Atlanta’s Children’s Christmas Parade on Peachtree TV: What Families Need to Know

The Children’s Christmas Parade has long been one of Atlanta’s most beloved holiday traditions, and in recent years many local families have followed it on Peachtree TV as well as (or instead of) watching in person. If you live in metro Atlanta or plan to visit for the holidays, this guide explains how the parade works, how TV coverage fits in, and what to expect if you want to make it part of your seasonal plans.

What Is the Children’s Christmas Parade in Atlanta?

The Children’s Christmas Parade is a large, family-focused holiday parade historically held in downtown Atlanta, featuring:

• Marching bands from local schools
• Giant balloons and character inflatables
• Decorated floats with holiday themes
• Dance troupes and cheer squads
• A grand finale appearance by Santa Claus

The event has typically marked the official start of the Christmas season for many Atlanta families, much like a local version of a big-city holiday parade.

Over the years, the parade has also had a charitable connection, often supporting children’s health causes through local hospital foundations and community organizations.

Peachtree TV’s Role: Watching the Parade from Home

For many Atlantans, the phrase “Children’s Christmas Parade (Peachtree TV)” really means:
“How can I watch the parade on TV instead of fighting crowds and traffic?”

Peachtree TV, a local Atlanta television station, has traditionally:

• Broadcast the parade live in the morning
• Replayed highlights or rebroadcasts later in the day
• Offered family-friendly commentary, interviews, and close-up views of floats and performances

This made it easy for:

• Families with young children who don’t do well with long waits in the cold
• Out-of-town relatives visiting for the holidays but not wanting to navigate downtown
• Metro-area residents (Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Clayton, Fulton, and beyond) who prefer to skip parking and road closures

Even if the live, in-person event changes from year to year, Peachtree TV coverage is often the simplest way to stay connected to Atlanta’s holiday parade traditions.

Typical Timing and Schedule

While specific dates and times can change each year, the Children’s Christmas Parade in Atlanta has generally followed this pattern:

• Season: Early December, often on a Saturday
• Time: Morning start, usually around 9:00–10:30 a.m. for the live parade window
• Television: Peachtree TV airing during the parade time slot, sometimes with pre-show or post-show segments

Because schedules may shift, the most reliable way to confirm for any given year is to:

• Check Peachtree TV’s published program schedule
• Look at the current year’s Atlanta holiday event listings (often posted by the City of Atlanta or major local outlets)
• Watch for announcements from any hospital or nonprofit that’s officially affiliated with the parade that year

Route and In-Person Experience in Atlanta

Historically, the Children’s Christmas Parade has followed a route through central Atlanta, often along or near Peachtree Street in the downtown or Midtown corridor. The exact streets and viewing zones can change depending on construction, city permitting, and event logistics.

If an in-person parade is scheduled for the current season, here’s what you can typically expect:

Common Viewing Areas

Atlanta families usually line up along:

• Sections of Peachtree Street near major landmarks
• Nearby intersections where floats slow down or turn
• Blocks near MARTA stations, so you can avoid driving and parking

Before you go, it’s smart to check:

• Which side of the street is open to spectators
• Staging and dispersal areas where the parade begins and ends (these zones are often blocked off and not ideal for viewing)
• Any designated ADA viewing spots, if accessibility is a priority

You can often get this level of detail from:

• City of Atlanta special events information
• Official parade or host-organization announcements
• Local news coverage in the weeks leading up to the event

Getting There: Parking, MARTA, and Road Closures

Navigating Atlanta traffic during a big parade is part of the challenge. Families typically have three main options: MARTA, parking decks, or rideshare.

Using MARTA 🚆

MARTA is usually the simplest way to get close to a Peachtree Street parade route:

• Five Points Station – convenient for classic downtown segments
• Peachtree Center Station – often very close to prime viewing areas
• Civic Center or North Avenue – good for some Midtown-adjacent stretches

General tips:

• Load your Breeze Card or fare before the event day if possible
• Travel in earlier than you think you need, as trains can get crowded
• Note station elevators/ramps ahead of time if you have strollers or mobility needs

Driving and Parking

If you decide to drive, expect:

• Road closures around the route several hours before and after the parade
• Heavy congestion near downtown interchanges, especially I‑75/85 and I‑20 connectors

Most families use:

• Downtown parking decks near Peachtree Street
• Midtown garages within walking distance or one short MARTA hop from a station

A good strategy is to:

• Park slightly away from the route, then walk or take MARTA one stop
• Build in extra time to walk with kids and handle bathroom or snack breaks

Rideshare and Drop-Off

If rideshare services are convenient for you:

• Plan to be dropped off a few blocks away from the densest area of the route
• Agree on a pickup spot away from road closures so you’re not stranded when it’s over

Watching on Peachtree TV vs. Going in Person

Families in Atlanta often weigh whether to attend in person or enjoy the parade through Peachtree TV at home.

