Santa Claus made his way through the streets of Quincy on Sunday afternoon in a joyful 71st Annual Christmas Parade.

The annual winter holiday parade kicked off at noon at the intersection of Hannon Parkway, and marched 2.7 miles through Hancock Street all the way to North Quincy High School, broadcast live on QATV.

The parade’s theme was “Home for the Holidays,” chosen by elementary school poster and theme contest winners Tracey Landers and Michelle Kelley.

The parade featured sixteen bands, sixteen floats, Shriners Clowns, Fire Brigade, Wally and Tessie from the Boston Red Sox, long-time participants the Cycling Murray family and much more. Watchers in Quincy looked on as everything from a fire dancer to the a six-horse hitch of Clydesdales made their way through the streets.

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High school bands were judged in an annual competition at Central Middle School, while floats competed around Brothers Roast Beef on Hancock Street.

Saint Nick made his yearly arrival in Quincy ahead of the parade on Saturday, landing with some elves and costumed characters in Pageant Field via helicopter for the special holiday tradition and short visit with the town’s kids ahead of Christmas.

Santa gives a thumbs up to the crowd during Quincy’s 71st Christmas Parade. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)
Children jump with delight when Santa appears. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)
The Grinch plays along with a steel drum band during Quincy’s 71st annual Christmas Parade. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)
A Salvation Army bell ringer passes a donation bucket to parade goers. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)