Santa's been a busy fellow with appearances at malls, holiday parties and nonprofit events - and his calendar is still full. This weekend the Jolly Old Elf has four more holiday celebrations to which he will bring Christmas cheer.
Thursday, Dec. 6
» Christmas Parade: Downtown Dalton, Georgia, 6 p.m.
Floats will line up on Waugh Street, then make their way through downtown Dalton. Candy will be handed out to children along the route while supplies last. Parade concludes with Santa's arrival. Rain date is Dec. 13.
Friday, Dec. 7
» Red Bank Christmas Festival and Parade: City Park on Dayton Boulevard, 4-8 pm.
After several years of being held during daylight hours, the festival returns to the evening this year for guests to better enjoy holiday lights. There will be food and craft vendors in City Park, a children's area, cookie decorating, face painting and crafts.
The Christmas parade steps off at 6 p.m. from the 3500 block of Dayton Boulevard, traveling north to Unaka Street.
Saturday, Dec. 8
» Christmas in the Streets & Parade: Downtown Chickamauga, Georgia, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Chickamauga Community Growth Association presents this holiday street party and the "Once Upon a Christmas" parade. During the day there will be craft and food vendors, leading up to the parade at 6:30 p.m. and candlelight tours of the Gordon-Lee Mansion.
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 7-8
» Ringgold Down-Home Christmas Parade: Nashville Street in downtown Ringgold, Georgia, 6-9 p.m.
In conjunction with parade weekend, the Ringgold Down-Home Christmas Expo will be held in Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot St. There's no admission for this market Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Nature Trail Sleigh Rides will begin Dec. 7-8 and continue Dec. 14-15, from 6 to 9 p.m. each night. On Dec. 7, the rides will begin immediately following the parade.
The $3 rides are a trailer ride from Ringgold City Hall through lighted Nature Trail to the Kiwanis Barn at the Ringgold ballfields. At the barn, there will be photo ops, concessions and visits with Santa Claus.
- Compiled by staff writer Susan Pierce