Santa's Arrival Parade

The Santa arrival parade, a festive annual tradition that marks the start of the holiday season, hits its two decade mark this year when it returns to Hamilton Place in two weeks.

Themed “Toys, Trains & Candy Canes,” the parade starts at 11 a.m. near Sears and will circle the mall, ending at the Food Court entrance. There, children can escort Santa to his holiday home and get their first photos with him.

“The holidays are getting underway, and we’re eager for the festivities that will take place on the property,” said Taylor Hartley, marketing director of Hamilton Place. “The community will find plenty of ways to fight off the winter blues, give back and revel in the joy of the season over the next couple months at Hamilton Place.”

For those interested in marching alongside Santa in the parade, more information and registration forms can be found on Hamilton Place’s website. Deadline for registration is this coming Wednesday, Oct. 31, and the $25 entry fee goes directly to The Forgotten Child Fund.

Since the early 1960s, the Chattanooga Fire and Police Departments have sponsored the Forgotten Child Fund to assist needy families and their children. Last year, the organization helped 10,250 kids in the Chattanooga area have a wonderful holiday season through donations of toys and food.

“The Forgotten Child Fund volunteers are driven by compassion and are gearing up for another successful giving season that begins when we welcome Santa to Hamilton Place,” said Kelly Simmons, retired Chattanooga Fire Department Captain and president of Forgotten Child Fund.

After Jolly Old Saint Nick arrives, there are themed photo nights for all to enjoy. Every Monday night through Dec. 10, pet owners can bring their furry family members to take photos with Santa. And on the night of Thursday, Nov. 15, fans can take pictures with Santa in his Mocs-themed suit, alongside University of Tennessee at Chattanooga athletes.

Looking for more merriness to get you in the spirit? Join the Salvation Army for their Christmas kick-off event on Friday, Nov. 9 at noon at the Hamilton Place stage. This will signal the start of their holiday donation drive when kettle bell ringers will take up their stations at mall entrances and the angel tree will be in place for adoptions.

Still feeling grinchy? Stop by the annual Coats for Kids donation drive on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Forgotten Child Fund will also benefit from this all-day coat collection in the mall’s parking lot.