Celebrate the Holidays in Perry with a Month of Festive Fun.
The holidays are here, and there's no better place to celebrate the season's magic than Perry's historic downtown. This December, Perry offers fun, family-friendly events and traditions that unite our community. Whether hunting for reindeer, strolling through twinkling lights, or savoring pancakes with Santa, Perry's holiday spirit is alive and well.
The whole family will love the Reindeer Scavenger Hunt, happening throughout the entire month of December. Scattered throughout downtown are nine inflatable reindeer; some may be peeking out of windows, while others are tucked inside or outside of businesses. With a clue card in hand—available at most downtown merchants or Visit Perry—you can start your adventure. Once you've found all nine, return your completed card to Visit Perry (located inside Perry City Hall) for a festive sticker sheet. It's a fun way to enjoy the season while exploring local shops.
Speaking of shopping, Downtown Perry is rolling out Shop Small Bingo. Grab a bingo card from one of the downtown shops or at Visit Perry and start collecting stamps with your purchases. Every completed bingo row earns you an entry into a raffle for a $200 Downtown Dollars gift card. It's an easy way to support local merchants and score a chance at some holiday spending money. Don't wait too long—bingo ends on December 20!
On Friday, December 6, gather your family and friends for a movie outdoors featuring The Polar Express at the Perry Events Center. Starting at 6:00 PM, enjoy free family activities and food from on-site vendors before the film begins at sunset. Admission is free, and complimentary popcorn will make your movie night even sweeter. Bring your lawn chairs and lots of blankets to get comfortable as you watch this beloved holiday classic under the stars.
December 7 is a perfect holiday Saturday. Start your morning bright and early at the Breakfast with Santa from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Perry Events Center. Hosted by the Perry Kiwanis Club and Zaltana Club, this beloved tradition features a delicious breakfast of fluffy pancakes and sausage, crafts for the kids, and a professional photo with Santa. Tickets are $7 and include a digital image. Your holiday fun will give back to those in need; this year's proceeds benefit Southern Santa of Houston County.
After breakfast, you won't have to go far to enjoy the annual Perry Christmas Parade, beginning at 10:00 AM. This festive procession winds through town, starting at Kellwood Drive and going along General Courtney Hodges Boulevard and Carroll Street before concluding at Macon Road. The parade fills the streets with festive floats, marching bands, and a grand finale starring Santa Claus.
The celebrations continue on Saturday, December 12, with the Downtown Perry Holiday Open House from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Enjoy boutiques twinkling with lights, restaurants offering specialty cocktails, and the soulful sounds of Damon Brown's saxophone filling the evening air. It's the perfect opportunity to sip, shop, and enjoy the warm hospitality of Perry's downtown merchants, who'll also be hosting unique giveaways for shoppers.
From December 11 to 13, history buffs and holiday enthusiasts will love the Holiday Historic Trolley Tours, a special tribute to Perry's 200th birthday. These 30-minute tours, departing at 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7:30 PM, take visitors through the stories, landmarks, and traditions that have shaped our town. Tickets are just $5 and include a gift bag to make the experience even sweeter.
Hop aboard a free Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride on Saturday, December 21, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Starting near Perry City Hall, these rides offer a peaceful loop through our downtown, making a picture-perfect way to slow down and savor the simple joy of the season.
The celebrations in Perry don't end with Christmas! On Tuesday, December 31, the city hosts the event that everyone's talking about: the Perry Buzzard Drop. Nationally recognized and beloved by locals, this New Year's Eve party features live music, downtown dining and spirits, and a unique Southern twist on the traditional ball drop. Families can enjoy an early Kiddie Countdown at 8:00 PM. At the same time, night owls can party until midnight, when the buzzard descends to ring in 2025. Confetti, music, and cheers fill the air as we welcome a new year together.
This December, let Perry be part of your holiday story. For a full list of events and details, including the opportunity to Meet Santa and His Reindeer at Broken Arrow Outfitters, visit the events calendar on the Visit Perry website at visitperry.com/events.🎄