Perry Christmas Parade has a new parade route this year, Warner Robins announces grand marshal

PERRY — As Houston County gears up for the holidays, a long-time tradition for each city is taking place this Saturday, with new routes and changes for Perry.

Perry’s Annual Christmas Parade will take place on Dec. 6, starting at 10 a.m. But this year has a new parade route.

This year, the parade will start at New Hope Baptist Church, travel along Washington Street, turn left onto Main Street and conclude at the Perry VA Clinic.

“Due to an ongoing construction project with the Georgia Department of Transportation along General Courtney Hodges and that bridge, we are having to change the parade route for the next couple of years while that project is pending and under construction,” Downtown Manager Alicia Hartley explained.

Hartley said the parade is one of the ways the city kicks off the holiday season, complete with Santa Claus making an appearance.

“That’s always super exciting for families and children. It’s really become a tradition for many people here in Perry to come spectate and watch the parade on the first Saturday of December,” Hartley said.

Alongside Saint Nick, 80 floats are scheduled to participate, including local businesses and organizations, as well as the Perry High School and Veterans High School marching bands, and local Dogwood queens.

“That range is from anything, from locally owned businesses like Acres & Oak Kitchen, some realtor offices, churches, Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups, Little League teams. We’ve got some soccer championship teams on there. We’ve got a little bit of everything,” Hartley said.

This year’s theme is “Christmas at the Movies,” where participants were challenged to take their favorite Christmas films and incorporate them into their floats.

“The theme always makes it a little bit more interesting, and can really get people bought into it. The idea is that we’re rolling out the red carpet. It’s the most magical season of the year,” Hartley said.

The parade is about a mile long, and road closures will begin around 9:30 to 9:45. As floats pass, the roads will slowly open behind them, Hartley said.

She also said while the list is full for this year, interested businesses should look to apply for next year around October.

Overall, Hartley is excited to see the community come together to celebrate the holidays.

“It’s a great opportunity for the city to be involved with our local nonprofit organizations, the business community, giving these businesses, church groups, school groups and clubs an opportunity to showcase their organization to the greater Perry community. By them participating in the parade, you get to see a little bit of everyone, and everyone comes together.”

And the public has a wonderful chance to start a new Christmas tradition, she mentioned.

“The kids get to see Santa, hear some wonderful music from the high school bands. It’s a warm, fuzzy feeling in Perry on that first Saturday. I know a lot of people have incorporated it into their traditions, but it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season,” Hartley said.

In case of rain, the city will provide updates. Stay up to date on the city’s social media.

In Warner Robins, the city is also gearing up for their Annual Christmas Parade. This year, the parade will also take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, starting at 10 a.m.

This year’s parade route stretches down Davis Drive, Watson Boulevard and N. Houston Road. Road closures are scheduled on Watson Boulevard from Davis Drive to Corder Road starting at 9:30 a.m., and on Davis Drive from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to Watson Boulevard starting at 9 a.m.

Kelsey Norris was announced as this year’s Grand Marshal, described by the city as “a nationally recognized athlete, dedicated community volunteer, and passionate disability rights advocate.”

“Kelsey exemplifies the spirit of service, resilience, and joy that defines our community—especially during the holiday season,” the city continued.

Find more updates on the city’s parade on its website, or social media.

Finally, in Centerville, the city will be merry and bright for its annual Lighted Christmas Parade.

The parade begins on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., and stretches down Houston Lake Boulevard, from the Galleria Mall to Thomson Street. 

The Centerville Lions Club will offer hot chocolate, cookies and cotton candy. Trinity Baptist Church will have free parking, as well as hot chocolate and cookies. First Baptist Church of Centerville will also offer hot chocolate, as well as doughnuts and popcorn.

The parade route shuts down to non-parade traffic by 6:45 p.m., the city mentioned on social media.

To stay up to date on Centerville’s parade, follow them on Facebook.