Crowds fill Washington Street during Saturday’s Christmas Walk parade, which organizers described as a banner year for turnout.
Table of Contents
Get our free local reporting delivered straight to your inbox. No noise, no spam — just clear, independent coverage of Marblehead. Sign up for our once-a-week newsletter.
Crowds bundled against the cold, kids perched on curbs and shoulders, and familiar downtown streets filled with color.
From Santa’s arrival by lobster boat to the parade winding through Old Town, Marblehead’s 54th Christmas Walk weekend delivered the rituals residents know by heart.
Here are scenes as captured by our photographer, Marblehead resident Paula Muller, from the celebration — the faces, small moments and shared traditions that made up the weekend.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus greet the waiting crowd at the landing. Santa arrived by lobster boat, a signature tradition of the Marblehead Christmas Walk, waving to families gathered along the waterfront.Santa’s lobster boat, trimmed with greens and bows, makes its way toward State Street Landing as spectators gather along the waterfront. INDEPENDENT PHOTOS / PAULA MULLERAA bundled toddler peeks out from a stroller during the Christmas Walk festivities.Santa and Mrs. Claus wave from the bow as children crowd forward for a view during the Christmas Walk’s traditional harbor arrival. Marblehead police officers stand along the parade route as crowds move toward the waterfront and downtown.Young participants line a holiday-themed parade float, waving to spectators along the route.A Marblehead fire engine and police motorcycle lead the way through the crowded streets of Old Town. The parade drew dense crowds who packed the sidewalks to watch the marchers, floats, and first responders pass by.A group of children sits curbside, bundled in heavy winter coats and hats. The young spectators have claimed front-row seats to watch the holiday parade pass by.Crowds pack the narrow streets of Old Town near the iconic "Maddies" Sail Loft sign. Members of Glover’s Marblehead Regiment march in period uniform on the left, joining a procession that includes festive floats like a boat piled high with holiday gifts.A couple carefully adjusts a holiday wreath on a large grey float or display, adding the finishing touches before the celebrations get fully underway.Spectators line the railing outside "The Landing" restaurant, bundled in winter gear as they watch the festivities unfold from the deck.A member of Glover’s Marblehead Regiment holds a musket topped with a festive sprig of greenery. The reenactor is dressed in the regiment's traditional blue coat with red trim and a grey knit cap.Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the crowd as they make their way up the metal ramp from the dock, marking their official arrival in Marblehead.Three children, including a baby in a blue hat, gather for a group photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.Santa and Mrs. Claus walk along the waterfront, with Santa waving to the onlookers, accompanied by a golden dog.Families pack the dock at State Street Landing on Saturday morning as Santa arrives by lobster boat during the 54th annual Marblehead Christmas Walk.A festive fleet of cars joins the procession, led by a bright red Lamborghini decked out with string lights and a holiday wreath on the hood. The sports car cruises down the street, adding a flash of modern horsepower to the traditional lineup.The Marblehead Pride Committee marches through town holding a colorful banner that wishes the crowd "Happy Holidays." The sign features inclusive festive symbols, including a menorah and a heart displaying the Progress Pride flag colors.
Local officials sought advance feedback from Boston before going back to residents, hoping to avoid another long public process built around a concept that might not meet Section 3A.
A coordinated effort between the Chamber, Select Board, police and DPW kept closures, staging and parade logistics running smoothly for businesses and residents.
This reporting takes time, access and context. Independent, reader-supported journalism means no paywalls, no algorithms — just facts, for everyone in Marblehead. We run on an $80,000 annual budget, and 95 percent of every dollar goes straight into journalism, not profit. You’re able to read this work free because
Local officials sought advance feedback from Boston before going back to residents, hoping to avoid another long public process built around a concept that might not meet Section 3A.
A coordinated effort between the Chamber, Select Board, police and DPW kept closures, staging and parade logistics running smoothly for businesses and residents.
This reporting takes time, access and context. Independent, reader-supported journalism means no paywalls, no algorithms — just facts, for everyone in Marblehead. We run on an $80,000 annual budget, and 95 percent of every dollar goes straight into journalism, not profit. You’re able to read this work free because
