CLEVELAND, Ga.- Downtown Cleveland will come alive Saturday for the annual Christmas in the Mountains festival, a full day of holiday events capped by the city’s popular nighttime lighted parade.
Hosted by the White County Chamber of Commerce, this year’s celebration will feature an expanded holiday market on the courthouse square, photos with Santa, a community tree lighting at Freedom Park, and a parade expected to draw thousands to the downtown area.
The holiday market opens at noon and runs until 7 p.m., offering handmade goods, food vendors, and local crafts throughout the afternoon. Photos with Santa will be available from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the chamber office. The community tree lighting is scheduled for approximately 5:45 p.m. prior to the start of the parade at 6 p.m.
Parade route and parking
This year’s parade will begin at Jack P. Nix Elementary School, turning north at the courthouse square on N. Main Street before traveling along Wilford Ash Parkway before ending at White County Middle School. Spectators are encouraged to line the route early.
The chamber has also released guidance on where visitors can park. Recommended locations include United Community Bank, Cleveland First Methodist Church, Freedom Park, the White County Courthouse, the White County Chamber of Commerce, First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland, United Bankshares, and First Baptist Church of Cleveland.
To accommodate the market and parade, several downtown streets and parking areas will close. Courthouse Square parking lots will be closed from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hwy. 129 from the square to Ingles, Hwy. 115 from the square to Jack P. Nix Elementary, and Wilford Ash Pkwy. will all close at 5:45 p.m. and remain closed until the parade concludes. Motorists should expect delays and plan alternate routes around downtown during that time.
Officials recommend arriving early to secure parking and allow time to navigate closures. The chamber also advises parade participants and spectators to monitor its social media channels for any weather-related updates.
This festival is one of White County’s largest annual events, drawing families from across Northeast Georgia to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
For more information, please visit the White County Chamber of Commerce website.
