Christmas Season Begins in Fort Oglethorpe With Parade, Lights, and Holiday Cheer

Fort Oglethorpe, GA (WDEF)-The City of Fort Oglethorpe kicked off the holiday season Saturday night with its annual Christmas celebration, drawing families from across the community for an evening filled with lights, music, and festive spirit.

Residents bundled up against the chilly evening as decorations, glowing displays, and holiday songs set the tone for a night that felt like the official start to Christmas in the city.

One of the largest highlights of the night was the Christmas parade, which rolled through Fort Oglethorpe just before sunset. Dozens of floats were covered in lights, garland, and holiday characters, showcasing creativity from local schools, community groups, and first responders. Participants waved to families lining the streets as children eagerly reached for candy tossed from passing floats.

Resident Jamie Holloway said the parade captures what makes the community special.

“I mean, look at it—everyone shows up,” Holloway said. “We’re from Ringgold, Fort Oglethorpe… it’s a tight-knit community. Everyone is good.”

Marching bands kept the parade lively with classic holiday tunes, while performers danced and greeted spectators along the way. The excitement peaked when Santa Claus made his grand entrance, drawing some of the loudest cheers of the evening.

Young attendees Easton and Kinsley said the lights were their favorite part of the celebration.

“I mostly like the lights and Christmas stuff,” they said.

The parade was just one part of the city’s seasonal kickoff, which continued at Stable 41 with tree lighting, vendors, food, and winter activities. For many families, the night served as the perfect start to the holiday season—and a reminder of the strong sense of community that defines Fort Oglethorpe.