Woodstock Christmas Parade Kicks Off Dec. 2

WOODSTOCK, GA -- If you're looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday season, the city of Woodstock's 21st annual Christmas Jubilee & Parade Of Lights could be the perfect event for you. The city's festivities will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2.

The fun begins at 4:30 p.m. with food, arts, crafts, and gifts vendors setting up shop at the Park at City Center, allowing you to grab a snack or get some Christmas shopping done before the parade begins at 5:30 p.m.

The parade starts at Woodstock Elementary School on Rope Mill Road, traveling south to Main Street where it will continue until it reaches Sam's Club at Highway 92.

Following the parade, grab the youngsters and their wish lists for an opportunity to meet Santa Claus in person at the Park at City Center gazebo. Mayor Donnie Henriques and Santa will flip the switch to light up the city’s 26-foot-tall Christmas tree.

You can continue enjoying holiday festivities in the park with a Sugar Plum cupcake decorating station and Kris Kringle Kidz Kraft Area sponsored by Power Home Remodeling. Ronnie the DJ will play music while families enjoy shopping, entertainment and free children’s activities, including a moonwalk sponsored by Colby Chiropractic.

Mayor Henriques and Santa will also announce the parade float winners. The categories are: Best Holiday, People’s Choice and Most Original. To celebrate Woodstock’s 120th birthday, a special History & Heritage Award has been added to this year's lineup. This trophy will go to the parade entry best representing Woodstock, and will be included each year at the July 4th parade.

Now for you motorists, you should note that the parade will mean road closures. Beginning at 5:15 p.m., closures will be implemented at the following intersections: Main Street at Sam's Club, Serenade Lane, Bowles Drive, Ingram Street, Barnesdale Terrace, Dupree Road, Fowler Street, Oak Street, Elm Street, Mill Street and Dobbs Road; Arnold Mill Road at Hubbard Drive, East Main Street and Main Street; Rope Mill Road at Woodstock Elementary School, Kyle Street and Rusk Street; and Towne Lake Parkway at Woodstock Parkway and Main Street.

If you're planning to attend the Dec. 2 event, the city wants you to consider participating in Operation Secret Santa benefiting foster children in Cherokee County. Bring gift wrap supplies, stockings and stocking stuffers for infants, children and teens, batteries, diapers and wipes, or gift cards (Target, Walmart or Kohl's; NO restaurants, please) to the park or drop off your donation at a fire station.

Donations may also be dropped off through Dec. 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Woodstock Parks and Recreation office at 105 East Main Street Suite 142. For questions or for more information, please contact Marybeth Stockdale at mstockdale@woodstockga.gov or 770-592-6000 ext: 1952.

Please note that the city is no longer accepting parade float or vendor applications, as the deadlines have passed and all spots are full. If you're wondering where you can park your car, Woodstock's downtown parking map can also be found online.

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