Christmas festivities kick off in Newton County this week, as most municipalities within the area will start the holiday season off with their annual Christmas Parades and a few other exciting family-friendly events. The following is breakdown of all the yuletide fun for you and yours in this first week of December.
Dec. 5 - A Merry Newton Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Christmas Celebration
The Newton Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to Newton on Thursday, Dec. 5, where they will combine their Christmas Tree Lighting with their Christmas Parade, set to begin at 6 p.m. Along with combining the Christmas Tree Lighting with this year’s parade, there will also be a couple of more changes in 2024, beginning with the parade route. This year’s parade route will make its way all the way up Main Street in Downtown Newton, then turn left onto Richardson Avenue, and then turn left onto Scanlan Avenue, making its way back toward the high school.
The other big change for this year and that parade officials ask that there be no parking on Main Street in front of the business buildings on Main Street, leaving more room for those watching the parade on both sides of parade route. There will be handicap parking located at the old hospital parking lot at 209 S. Main Street.
Directly after the parade, the Newton Chamber invites everyone to come to the Depot for A Christmas Celebration. There will be food trucks, entertainment, opportunities to meet and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause at the gazebo, and many more fun activities.
Dec. 6 – 2024 Annual Decatur Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
The Decatur Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, beginning at 6 p.m., where the parade route will make its way from Clarke Venable Baptist Church and find its way down Broad Street. Prizes will be awarded for the best floats: First place will be awarded the Merita Cherry Spirit of Christmas Award and a cash prize of $100; second place will be awarded $75; and third place will be awarded $50.
Dec. 7 – Town of Hickory 2024 Christmas Parade
The Hickory Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. Those would like to be in the parade are asked to show up for lineup at 1 p.m. at the Hickory Gym. The usual parade route makes its way down Jackson Street, then turns up Jefferson Street to come through town.
Dec. 7 – 2024 Lake Christmas Parade
This year’s Christmas Parade in Lake takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The theme is “An American Christmas”, where entries will reflect their patriotism and celebrate all things Red, White, and Blue.
Parade participants will be judged, with prizes for Best Lights, Most Patriotic, Most Originality, Judges Overall Pick, and Lake Fest Committee Overall Pick.
Dec. 7 – Opening Night for Tour of Trees at the McElroy-Hoye House in Newton
Another new Christmas offering in Newton for 2024 is the Opening Night of Tour of Trees at the Historic McElroy-Hoye House on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 5-7 p.m. You are invited to celebrate the season with a self-guided tour of over 15 sparkling trees and displays, decorated by local businesses, organizations, and individuals, while being serenaded by local musicians. There will also be a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Donations will be accepted. For more information or to schedule a tour of the trees, contact Ashley Massey at the Newton Chamber at 601-683-2201. The McElroy-Hoye House is at 400 East Church St., Newton.
