Featured Member: Littleton Civic Booster Club
The featured member Littleton Civic Booster Club has played a central role in one of Littleton’s most beloved community traditions; the annual Littleton Christmas Parade. Each year, this event brings residents and visitors together on the day after Thanksgiving, turning Main Street into a celebration of local pride and holiday spirit.
A Tradition Rooted in Community
The Littleton Christmas Parade dates back to the 1950s when the local high school band would lead Santa Claus into town on the back of a fire truck. His destination was McLeod’s Department Store, where he would greet excited children ready to start the Christmas season. Over the decades, the event grew from a small-town gathering into one of the most anticipated celebrations in the North Country.
In the early years, there was little need for promotion. As longtime organizer Dennis Hartwell once shared, everyone simply knew that Santa would arrive the day after Thanksgiving, and families made it a tradition to be downtown to welcome him. What began as a straightforward procession has become a multi-day community celebration that brings people together from across the region.
The Vision of Dennis Hartwell
Dennis Hartwell, a lifelong Littleton resident, has been the driving force behind the parade since 1986. His connection to the event is both personal and historic. After seeing a holiday parade in Laconia while performing there as a musician, Hartwell realized that Littleton could create something similar; an event that reflected the town’s energy and community spirit.
When he returned home, he approached Barbara Golden, then Director of the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce, about expanding the long-standing Santa arrival into a larger, organized parade. With the Chamber’s support, the first official Littleton Christmas Parade under Hartwell’s direction took place that same year. A proper float was built for Santa’s sleigh, a color guard was added, and the event marked the beginning of a new era for the town’s holiday festivities.
Although Hartwell stepped away for a few years to continue his music career, he eventually returned and resumed his leadership role. Over time, the event grew under his guidance and the efforts of countless community volunteers. His dedication to preserving and expanding this local tradition led to the creation of the Littleton Civic Booster Club, a nonprofit organization devoted to community events and civic pride.
The Role of the Littleton Civic Booster Club
The Littleton Civic Booster Club was established to support events that bring the community together and highlight what makes Littleton a vibrant place to live and visit. The organization not only coordinates the Christmas Parade but also collaborates with local groups, schools, and businesses to ensure each year’s celebration reflects the community’s creativity and enthusiasm.
Each parade features a unique theme that guides participants when designing floats, performances, and displays. Past parades have included memorable entries such as the Lisbon Stump Jumpers’ “Wild and Crazy Ways to Decorate a Christmas Tree,” which featured a wooden tree topped with a real snowmobile, of the Bethlehem Events’ Alice in Wonderland float inspired by that year’s Disney Christmas theme.
Parade Week in Littleton
As Littleton prepares for the 38th annual Christmas Parade on November 28, 2025, excitement is building throughout the community. The week leading up to the parade is filled with special events organized by the Civic Booster Club in partnership with multiple local organizations and venues. Festivities include the Christmas Parade Ball on November 22, a Dinner Concert at the Methodist Church on November 23, and the Littleton Holiday Market at the Opera House on November 28 and 29. The Littleton Community Center will also host an Open House, giving residents and visitors several opportunities to kick off the holiday season before parade day.
The parade itself, one of the town’s most significant events, continues to take place on Black Friday, a timing that has become a hallmark of the event. Families line Main Street as local businesses, schools, and organizations take part in a procession that combines holiday cheer with community pride. Each float, marching band, and performance reflects the creativity and dedication that make Littleton unique.
Continuing a Legacy of Community Spirit
For more than three decades, Dennis Hartwell and the Littleton Civic Booster Club have ensured that this beloved tradition remains a highlight of the holiday season. The event’s enduring success reflects the collaboration between volunteers and local organizations, all working together to make the parade a success year after year.
The Littleton Christmas Parade is more than just a holiday event; it is a reminder of the strong community bonds that define the town. As the 38th annual parade approaches, residents are once again preparing to celebrate the season, honor tradition, and welcome Santa Claus to Littleton in the spirit of togetherness that has defined the parade since the very beginning.
