Raleigh Christmas Parade

The Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh will take place Saturday, November 23rd, 2019, starting at 9:30 a.m. It’s the largest Christmas Parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta.

The Raleigh Christmas Parade is the first in the Triangle. Here’s a list of 15 Christmas and Holiday Parades in the Triangle, including Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro, Holly Springs, Wake Forest and more.

It’s sponsored by ABC 11 and presented by Greater Raleigh Merchants Association & Shop Local Raleigh. The route is about 1.4 miles and the parade lasts about 2.5 hours. The Parade telecast airs from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is rebroadcast on Christmas morning.

The Grand Marshal this year is Jessica McDonald, of the North Carolina FC and the FIFA World Champion USA women’s soccer team!

After the parade, head to Lichtin Plaza, 2 E South Street, Raleigh in front of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, where there will be a post-parade Christmas Village.

You can get a close-up look at the balloons, drop off a letter for Santa, and listen to live music.

The Christmas Village will be going on, roughly, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also, happening November 23rd in Downtown Raleigh:
24th American Indian Heritage Celebration
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
North Carolina Museum of History
5 E. Edenton Street
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
2 E. South Street

Raleigh Christmas Parade route

Begins on Hillsborough Street at St. Mary’s Street
Proceeds to the State Capitol
Turns right onto Salisbury Street
Turns left onto Morgan St.
Turns right onto Fayetteville St
Turns right onto Davie St.
Turns left onto Salisbury St.
Continues to Lenoir Street, where it disbands

Parade Q&A from the Organizers

Q: What is the latest you suggest we park?
A: This is up to you! Some will arrive starting at 7am to get the same seats they have come to love every year, while some will arrive at 9:45am.

Q:What roads will be closed?
A: Hillsborough St from W Morgan St to St. Mary’s St and St. Mary St from College Place to W. Morgan St from 6 am-2 pm.
Hillsborough St from St. Mary St to Salisbury St and all cross-streets one block in each direction, W Hargett St from McDowell to Wilmington St, and Fayetteville St from Hargett St to Lenoir St and all cross-streets one block between no earlier than 7 am until no later than 2 pm.
Additional road closures and detours may be established at the discretion of the incident commander to control traffic near route.

Q: How far is the parking to a good viewing area?
A: All areas of the parade have good viewing areas! With over a mile of footprint to choose from, you can’t go wrong. Some love the ambiance of Fayetteville St. and others love the open air & view of the Capital on Hillsborough St. With parking decks, street parking and more all over town, you won’t be disappointed.

Q: Do you allow vendors to set up and sell at the parade?
A: No. We reserve all available viewing areas for parade attendees.

Q: Will there be handicapped seating?
A: The parade viewing area is all street-side viewing. We do ask that everyone help make this a fun and enjoyable experience for all- please allow handicapped and children access to see the parade.

Q: Will there be porta-potties on the parade route?
A: Yes, porta-potties will be placed throughout the event footprint. Local businesses will also be open and will have restrooms available for their customers. What a great way to support a local business by purchasing a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or pastry and help generate revenue for your local economy!

Q: Is there anything going on after the parade?
A: Yes, there are lots of local shops to visit, local restaurants to find a meal and the American Indian Heritage Celebration at the NC History Museum.