Tradition Shines in Alachua, High Springs as Charlie Brown Christmas Parades Bring Holiday Cheer

ALACHUA/HIGH SPRINGS – Crisp air, clear skies and a touch of timeless nostalgia set the scene Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, as the communities of Alachua and High Springs ushered in the holiday season with their annual Christmas parades, filling Main Street in Alachua and later downtown High Springs with festive cheer. This year’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme added a warm, reflective tone to the celebrations, blending simple holiday charm with hometown spirit in both cities.

In Alachua, families bundled in sweaters and jackets lined the parade route early, children perched along the curb clutching bags in anticipation of candy and waving at familiar faces passing by. The smell of winter air and the hum of excited conversation filled downtown as the parade stepped off along North Main Street, crossing U.S. Highway 441 under cloudless skies.

A police escort with flashing lights led the procession, followed by Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky, High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard and Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott, who greeted spectators and waved as they made their way along the route.

Leading the parade as grand marshal was longtime Alachua dentist Dr. Douglas Adel, who was followed by a procession of festively decorated floats, marching bands, community groups and holiday characters that filled Main Street with music and cheer.

The City of Alachua’s official float leaned into the “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme, featuring familiar imagery inspired by the beloved holiday classic — simple decorations, whimsical characters and a nod to the understated spirit of the season — as city commissioners waved from aboard and city staff members passed out sweet treats to children.

The parade showcased a wide cross-section of the community, with floats and walking groups representing local businesses, civic organizations, churches and schools. Participants included Santa Fe Ford, Mi Apa Restaurant, MatchMaker Realty, Momentum Dance Academy, the Mebane High School Alumni Association, the Alachua Business League, Alachua Senior Cha Chas, Capital City Bank, members of the Hare Krishna community, and parade newcomers Ben E. Keith and Chick-fil-A, among many others.

Musical performances added energy and rhythm to the procession. The Mebane Middle School band and the Santa Fe High School Raider Regiment Marching Band performed holiday favorites that echoed through downtown.

Youth sports teams, including Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball and the Santa Fe Soccer Academy, proudly represented their programs, walking the route and interacting with the crowd. Volunteers dressed as Peanuts-inspired characters, Santa’s elves and other holiday figures handed out treats and smiles.

Parade judging took place at the intersection of 148^th Place and Main Street, where judges evaluated entries for creativity and presentation. Three cash prizes were awarded, with the Alachua Soccer Alliance taking first place and earning $500, Momentum Dance placing second for $300 and Matchmaker Realty finishing third with a $200 award. Parade emcees Damon Messina and Tabitha Jenkins kept the energy high near the judges’ stand, announcing each entry and engaging spectators with commentary as floats rolled past.

Following close behind the horse-drawn entries were the Alachua Parade Pooper Scoopers, representing Capital City Bank and the Alachua Lions Club, who once again performed their familiar and appreciated role of keeping the parade route clean.

The grand finale arrived as Santa Claus appeared atop a firetruck, waving to children who shouted his name and waved back enthusiastically. For many young spectators, the moment marked the official start of the Christmas season.

As night fell, the celebration continued just down the road in High Springs, where the Twilight Christmas Parade transformed downtown into a glowing holiday scene. Floats outlined in twinkling lights rolled beneath the dark sky, while illuminated costumes, flashing decorations and softly lit storefronts created a festive backdrop. Families lined the streets bundled against the evening chill, waving as the parade passed by and enjoying the quieter, storybook feel of the after-dark procession that brought the “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme to life under the stars.

“It really captures the holiday spirit,” said a local resident. “The best part is watching how excited the kids are.”

As crowds dispersed, the feeling lingered — a simple, joyful celebration marked by togetherness, tradition and a reminder that, much like Charlie Brown’s Christmas, the season’s meaning is often found in community.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com