For the second-straight year, the Eatonton Christmas parade featured an early-evening start on Saturday, which proved very popular with local Santa Claus fans.
Estimates suggested that as many as 2,000 parade-goers from across Putnam and neighboring counties lined a route that wound through downtown streets.
The day began with the annual Mistletoe Market, involving dozens of vendors set up on the Putnam County Courthouse grounds, where shoppers found unique and special items for friends and loved ones on their gift lists. Shopping wrapped up by 5 p.m., though, just as Santa fans began funneling into Eatonton to join the Christmas-inspired consumers.
A happy, festive vibe filled the air along Jefferson Avenue, where most parade watchers took in the event presented by Eatonton Main Street.
Eatonton Mayor John Reid rode alongside Police Chief Howell Cardwell, leading the procession, followed closely by 2025 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal Georgia Benjamin-Smith, bundled up in the passenger seat of a snow-white, Mustang convertible.
After winding its way north past Marion Street, which the historic courthouse faces, the parade turned left to reach Madison Avenue, then made another left turn to head back toward Marion, winding its way past many of Eatonton’s most stately and historic homes, with several also displaying bright Christmas light displays.
Afterward, Santa reappeared on his throne on the courthouse lawn, where he posed for photos with children of all ages, eager to hear their wish lists for the holiday. At the same time, their parents and caregivers took photos to preserve the memories.
Merry Christmas to all from everyone at The Eatonton Messenger.