By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
One of Walpole’s most beloved traditions is its annual Santa Parade, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Residents line the streets to watch cars, floats and local organizations walk the streets and perform followed by Santa who closes the parade. This event marks the start of the holiday season in Walpole.
This year's parade had no shortage of holiday cheer. Throughout the hour-long procession, local businesses got to show off their holiday decorations and bring in new customers. Walpole’s classic car collector community joined in to display their classic vehicles decked out with wreaths and trees, and even one hauling a blow-up Clarice from “Rudolph”. The parade was packed with smiles and holiday cheer, each wave of the parade bringing in something new.
Walpole scouting troops joined the parade tossing out candy to waiting audience members and local dance companies paused to perform for the crowds. Those watching from the sidewalks loved gathering the candy that had been tossed from the floats and running up to see their friends in the parade. The undefeated 2024 Walpole Superbowl Champions were in attendance, celebrating their amazing season. The parade allowed different organizations to display their talents and bring in new members.
Local families can meet Santa inside his house on the common throughout December. He will be in his house on weekdays and on Saturdays to meet with the local children and hear their holiday wishes.
This annual celebration welcomes Walpole into the beloved holiday season. The parade lets the town put their favorite traditions on display and honors the annual celebrations Walpole puts on. The tree lighting and parade are time-honored traditions for Walpole residents and are just a small part of Walpole’s traditions.
