Santa_reindeerThis Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Peachtree Street will be packed with giant balloon floats, marching bands, live performances, and most importantly, Santa and his reindeer.  The 29th Annual Children’s Christmas Parade is upon us once again.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s annual Children’s Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in the Southeast and is a major fundraiser for the organization.  This year’s parade will begin where Peachtree Street meets Baker Street and will continue down Peachtree, turn right on Marietta Street, and finally finish at Centennial Olympic Park Drive.  Special guests include Santa Claus and his live reindeer, 5-year-old heart transplant recipient and the face of this year’s parade Ryan Lewis, WSB-TV (ABC) anchors Carol Sbarge and Fred Blankenship, Miss Georgia, and Atlanta Brave Tim Hudson.

More than 300,000 Atlantans are expected to turn up to watch the parade, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot along the parade’s path!

Collin Kelley is the executive editor of Atlanta Intown, Georgia Voice, and the Rough Draft newsletter. He has been a journalist for nearly four decades and is also an award-winning poet and novelist.