Thousands turn out for Christmas in the Mountains

Sabrina’s Upscale Resale was awarded the Most Creative Theme award at the 2024 Christmas in the Mountains Lighted Parade in Cleveland, GA. The parade and festival drew over 8,000 people to downtown Cleveland. (wrwh.com)

It was a big night in the small town of Cleveland as thousands turned out for the town’s annual Christmas in the Mountains celebration.

The weekend event, sponsored by the city of Cleveland and the White County Chamber of Commerce, included a holiday market, Christmas tree lighting, and a lighted parade.

Chamber President Beth Truelove says over 8,000 people were in the downtown area for the events on Dec. 7.

“We were impressed by the creativity shown by those who participated in the annual parade. A total of 65 units were involved,” she says.

Several parade entries received awards.

Sabrina’s Upscale Resale was awarded the Most Creative Theme for its Toy Story float. Payne’s Wrecker Service received the Clark Griswold Award, named after the main character in National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation” movie. Also, Javi’s Mexican Grill and Tavern received the Most Unique Entry Award for its lighted pickup and mariachi band float.

The “Clark Griswold” Award went to Payne’s Wrecker Service. (wrwh.com)
Most Unique Entry was awarded to Javi’s Mexican Grill and Tavern. (wrwh.com)

You can watch the recorded livestream on the White County Chamber’s Facebook page if you missed the parade.

Dean Dyer of WRWH Radio contributed to this report