Kick off the holiday with Santa, carolers & more!

Posted on November 28, 2025

Join Santa and all his favorite elves at the annual “Downtown Christmas on the Square” planned Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, in historic downtown Perry.

This year’s theme is “Lights, Camera, Christmas!”

Festivities will kick off with the “Santa’s Little Helpers Christmas Parade” starting at 6 p.m.

Then, after the parade, all eyes will turn to the corner of Main and Washington streets, where Santa will join his elves from the Taylor County Historical Society for a tree-lighting ceremony presided over by 2025 Snow Queen Victoria Albritton and Sugar Plum Princesses Kelsee Bishop and Everley Vann.

Students from Point of Grace Christian School will perform a selection of Christmas carols.

There will also be special performances by Reese Bethea and students from Taylor Gymnastics, Cheerleading & Dance.

Capping the ceremony will be the ringing of the old courthouse bell for good luck in the coming year.

Santa’s Craft Village will fill the back parking lot of the courthouse, as well as sidewalks around the square.

Additional activities will include “Letters to Santa” writing stations, a chili supper and visits with Santa, as well as the annual Gingerbread House Workshop sponsored by Taylor County 4-H.

Families will be able to reserve their spots in line to see Santa with the “Santa Claus Christmas Express Pass.” Times will be booked in 15-minute intervals, beginning at 6:45 p.m. Registration will begin at 5 p.m.

The downtown celebration is being coordinated by the historical society, and the parade being organized by the Chamber of Commerce.

Vendor applications and food truck applications are still being accepted. Forms are available at the Society’s Facebook page or by e-mailing tchistoricalsociety@yahoo. com.