The North End Christmas Parade in Boston had been going on for almost half a century. It’s a holiday tradition that spreads a lot of joy, not least because Santa arrives by helicopter! This year, the parade was in jeopardy. Thankfully, the community pulled together an event uniting the annual toy drive with a shortened parade. And, yes, Santa still came by chopper.

If this Christmastime celebration makes you nostalgic, you’ll want to check out these 14 vintage photos of the festivities. Snapped during the 1974 North End Christmas Parade, they show that although fashions and car styles change over time, neighborhood spirit has always been alive and well in the North End.

1. Rudolph's great, but it's probably easier to land a helicopter than find street parking for reindeer in the North End!
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
2. Santa transfers to a car for the actual parade. His passengers included elves - all adorable, but one looks somewhat unimpressed.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
3. The North End Athletic Association (NEAA) hosts the parade. It features all the classic elements you need for a day of fun.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
Music? Check.
4. Marching band? Check.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
5. And we're off!
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
6. Many elements of the parade remain unchanged, but the cars root this event firmly in 1970s.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
7. Can you spot the Christmas lights? They're simple, but pretty.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States

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8. The parade in full swing.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
9. All of the participants look quite disciplined.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
10. Well, almost all of them. Donald Duck does his own thing!
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
11. Spectators taking in the sights and sounds of the festivities.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
12. Locals - human and canine alike - enjoying the spectacle from the warmth of their homes.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
13. Aha! Here are the reindeer.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States
14. We couldn't have said it any better.
Wikimedia Commons/City of Boston Archives from West Roxbury, United States

What are your favorite memories of the North End Christmas Parade? Let us know in the comments or on the Only In Boston Facebook Page.

If you love vintage photos of Boston as much as we do, feast your eyes on our article: 10 Then And Now Photos In Boston That Show Just How Much It Has Changed.

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