Christmas parades begin this weekend

Madison, Ridgeland, and Flora all have Christmas parades this weekend. Gluckstadt will host their parade next weekend.

MADISON

Madison’s parade is set for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, starting at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 7469 Old Canton Road.

The route heads north on Old Canton Road, then left on Main Street, and concludes near the red caboose.

This year’s theme is “Let It Snow.” Trophies will be awarded during a ceremony at the end of the parade. 

Madison has a new slate of awards that include Best Float, Best Dance Team, Best Band, and Most Christmas Spirit.

For more information, go to madisonthecity.com.

GLUCKSTADT

The Lucky City will host its third annual Christmas parade on Dec. 14, starting at 9 a.m. at Germantown High School.

The route will take Calhoun Station Parkway, where it will head south. The parade will turn left on Gluckstadt Way at Callaway’s and return to Germantown High School using the back entrance.

The route will go by the future site of the brand-new Police Station and Municipal Court building.

This year’s theme is “Ornament Express.” For more information, call the city at (769) 567-2306.

RIDGELAND

Ridgeland’s Christmas parade is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. The parade will begin and end on the Holmes Community College Campus. 

The route will follow Maple Street, Jackson Street, and Sunnybrook Road.

This year’s parade will include the Honey Island Clydesdales.

The city of Ridgeland will kick off the holiday season with a multiday celebration starting Thursday, Dec. 5.

Events will include the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Plaza at Old Town Crossing, Christmas on the Green at Ridgeland City Hall, and the parade in Old Town. See ridgelandms.org for details.

Ridgeland spokeswoman Kim Cooper said the festivities are being called “All is Merry, All is Bright.”

Ridgeland Recreation and Parks will have a dedicated mailbox for letters to the North Pole from Nov. 30 through Dec. 14. 

The mailbox will be located on the north side of Ridgeland Green in front of City Hall.

FLORA

Flora’s parade is set for 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 and will go along Main Street through downtown and will culminate with a Christmas tree lighting at the end of the parade.

The parade will start on Center Street and turn right onto Kearney Park Road. The parade will then take a left onto Main Street before making its final turn right onto First Street where the parade will end back at Center Street.

The theme this year is “Gingerbread Christmas.”

The parade will be followed by caroling and pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus.

Earlier in the day, the Friends of Flora will unveil the new historical marker at the Flora Railroad Depot. Completed in 1893, Flora’s Railroad Depot is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

A ceremony will be held from 11 a.m. to noon at the Depot, followed by refreshments and an Open House until 3:30 p.m.