday parade in the entire Southeast. You'll see marching bands, ornately decorated floats, massive helium-filled balloons, the arrival of Santa Claus and performances by local and regional groups.
Reindog Parade. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. $21.95 for adults, $15.95 for children, $15 per dog advanced registration, $18 per dog at the door. Atlanta Botanical Garden. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. www.atlantabg.org.
Bring your dog along to the Reindog Parade, which takes place at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on December 2. Along with fun, exciting competitions and contests, guests will enjoy shopping from the Doggie Expo and having photos taken with Saint Nick.
A Day With Santa Parade. Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free. Downtown Kennesaw. South Main St., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. www.adaywithsanta.com.
Santa Claus makes his big arrival in Kennesaw on Dec.2, when he joins decorated floats, marching bands, costumed characters and vintage cars along Main Street. After the parade, stop by Depot Park for inflatables, snow tubing, kid's crafts, live entertainment and a holiday market.
Lawrenceville's Hometown Christmas Parade. 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. Free. Downtown Lawrenceville Square. 770-963-2414. www.lawrencevillega.org.
Christmas is headed to Lawrenceville early with the Hometown Christmas Parade, presented by United Community Bank, rolling into downtown on the second Friday in December. Expect Santa Claus, community floats, and plenty of hot cocoa and cider!
Christmas Around the World Parade. 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. Parade starts on LaGrange St., Newnan. www.cityofnewnan.org.
Journey around the globe on Dec. 9 as the Christmas Around the World Parade hits Newnan.
Every year there is a float contest that goes along with the parade. This year each winner of the following categories will receive a cash prize of $150.
Floats will be decorated according to the global theme, and will include walking groups, decorated cars and trucks and marching bands.
"We are looking forward to the parade this year. It's always an anticipated activity for the city. Christmas is a very special time, and it is fun to help spread the Christmas cheer. To the delight of all the kids, Santa Claus is coming to town!" said Gina Snider, public information officer for the city of Newnan.
Stone Mountain Park Christmas Parade. Select dates through Jan. 3. Admission prices vary. Stone Mountain Park. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. www.stonemountainpark.com.
Don't miss this once in a nighttime chance to see all of Stone Mountain Park's holiday friends. Join Rudolph, Clarice, and Bumble along with some very special guests as they parade through the town!
The Stone Mountain Christmas Parade is only available during Stone Mountain Christmas and is included in a daily Christmas Adventure Pass and annual Mountain Membership.
Please check the calendar for dates and hours of operation prior to your visit.
An earlier version of this story included erroneous information about the Budweiser Clydesdale’s being featured at the Lawrenceville parade due to a reporter error.
