Holiday season kicks off with Nov. 30 festivities

By Carol McIntire

Editor

The 2024 holiday season kicks off in Carrollton the weekend of Nov. 30 with the lighting of Public Square holiday lights, Christmas Downtown Window Reveal, Shop  Small Saturday and the annual Christmas parade.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to make their first official visit to Carrollton amid a bright illumination of festive lights in the annual Christmas Parade Nov. 30. The theme is “Spirit of Christmas.”

The Claus family will bring the parade to a close on a restored fire truck owned by the Ron Dennis family of Carrollton, led by the Carrollton High School Band. 

They jolly couple from the North Pole will visit with youngsters on Second St. SW following the parade.

During the COVID pandemic, the parade was changed to an evening event to showcase holiday lights. The tradition continues this year with a 6 p.m. start time. 

Lineup begins at 4 p.m. and continues until 5:30 p.m. Chelsa Slutz from the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce asks that parade entrants abide by the lineup time frame so the parade can begin on time.

All walking groups and pick-up truck sized floats will line up on 3rd St. NE off Park Ave. All vehicles larger than a pickup should report to the Carroll County Fairgrounds for lineup.

Plaques will be awarded in the following categories: Tin Soldier Award (best marching or walking group); Rudolph Award (best entry featuring animals); Elf on the Shelf Award (best entry featuring children): Ugly Sweater Award (most humorous entry): Santa’s Sleigh Award (best decorated vehicle, ATV, tractor, not floats) and Spirit of Christmas (best overall).

Awards are sponsored by The Carroll County Messenger and McFadden Insurance.

Local restaurants will be open and food trailers and a variety of activities for children will be set up on Second St. SW before and after the parade. Activities include a Santa Bounce House, Wacky 180-degree obstacle course, rainbow water slide (dry) and a giant connect four game. All games are free to children due to generous donations from Dodds Funeral Homes, Guess Motors, Huebner Chevrolet and Subaru and H&M Tire. 

Coffee and hot chocolate will be available.

The window reveal will begin at 5 p.m. Judging of window displays will be done by officials from the Carroll County Arts Center. Theme is “The Spirit of Christmas.”

The downtown Carrollton area and Public Square are lit up, thanks to the Carrollton Business Women. The displays includes something for all ages, including cutout holiday figures for photo opportunities.

 The lights will be lit for the first time at approximately 5:30 p.m.