Cooleemee Christmas Parade Archives

Cooleemee Celebrates the Season with a Heartwarming Christmas Parade & Old-Time Holiday Tradition

Posted on December 10, 2025December 10, 2025 by Jeanna White

A Festive Stroll Through the Heart of Town

Cooleemee ushered in the holiday season with smiles, waves, and plenty of hometown pride as families lined the streets for the annual Christmas Parade on November 29th. From Cooleemee Elementary School to the historic Zachary House, neighbors bundled up, children giggled with excitement, and the community came together in the way only Cooleemee can.

Christmas the Cooleemee Way

After the last festive float rolled by, the celebration shifted to the Zachary House for the town’s treasured Old-Time Christmas gathering. Sponsored by the Cooleemee Historical Association (CHA), the Town of Cooleemee, and The Bridge Church, this holiday tradition felt like stepping back into a simpler, sweeter time.

Honoring Heritage, Traditions & Togetherness

Mayor Jeff Smith warmly welcomed everyone and shared heartfelt reflections on Cooleemee’s rich heritage. Established in 1898 and incorporated in 1985, the town proudly celebrates 40 years of incorporation this year—a milestone rooted in community, resilience, and shared memories.

He spoke about what makes Cooleemee special: the traditions that bring us together year after year—tasting homemade fudge, sipping hot cocoa, visiting with Santa, and catching up with friends you may not have seen since “the good ole days.” These moments, he shared, are what keep Cooleemee’s close-knit spirit alive.

Looking ahead, Mayor Smith also celebrated the excitement surrounding the upcoming groundbreaking of the new community center—a project that reflects the town’s motto: Preserving the Past, Building Our Future.

A Program Filled with Meaning and Merriment

Guests enjoyed a beautiful lineup of holiday favorites, including:

A reading from the Book of Luke — Justin Blue, The Bridge Church
’Twas the Night Before Christmas — Lynn Vogler
Visits and photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Caroling and sweet moments of fellowship

A Delicious Tradition Lives On

No Cooleemee Christmas would be complete without the town’s beloved fudge contest—an event with a history as rich as the treats themselves. Created years ago by former Mayor John Chandler, and paired with former Mayor Steve Corriher’s vision for a local Christmas parade, these traditions continue to shape Cooleemee’s holiday season.

Congratulations to Cathy Cook, who won the fudge contest for the second year in a row with yet another mouthwatering creation!

A Celebration of Community Spirit

From the joyful parade to the timeless charm of Old-Time Christmas, this year’s celebration once again highlighted everything that makes Cooleemee such a wonderful place to call home. Rooted in history, filled with tradition, and always looking toward the future, Cooleemee continues to shine—especially at Christmastime.

Photos by KC Smith

Cooleemee’s Old-Time Christmas Parade Brings Joy and Tradition Back

Posted on December 23, 2024December 23, 2024 by KC Smith

Cooleemee’s Old-Time Christmas and Parade came back to town while many enjoyed the festivities. Christmas candy was flying all over the street as children scampered around to grab what they could. Entries in the parade were filled with smiles and joyfulness as they gifted handfuls of candy to the visitors.

The Cooleemee Historical Association organized the event which included a fudge contest with 13 entries this year. Kathy Cook was so surprised she won because she stated she had never made fudge before. The Bridge Church located on Main Street was present again at the event handing out hot cocoa, candy, and more. Their involvement in any events held in Cooleemee always makes a huge difference and is greatly appreciated.

Pastor Justin Blue read the Christmas story from the Bible. The CHA made a lot of people happy by providing two fire pits to help warm up from the brisk cold air.
Women of the community baked homemade cakes that were sliced up for each person in line. A fresh cedar tree was cut and placed next to Mr. and Mrs. Claus which added to the ole time feel of Christmas.

*Mrs. Claus reading Twas the Night Before Christmas.*

Cedar trees were commonly cut down in the woods to supply families with a Christmas tree. Cooleemee’s First Baptist Church choir sang carols and it was wonderful to have a group of people spreading the joy of Christmas.

*(L to R) John Chandler, Teresa Bivins, Sandra Ferrell, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Candace Head, Heather Cline, and Daphne Beck*

A big thank you to the CHA for bringing back a tradition that many have missed. Several people stated they didn’t know Cooleemee had anything like this gathering and they were sure to be back next year.

First Baptist Church participated in the Cooleemee Christmas Parade on November 30th.

Feel free to contact me at cooleemeenews@gmail.com or call 336.250.1133; I would love to hear from you. Relive the magic with these fabulous photos by KC Smith.