Why Many Families Watch on Peachtree TV

• No need to manage crowds or downtown parking
• Kids can watch in pajamas with hot cocoa
• Better close-up views of floats, performers, and Santa
• Easier for elderly relatives or anyone who has difficulty standing for long periods

Television broadcasts typically include:

• Hosted commentary explaining who’s in each segment
• Occasional interviews with parade participants or organizers
• Cutaways to behind-the-scenes views most spectators never see

Reasons to Consider the In-Person Parade

On the other hand, many Atlanta families still love making the trip downtown:

• The energy of the crowd and live marching bands
• A chance to combine the parade with a visit to downtown attractions, such as:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park during its winter/holiday activities
• Photo ops with Atlanta’s skyline and holiday decor in the background

A common compromise is to:

• Attend the parade in person once every few years for the full experience
• Watch on Peachtree TV most other years for convenience

What Kids and Families Can Expect

If you’re planning for children, it helps to know the typical rhythm of the event.

Parade Features

Children usually enjoy:

• Giant character balloons floating just above the street
• Costumed characters and mascots waving to the crowd
• High-energy marching bands with drums and color guard routines
• Cheerleaders and dance teams from metro Atlanta schools
• Floats sponsored by local organizations, sports teams, and community groups

Performers often interact with kids along the route with waves, greetings, and music.

Kid-Friendly Prep Tips

If attending in person:

• Bring layered clothing – Atlanta mornings in December can swing from cold to mild
• Pack snacks and water, especially for younger children
• Consider small blankets or stadium seats if you’ll be on the curb for a while
• Talk with kids about staying close in crowds and choosing a family meeting point

If watching at home:

• Make it special with a “parade breakfast” or hot chocolate
• Let kids pick their favorite float or band and watch for it together
• Consider recording Peachtree TV’s coverage so they can re-watch favorite parts

Accessibility and Comfort Considerations

Each year’s specifics can vary, but families in Atlanta commonly look for:

• Sidewalk areas with fewer stairs or obstacles
• Curb space where wheelchairs or mobility devices can be used comfortably
• Proximity to public restrooms or businesses that allow restroom access
• Viewing spots close to MARTA exits to limit walking distance

If accessibility is a major factor, it’s often helpful to:

• Scope out the approximate route and nearby MARTA stations on a map
• Arrive early to choose a spot that works for your family
• Check if any designated ADA viewing areas are announced by organizers

How to Stay Updated for This Year’s Parade

Details like Peachtree TV air times, parade route, and in-person status can shift from year to year. To stay current for the upcoming holiday season in Atlanta, people typically:

• Check Peachtree TV’s program guide for the words “Children’s Christmas Parade” or a similarly titled holiday parade broadcast
• Watch local newscasts and Atlanta event calendars beginning in November
• Look at the latest information from any children’s hospital, nonprofit, or foundation that might be hosting or benefiting from the parade
• Follow Atlanta holiday guides that update annual events, light shows, and parades

Quick Reference: Parade Essentials for Atlanta Families

How This Fits into Atlanta’s Holiday Season

Within Atlanta’s broader holiday light shows and parades lineup, the Children’s Christmas Parade is one of the central, family-oriented events that often pairs well with:

• Evening trips to light displays around the metro area
• Visits to holiday markets or tree lightings in neighborhoods like Decatur, Marietta Square, and Atlantic Station
• Other seasonal programming that may also appear on Peachtree TV or local stations

For many locals, it becomes part of a full weekend of festivities: the parade in the morning (in person or on TV), then lights, dinners, and neighborhood events later in the day or season.

By keeping an eye on Peachtree TV’s schedule and Atlanta’s annual holiday guides, you can easily decide whether to head downtown, stay in your living room, or do a bit of both and make the Children’s Christmas Parade a dependable part of your family’s Atlanta holiday tradition.