Saturday: Malden Kicks Off Holiday Season With Parade, Tree Lighting

MALDEN, MA – Historically, Christmas season begins after the last turkey is eaten, the final snap is taken and people begin snaking around the block for some too-good-to-be-true deals.

And Malden is wasting no time getting into the holiday spirit; on Saturday, Nov. 26, it will hold its 13th annual Parade of Holiday Traditions.

Anchored by Grand Marshals Joe Piantedosi of Piantedosi Baking Co. and New England Coffee's Steve Kaloyanides, the parade will depart from Salemwood School at 2 p.m., bear left onto Maplewood Street and travel down Salem Street. It will end at the Malden Teen Enrichment Center, where residents will be invited in for hot chocolate and coffee.

And for kids, Santa Claus will be making a special appearance, so bring your letters!

After the parade, Mayor Christensen will light the Christmas tree at Malden Square. Each of Malden's schools will be represented at the parade, either with a float or demonstration, to support this year's theme of "Moving Malden Forward." A cash prize of $350 will be granted to the art department of the winning float or presentation. Votes can be cast on your smartphone.

Free parking will be available at the Central Business District Garage, 170 Centre St. Parking will not be allowed along the route from 1 to 4 p.m.; this includes Branch Street and Waite Street Extension. Violators will be towed.

For more information, please contact the Malden Police Department at 781-397-7171.

For groups wanting to participate in the parade, please fill out the application for the 2016 Parade of Holiday Traditions at www.cityofmalden.org/holidayparade. For information, please email kmanninghall@cityofmalden.org.

Photo via City of Malden