The holiday season is filled with several festivities and opportunities to see Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick as he makes the rounds at several local Christmas Parades.
Here are a few coming up in our area.
Dec. 7: KIC-Start Christmas Market & Parade
The holiday season is here, and the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga (KIC) is getting ready for their Christmas Market & Parade. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1-5 p.m. at 5704 Marlin Road adjacent to Eastgate Town Center.
As with any holiday party, there will be plenty of food provided by some of Chattanooga’s favorite Food Trucks and tent vendors as well as live music and fun for the kids.
“We work hard to make this a fun, family friendly event that will get you in the holiday spirit,” said Pat Rowe, KIC Member Manager. “We will have live music in addition to the Brainerd High School Marching Band, a Gumbo competition and we want everyone to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to help make someone’s Christmas brighter.”
The KIC is working with the Forgotten Child Fund to have the donated toys distributed to deserving area families. Additionally, throughout the day, car buffs will be able to enjoy some expertly restored classic cars. The Christmas Parade begins at 3 p.m. It has been confirmed Santa Claus will make an appearance in the parade.
The KIC-Start Christmas Market & Parade is presented by LAUNCH and the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga along with media sponsor G-93 WMPZ.
Dec. 7: Cleveland, TN Christmas parade,
Starts at 6 p.m. from Bradley County High School north on Highway 11, looping to Third, Ocoee, South Broad and Inman streets to return to the school.
This downtown tradition is a key highlight of the Christmas season. It typically features over 200 floats and other entries and takes place at 6:00 pm on the first Saturday in December.
Dec. 8: Collegedale Christmas Parade
The City of Collegedale is bringing back a favorite local holiday tradition. On Sunday, Dec. 8th, the Collegedale Christmas Parade will thrill spectators of all ages with a multitude of decorative holiday floats, marching groups and bands, antique cars, and more.
The parade starts at 3 p.m. through the Southern Adventist University (SAU) campus.
“School marching bands, JROTC, dance groups, antique cars, first responders and more will be traveling the parade route,” said Christina Clark, Collegedale Parks and Recreation Supervisor.
Members of the Collegedale Police Department will start the parade, and the crowd favorites Santa and Mrs. Claus will end the parade accompanied by the Tri-Community Fire Department.
Food trucks will be available before and after the parade with choices of Mexican, coffee, Vegan, shaved ice, cotton candy and more. For more information on the Collegedale Christmas Parade, email parksandrec@collegedaletn.gov or call 423-468-1971.
Dec. 14: Red Bank Christmas Parade & Festival
The 2024 Christmas Parade & Festival will be held on Saturday Dec. 14th, from 3-8 p.m. with the parade starting at 6pm. The Festival will be held at the Red Bank City Park located at 3817 Redding Road.
The Christmas Market will feature 36 vendors selling goods, crafts, gifts, and more. Food trucks Culture-Licious, Jonny Poppers, Preachers BBQ, Chubby Vegan, American Pizza, Hooked on Minis, Clever Ale, and GoGyroGo – will be offering delicious items for sale. In addition to the eight food trucks, six food vendors will also be selling specialty food items such as cotton candy, tamales, coffee, & kettle corn.
The KidZone will feature nine vendors with activities that include White Oak Bicycle Co-op giving away 50 free bikes!. Read-20 mobile will be giving away free books. Children will be delighted with free face painting, balloon animals, arts & crafts, games, and Santa taking photos on stage. The Chattanooga Elf will also be around to pose for pictures and spread holiday cheer.
While the Christmas DJ Chi spins Christmas music during the event, those over 21 can take time to enjoy the Festival’s beer garden. After the Christmas parade ends, DJ Chi will lead a dance party in the street.
Other surrounding area parades include:
- Dec. 5: Downtown Dalton Christmas Parade, 6:30 p.m. from the intersection of Jones and Waugh streets to Dalton High School on Manly
- Dec. 6: LaFayette, Ga., Christmas parade, 6 p.m. on Main Street north from South Main to West Main through the town square
- Dec. 6: Ringgold, Ga., Christmas parade, 6 p.m. along Sparks, Nashville and Depot streets