Holiday Pet Parades

Posted by Billy Francis

‘Tis the season to dress your precious pooch in a festive outfit and let him sashay his way through the holidays. Throughout December, big cities and small towns will open up the streets to four-legged marchers for reindog parades and pet processions. Grab the fake antlers, silly Santa hat and ugly sweater, and get Fido into the spirit at these Christmas canine cavalcades.

Breckenridge Holiday Dog Parade

Breckenridge, CO
“Second place is first loser.” Photo by Facebook.com/GoBreck

Break out Fido’s sleigh bells and head to the Breckenridge Holiday Dog Parade. All well-behaved owners and canines can attend, but those decked in colors and decorations befitting the season are encouraged. No ensemble is too silly for this cheerful celebration at the base of the Rocky Mountains. After the promenade, pups can chill in the designated viewing area to watch preposterous people squeeze into ill-fitting suits for the ever-popular Race of the Santas. Round out the day by sticking around for the lighting of the town tree.

Breckenridge Holiday Dog Parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. on December 2, 2023. The Lodge at Breckenridge welcomes visiting pooches with a tasty treat and is less than one mile from the parade route.

Leiper's Fork Christmas Parade

Leipers Fork, TN
Lights, camera, parade! Photo by Facebook.com/LeipersForkChristmasParade

For pet-friendly Christmas fun in the country, come on down to Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade. Besides a steady flow of wacky floats, classic cars and trucks, and horse-drawn buggies, this holiday hootenanny is also a showcase for four-legged frivolity. In addition to reindogs sporting fake antlers, you’ll see reinpigs wrapped in red ribbons, reincows donning striped elf socks, reinmules topped with fuzzy Santa hats and reinsheep adorned in shiny garlands.

The Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade will start at 2 p.m. on December 9, 2023. After the main event, you and Fido can kick off your marching boots and relax at the pet-friendly Cottage at Harlinsdale Farm, located 100 yards from a fenced 4-acre dog park.

Mount Adams Reindog Parade

Cincinnati, OH
“I better get paid overtime for this.” Photo by Facebook.com/spcacincinnati

Jingle all the way to Cincinnati's charming Mount Adams neighborhood for the Mount Adams Reindog Parade. This merry march will be led by jolly old Saint Nick himself, and creative costumes are encouraged. A panel of local celebs will judge jubilant Jack Russells and cheery Chihuahuas in the categories of Dogs Under 25 lbs and Over 25 lbs, Multiple Dogs and Best Dog/Owner Look-A-Like. The more you deck Fido’s paws with boughs of holly, the better. Food vendors will be available prior to the parade.

Mount Adams Reindog Parade will kick off at 2 p.m. on December 9, 2023. Lounge with your Labrador at this luscious loft just around the corner from the parade route. This bright and airy Airbnb features hardwood floors and plenty of room for the whole pack to spread out.

Annual Williamstown Holiday Walk

Williamstown, MA
Photo by Facebook.com/williamstownchambercommerce

Fido can rock around the Christmas tree all day long at the Annual Williamstown Holiday Walk in the quaint New England hamlet of Williamstown. Dressed in their most elegant smock or ridiculous holiday duds, pups will be judged for Best In Show prior to taking center stage for the highly anticipated Reindog Parade. In addition, pooches are welcome to bark their favorite carols, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, visit Santa & Mrs. Claus and top it all off with the ceremonial tree lighting on the Williams Inn Lawn after the procession.

The Annual Williamstown Holiday Walk will be held across three days from Dec 1-3, 2023. Stay for the whole weekend of fun at the pet-friendly 1896 House Country Inn Brookside & Pondside, located only two miles from downtown.

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade

San Diego, CA
Queen of the Christmas scene. Photo by Facebook.com/gaslampquarter

All creatures great and small are welcome to share the joy at the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. Pups, cats, birds and even fish are eligible to compete for cool prizes and animal kingdom bragging rights during the pet parade that kicks off festivities. Afterward, stroll with your merry mutt to the Pups in the Pub Paw-ty at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter and enjoy craft beers, live music, a holiday costume contest, games and more.

The Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade will begin at 1 p.m. on December 16, 2023. Reserve a room at the Hilton where your pup will receive treats at check-in and you’ll be just a short walk from Park at the Park.

Reindog Holiday Parade

Saint Joseph, MI
Fido Claus is coming to town! Photo by Facebook.com/stjoetoday

Step into a winter wonderland at the Reindog Holiday Parade in downtown St. Joseph, MI. Fido is welcome to enter the holiday fashion contest but make sure your costume game is on point. Competitors are known to go all out to secure first place, including past favorites like “Santa Bernards'' and “Reindeer Rottweilers.” The parade also marks the arrival of Jolly Old St. Nicholas, who will be happy to snap a picture with your festive furry friend.

The Reindog Parade will be held on December 2, 2023 There’s nothing like a brisk walk on the boardwalk next to a windswept beach in winter. Book this pet-friendly Silver Beach cottage with a private backyard and hardwood floors throughout.

Deck the Paws - Pet Parade

Winder, GA
“Cheese? Where!?” Photo by Facebook.com/cityofwinder

Deck the Paws - Pet Parade kicks off the Winder Christmas Parade in Georgia. Described as the pre-game show to the main event, dogs who crave being the center of attention will love this annual tradition which celebrates its 75th birthday in 2023. Participants receive delicious treats and lots of Christmas cuddles.

Deck the Paws - Pet Parade will be held at 4:00 p.m. on December 9, 2023. Planning on attending the parade with the extended pack? Reserve this massive farmhouse with a banquet hall in nearby Dacula, GA. Fido can be shown around by the big, friendly dog who roams freely around the property, and he will love lounging in front of the grand fireplace on chilly evenings.

“All aboard the Schnauzer Express!” Photo by Facebook.com/NassauHumane

If you can think outside the box, you could win big at the Parade of Paws in Fernandina Beach, FL. This annual event benefits Nassau Humane Society, but it’s not just pups at the shelter who reap the rewards of this fun-filled festive affair. The best-dressed animals in categories like Best Victorian, Most Original, and Looks Most Like Owner, as well as the top three overall attendees, will be awarded prizes from Redbones Dog Bakery.

The Parade of Paws will be held at 11 a.m. on December 9, 2023. Fido can enjoy his winnings on the expansive deck while you sip a hot cup of cocoa at this nearby ocean-view house.

Jingle Dog Parade

Cuyahoga Falls, OH
“You can’t catch me, I'm the gingerbread dog!” Photo by Facebook.com/DowntownCFPartnership

Starting at High Bridge Glens Park, the Jingle Dog Parade goes north on Front Street to the Downtown Pavilion, where packs can take photos with Santa and snag some delicious treats at the dog-friendly Holiday Market. Festive pooches with the most imaginative costumes can win big at the Furry + Bright Costume Contest.

Jingle Dog Parade will take place at noon on December 2, 2023. Book a room at the Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, where Fido can slip out of his costume and into his pajamas for a snuggly night in.

Where will you be spreading Christmas cheer with Fido this December? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/williamstownchambercommerce/.