You can find Christmas parades in every corner of the Triangle, including Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and many more towns.
Read on to learn about a few of the highly anticipated holiday parades, but then scroll down for a big day-to-day list of Christmas and holiday parades in the Triangle in 2023, including Christmas parades, Three Kings Day parades, Solstice lantern walks and a Hanukkah parade, when announced.
The Christmas parades are generally your first chance to see Santa Claus this holiday season, and they’re also a great chance to see the talents of community members on display.
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Raleigh Christmas Parade
Saturday, November 18, 2023
9:30 a.m.
The parade travels 1.4 miles through Downtown Raleigh. In 2023, the parade will NOT have motorized vehicles or floats. It will have marching bands, and all other types of participants.
Mebane Christmas Parade
Friday, December 1, 2023
7 to 10 p.m.
Downtown Mebane
Garner Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023
4:30 p.m.
Main Street, Garner, NC
We expect that the day will also include the Holiday Block party, prior to the parade, and the tree lighting, after the parade.
Apex Rotary Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023
5 p.m.
The parade starts at the intersection of Ambergate Station and The Peakway in Apex, heading down Salem Street and ending at the Apex Public Works Building on Upchurch Street. Also, “Gingerbread Lane “Let It Snow” will be taking place at The Depot from 3 to 5 p.m., providing snow, guest appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and more.
Angier Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023
10 a.m.
Downtown Angier
Youngville Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Check back soon for details
Downtown Youngville
Light Up the Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade
Sunday, December 3, 2023
4 p.m.
The parade will travel south on Churton Street from Corbin Street to Margaret Lane, and end at the intersection of Margaret Lane and Cameron Street. Directly after the parade, join the community for the annual tree lighting ceremony and community sing.
More information about the Light Up the Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade.
Rolesville Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 3, 2023
2 p.m.
Starts at Thales Academy, ending at Rolesville Baptist Church.
Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 3, 2023
4 p.m.
Historic Fuquay Historic District
Selma Christmas Parade
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Check back soon for time
Town Hall, 114 N. Raiford Street, Selma
The event will also feature entertainment and a tree lighting ceremony.
Siler City Christmas Parade
Thursday, December 7, 2023
7 p.m.
Downtown Siler City
Franklinton Christmas Parade
Thursday, December 7, 2023
7 p.m.
Downtown Franklinton
Durham Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 9, 2023
10 a.m.
The Durham Holiday Parade features mascots, drill teams, and school and community groups. The parade will travel down Main Street. There will be several designated performance areas along the route.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 9, 2023
10 a.m.
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Parade is a festive, inclusive parade that celebrate the holiday season. It travels down Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street and Carrboro’s Main Street.
More information about the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Parade.
43rd Annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 9, 2023
2 to 4 p.m.
The parade will feature bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups and churches. The parade starts on E. Chatham Street at Ward Street, proceeds down E. Chatham to S. Academy Street, turns left onto S. Academy Street and ends at Dry Avenue, in front of the Cary Arts Center.
Knightdale Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 9, 2023
10 a.m.
Downtown Knightdale
The parade starts on First Avenue at Knightdale Station Park and ends at Fayetteville Street.
Happy Holly Days Parade in Holly Springs
Saturday, December 9, 2023
10 a.m.
Downtown Holly Springs
The parade begins on Main Street near its intersection at Oakhall Drive, in front of the Food Lion shopping center – a few blocks farther north than in previous years. The route continues down Main Street, through downtown Holly Springs, ending at Oak Avenue, just past The Block on Main.
Pittsboro Holiday Parade
December 10, 2023
3 p.m.
The parade goes along Business Highway 64 from east to west.
Smithfield Christmas Parade
Check back soon.
Downtown Smithfield
Clayton Christmas Parade
Check back soon.
Main Street, Clayton
Zebulon Christmas Parade
There will not be a Christmas parade in Zebulon in 2023. The annual parade will be replaced with a stationary event, called Deck the Hall-Z.
Day By Day List of Christmas and Holiday Parades in the Triangle
Please keep checking back. More events will be added to this list when they’re announced.
Terry Horne says
WHY are you leaving out Christmas in your parades? I only see a few towns that honor this old tradition! Disappointed in North Carolina!
Jody Mace says
What does this even mean?
Elaine Willis says
Where are there lists of Christian events — creche displays, Christmas story of Jesus’ birth being told from the Bible, Christian Christmas music, etc.?
Jody Mace says
I list them on the website as I get them. I add them to this large, inclusive list of holiday events:https://triangleonthecheap.com/christmas-holiday-events-triangle/
Jackie says
Someone has to be mad about something this time of year. Chime on in, Elaine.
Cynthia Raxter says
Thanks Jody for the great list! Especially arranging it day-by-day! I know how hard you must work on this stuff! It’s amazing how much there is to do for free! And folks organizing -like me! – forget info or have dates/times wrong! You always catch my mistakes and I really appreciate it! Cynthia of
Bynum Front Porch Music and Storytelling zhows.
Irene Jackson says
Cleveland Christmas Parade is on 12/5. It wasn’t on your list.