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What: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Atlanta
When: Sat., Dec. 4 from 10:30 t0 12 noon
Cost: Free, bleacher seats available for purchase
I DO love a parade, especially the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade. It’s the largest Christmas parade in the Southeast and a great way to kick-start the holiday season. This is a popular parade, so get there a little early to get a good spot along the parade route. We generally try to find a spot near the beginning of the route, or even as far down as Ellis St. If you’d prefer to have a seat waiting, purchase a bleacher seat for $12. Any unclaimed bleacher seats are released to the public at 10:15 am, so if you don’t get around to purchasing them beforehand, you can try the day of the event.
We’ve been going to the parade for years with the same family. It’s become a tradition. No matter the temperature, we pack blankets, gloves, hats, hot chocolate and the most important item…hand warmers and head out. It’s been a wonderful, inexpensive way to stay connected even when our lives are going in different directions.
In 2010 we drove down Northside Dr. It’s not as crowded on that side of the street. We also sat in front of the SunTrust Building at W. Peachtree and P’tree. It wasn’t as crowded, but it’s the very beginning of the parade. The bands sometimes play, but the start is just past where we were. If you’d like to see everything and then make a good escape, this is a great spot, if you want to see the bands and all in full swing – go farther down. In addition, the SEC Championship is always in town, so the closer you get to the Dome and/or downtown, the more expensive parking. We passed a $20 lot and paid $4 for a parking spot. We had to walk two blocks up to the parade (and remember we were just before it officially began) but it was a heck of a lot better than paying $20!