Scenes from Woodstock’s Santa Claus Parade and Project Youth After Party

Huge crowds lined the new parade route along Houlton and Main Streets on Sunday afternoon

Large crowds lined Houlton and Main Streets Sunday afternoon, Dec. 1, as Woodstock’s annual Santa Claus parade followed a new route through the town’s south side of the Meduxnekeag River. 

The parade, which formed in the vacant parking lot on Houlton Street that once housed the old Save Easy store and the nearby Larsen’s Electric parking lot, travelled along Houlton, then Main Street, ending at NBCC Woodstock. 

Woodstock families clearly found the parade’s new location as hundreds lined the streets from beginning to end. 

The long parade featured entries of floats, walkers and vehicles from area businesses, service organizations, groups and clubs. 

Parade officials thanked parade sponsors Legacy Motors, Valley Honda and Connell Chrysler, who provided prize funding for the event. 

The family Christmas atmosphere continued into early Sunday evening when Planet Youth Woodstock hosted the Santa Claus Parade After Party at the Woodstock Farm and Craft Market on King Street. 

The free event featured games and crafts under the big tent in the King Street parking lot, barbecued hot dogs and hot chocolate, shopping in the market, and music from rising local country music stars, the Martin Boys.