The City of Summerville is preparing to ring in the holiday season with the 2025 Summerville Christmas Parade on Monday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. This year’s theme, “Let It Be Christmas Everywhere,” invites participants and spectators alike to celebrate the spirit of Christmas throughout the community.

Parade Route

The parade will begin at the junction of Highway 27 and Highway 114 and will proceed through downtown Summerville before disbanding at Highway 27 at Hurley Crossing.

Mayor Harry Harvey to Serve as Grand Marshal

This year’s Grand Marshal will be Summerville Mayor Harry Harvey, a respected retired educator who served the Chattooga County School System for more than 40 years. Mayor Harvey’s extensive career includes serving as principal of Leroy Massey Elementary and Pennville Elementary, assistant principal and teacher roles at Summerville Middle/Summerville Jr. High and Chattooga High School, and supervisory positions in Northwest Georgia education programs.

Mayor Harvey is a graduate of:

  • Fort Valley State College – B.S. in Mathematics Education

  • West Georgia State College – Master’s in Mathematics Education

  • Jacksonville State University – Ed.S. in Mathematics & Administration/Supervision

  • Additional study at The University of Georgia

Active in community and civic organizations, he is a member of New Bethel Baptist Church, Holland Lodge #47, and several professional associations. Mayor Harvey has served 16 years in city leadership roles and says he is honored to help lead a tradition cherished by the community.

Courthouse Tree Lighting Returns

A beloved moment of the parade will take place as Santa Claus pauses in front of the Chattooga County Courthouse to magically illuminate the Courthouse Christmas Tree. Families lining the street can enjoy the festive lighting before Santa continues along the parade route.

Christmas Parade Vendor Market

A Vendor Market featuring food and craft vendors will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. along East Washington Street. To accommodate the event, the eastbound lane of East Washington Street—from U.S. 27 Commerce Street to Economy Street—will be closed to traffic and parking from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on December 2.

Downtown Summerville shops and restaurants will also welcome visitors before and after the parade.

Parade Registration & Prizes

Parade entry is open to:

  • Churches

  • Civic groups

  • Schools

  • Clubs

  • Businesses

Trophies will be awarded for the top three floats, along with prize money:

  • 1st Place – $150

  • 2nd Place – $100

  • 3rd Place – $75

Entry fee is $25, and registration closes December 1 at 2:00 p.m. Participants can register online at www.summervillerec.org or through the Summerville Recreation Department Facebook page.
For assistance, call 706-859-0910.

Parade Timeline

5:30 PM – Small floats arrive at Chattooga High School staging area
Entry only via Highway 100 (no entry from Highway 114)

6:00 PM – Marching/walking units line up at Ingles parking lot
– Big trucks & tractor-trailers line up at Rec Department ball field

6:15 PM – All units in position; float judging begins

6:30 PM – Horses line up at Tennis Court area
– Horse trailers park in the AGL lot

6:45 PM – Units begin pulling out of Chattooga High School

7:00 PM – Parade begins