Christmas Parades in Raleigh + the Triangle

Amy Hartle

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by attending a local Christmas parade! Raleigh and the Triangle area are gearing up for a series of magical parades, bringing communities together with festive floats, twinkling lights, holiday music, and even a glimpse of Santa himself!

Whether you’re looking to start a new family tradition or continue an old one, these parades offer the perfect dose of holiday cheer. Check out the schedule below and plan to join in on the joy and excitement of the season!

Raleigh Christmas Parade – November 23rd, 2024

The largest Christmas Parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta is the Raleigh Christmas Parade. This year is the parade’s 80th anniversary. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m., starting off on Hillsborough Street at St. Mary’s Street and progressing 1.4 miles. You can see the route on this map below.

Plan to arrive early to get a good spot. FYI, city-owned parking decks are available free of charge the morning of the parade.

Can’t attend in person? You can watch the parade on ABC11, the ABC11 streaming apps, and the ABC News Hulu channel.

Rolesville Christmas Parade – December 1st, 2024

The Rolesville Christmas Parade takes place at 2:00pm on Sunday December 1st. The parade route will start at Thales Academy, continue up Storage Drive to Main St., turn left onto Main Street then right onto E. Young St., and end at Rolesville Baptist Church.

Creedmoor Christmas Parade – December 7th, 2024

The City of Creedmoor is excited to announce the 2024 Creedmoor Christmas Parade, which will take place on Saturday, December 7 at 11:00am! The parade will be a festive celebration marking the start of the holiday season.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade – December 7th, 2024

Join the fun for a festive, entertaining, safe, and inclusive community parade to celebrate the winter holiday season. Stake out your curbside spot and watch arts, cultural, and community groups parade down Franklin Street. This beloved local parade begins at 10:00am.

Apex Rotary Christmas Parade – December 7th, 2024

The Annual Apex Rotary Christmas Parade is the only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County. The Apex Rotary Club organizes the parade, with proceeds benefitting numerous local charities, especially Western Wake Crisis Ministry. The parade kicks off at Apex Peakway and Ambergate Station, turning down Salem Street, and ending at Moore Street. The parade kicks off at 5:00pm.

Garner Christmas Parade – December 7th, 2024

This year’s parade will be part of a bigger event which includes the Holiday Block Party. The Block Party will run from 2:00pm-4:00pm to be followed by the parade starting at 4:30 p.m. The parade processes down Main Street.

Zebulon Christmas Parade – December 8th, 2024

Join us for the Town of Zebulon Christmas Parade! Bring your family to enjoy festive floats, school groups, balloons, and performances as they make their way through Downtown Zebulon on Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 PM. Whether you’re watching, volunteering, or participating, come be a part of the holiday fun. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade – December 8th, 2024

The Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade will take place on Sunday December 8th at 4:00pm. Featuring over 80 festive floats to celebrate the season, this is a one-of-a-kind parade through the Historic Downtown Fuquay District! This parade always draws a large crowd from around the Triangle.

Hillsborough Light Up the Night Holiday Parade – December 8th, 2024

The Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce will host the Light Up The Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 8th, 2024, beginning at 4:00 pm. Downtown Hillsborough will welcome thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy the popular annual event organized by the Chamber.

The parade will feature dignitaries such as Mayor Mark Bell and NC State Representatives, marching bands, local businesses, cheerleaders, dance troupes, classic cars, floats, a Grand Marshall, and, of course, Santa Claus!

Happy Holly Days Christmas Parade – December 14th, 2024

Join us in downtown Holly Springs for a festive parade featuring floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups and more. The parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m.

Durham Holiday Parade – December 14th, 2024

Cheer on hometown bands, drill teams, schools, and community groups as they make their way down Main Street at the Durham Holiday Parade. The procession will conclude with a guest appearance from Santa. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m.

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade – December 14th, 2024

Join us on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM for the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade. This festive holiday celebration takes place in Downtown Cary! Enjoy the magic of the season with colorful floats, marching bands, and even a visit from Santa. Bring your family and friends to soak in the holiday cheer, bundle up, and grab some hot cocoa as the parade makes its way through the streets.

The parade starts on E. Chatham Street at Ward St, proceeds down E. Chatham to S. Academy Street, turns left onto S. Academy Street, and ends at Dry Ave in front of the Cary Arts Center.

Clayton Christmas Parade – December 14th, 2024

Experience the charm of a small-town Christmas Parade! Hosted by the Clayton Rotary, the Clayton Christmas Parade parade brings over 100 floats, marching bands, and Santa himself to Main Street. Join us on the second Saturday in December at 3:00 PM—find a spot along Main Street between Smith and Robertson and enjoy the holiday magic in Downtown Clayton.

Knightdale Christmas Parade – December 14th, 2024

Come enjoy small town celebration at the Knightdale Christmas Parade on December 14th. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. on First Avenue near Knightdale Station Run.

More Raleigh Christmas Fun Here: