The sleigh bells are ringing and it’s time to grab a warm morning drink and head to the streets of downtown Raleigh on 22nd November 2025 for the 81st annual ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh and the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association.
We first experienced the Raleigh Christmas Parade back in 2021 and have made it our mission to attend year after year ever since.
It took us 17 years of living in Raleigh to actually go out to watch the parade, and I guess that’s telling you we didn’t think the Raleigh Christmas Parade would be worth it – parades aren’t really an Australian thing, so it wasn’t front of mind for us.
But with the holiday festivities in full swing and everyone chatting about the upcoming parade, we felt it would only be fitting to join in the community comradery and check it out! In this guide, we share everything you need to know about the parade, including what to expect, the best place to stand, and more!
When is the Raleigh Christmas Parade?
The parade will begin at 9:30 am from Hillsborough Street, at the intersection of St. Mary’s Street, and will also be live streamed on ABC11, the ABC11 streaming apps, and the ABC News Hulu channel. Here is the schedule for the parade:
- 9:30 AM – 12:30pm Live Parade Coverage on ABC11
- 9:30 AM: Parade Kicks Off Street-Side in Downtown Raleigh
Expect the parade to last for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll need a few hours to see the entire parade as it winds its way for 1.4 miles around the streets of downtown Raleigh.
The parade is held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving! This year it will be Saturday, November 22, 2025. It’s actually a great way to kick off the Holiday Season, which runs from Thanksgiving to New Year and includes festivals such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
What is the Raleigh Christmas Parade Route?
The parade route is as follows:
See this map of the parade route.
What can you see in the parade?
In previous years, the parade had about 115 entries made up of a variety of marching bands, specialty vehicles and car clubs, professional floats, horseback riders, dancers, pageantry, and helium balloon characters. Most of the entries are community groups and local businesses, who use it as an opportunity to be on display and recognized.
It took me a few minutes to realize that every group coming past was advertising something, many of them for a very good cause, like hospitals and the military! And it’s a way we can all show appreciation and enjoy the decorated floats, dances, and elaborate costumes.
The parade has always been organized by local shops and merchants and provides exposure for local businesses right as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear.
And at the end of the parade, you’ll find a beaming Santa Claus with Mrs. Claus, which will warm the hearts of the kiddies and get them excited for the Holiday Season.
Watch our Video: Raleigh Christmas Parade (2021)
And our Raleigh Christmas Parade Reel from 2024
Where can I get a good view of the parade?
The best views are reserved for those who get there really early. Many people will start coming in and getting a spot around 7:30am. As it’s spread out over a mile, you should be able to find somewhere to settle in with good views. The start and end of the route usually have thinner crowds.
On our first year at the parade, we arrived at around 8:30am and, while we were a couple of rows back on Fayetteville Street, our views were still pretty decent. Most people in front will have their own camp chairs or blankets, which opens up your viewing (if you are ok standing).
We situated ourselves near the Sheraton Raleigh in City Plaza on Fayetteville Street so we could have easy access to use their restrooms (hot tip).
Fayetteville St is at the end of the parade, so many love that city kind of ambiance and view. Crowds are usually heaviest outside of the ABC11 studios where they have bleachers set up and their live coverage team.
If you like a little more open-air viewing, Hillsborough Street may be more to your liking. You can also get a good view of the capital from there. And if you are not an early bird, Fayetteville Street may be better as the floats won’t get to your area until about 20-30 minutes after it starts. A lot of families tend to sit outside the State Capitol as the kids have a lot of green space to run around. I like the expansive view from here as well.
Since our first parade, we have been fortunate enough to sit in media viewing area right near the ABC11 film crew and hosts on the corner of Hillsborough St and Glenwood Avenue. We really love seeing the parade from here, and you can come to this area if you’re not media – there is plenty of general public seating.
I love that you’re in the heart of the action. Manay performers stop here to perform on live TV, so you don’t miss anything. I love watching the behind the scenes of the filming.
I also like the wide-open viewing space here. And one of my favorite things is that the parade starts from here, so you’re not waiting even longer for the parade to start and finish if you are at the end of the route. I feel that adds on so much extra time.
History of the Christmas Parade in Raleigh
The Raleigh Christmas Parade is a joyous celebration and one of the city’s favorite holiday traditions, especially for families to experience together across generations.
The Raleigh Christmas Parade began in 1939 as the country was coming out of the Recession. Not long after, it was put on hold for several years during World War II before resuming in 1945. The Greater Raleigh Merchants Association has had the honor of organizing the Raleigh Christmas Parade since 1944! In 2025, it will be celebrating its 81st year!
It soon became a beloved family tradition for those living in Wake County and even further across North Carolina. Parade costumes and themes evolved with each decade to showcase life in Raleigh. And Parade Marshalls have often been popular starts of each era.
WRAL_TV first broadcasted the parade in 1974 in black and white. ABC11 is now the official broadcast partner, and they air it to more than 250,000 people watching from home. In 2011, a record 80,000 people attended the parade because Scotty McCreery, an American Idol winner from Garner appeared.
We were surprised and impressed by the scale of the parade and have since learned that Raleigh has the largest Christmas Parade between Washington DC and Atlanta. It is attended by over 60,000 visitors each year and the largest single-day event in Raleigh.
In 2023, motor vehicles were been banned from the parade after the tragic death of a young girl, 11-year-old Hailey Brooks, who was hit by a pickup truck driver lost control of the vehicle in 2022. However, in 2024, motorized vehicles resumed, but with new parade safety requirements and enhanced regulations by the parade organizers.
Is The Raleigh Christmas Parade worth it?
Yes, the Raleigh Christmas Parade is worth it attending because it’s a unique cultural experience for Raleigh and a way for the community to gather and spread good cheer.
The Raleigh Christmas parade is a simple way to experience joy and community. I’m not sure we’ll do it every year – depends how cold it is, and our kids continued interest.
We love that it kick-starts the Holiday Season, which in America lasts for a long time! The only thing left to do once the parade is over, is to go home and put up those trees! Actually, keep reading, as down below we share a few ideas on what to do after the parade in Raleigh. No need to rush home as it’s one of the busiest days of the season!
FAQs about The Raleigh Christmas Parade
Where can I park for the Raleigh Christmas Parade?
As it’s on the weekend, street parking and City owned parking decks will be free. But, as 60,000 people are headed into the city, it will be hard to find a spot. Also, the parade route streets will be closed. Road closures end at 2pm so you could move your car from the decks to the free parking then. Since Raleigh is quite a walkable city, I recommend parking a few blocks away from the parade route in some of the neighborhoods and walking in. Here is our guide to parking in Downtown Raleigh and our guide to riding the bus in Raleigh! Also, if you live in Cary, consider catching the train into Downtown Raleigh!
What if I need the restroom during the parade?
Thank goodness porta-potties will be placed throughout the parade footprint. There are also nearby businesses that will have restrooms available. Purchase a cup of coffee or pastry to share your support and gratitude. And see our tip above about positioning ourselves near a hotel lobby.
What can I bring to the parade?
Keep an eye on the weather, as last year we arrived in warm coats, gloves, and hats as it was freezing! November is unpredictable so you may even get warm weather.
You can bring chairs or blankets to sit on, a picnic if you wish, and of course, your camera, patience, and good spirits.
Will there be food and drink available?
There are no food trucks or vendors along the parade route. However, many of the local restaurants and stores will be open. Last year, there was coffee (horrible) available in the Sheraton Hotel. The line for one of our local coffee shops, The Morning Times, wrapped right around onto Fayetteville St, hence the horrible coffee option instead.
What can I do after the parade?
Since the parade is in Downtown Raleigh, this is the perfect opportunity to extend the day with your family and friends and have more holiday fun together.
- One year we walked to Morgan St Food Hall in the Warehouse District for lunch with friends, and then we all went to The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater which opens Parade Day. The rink is quite small, and crowds weren’t too big when we visited. So, I think Parade Day is a good time to go. Tickets are on sale here and check out our guide to ice skating in Raleigh at The Rink.
- Those with young kids may want to venture to Pullen Park or Marbles Kids Museum.
- Downtown Raleigh has fantastic free museums. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is one of our favorites. Here is a list featuring more museums in Raleigh. (Note: NC Museum of History is currently closed for renovations)
- You may want to get a head start on your shopping at some of the fantastic downtown local stores. Check out this list here.
- Check out our guides on Downtown Raleigh and the Warehouse District with many more tips.
- And read about more Christmas events in Raleigh and here are more events happening in Raleigh in November.
You may also want to see this list of Christmas tree lighting events in the Triangle and places to have your photo with Santa. We know the North Hills tree lighting is happening after the parade, as well as holiday shopping and other fun things. Here’s a guide to North Hills Christmas experiences.
Hotels near the Raleigh Christmas Parade
If you visit Raleigh from out of town for the parade, accommodation could book up quickly for this popular event, especially in Downtown Raleigh. It will be the best place to stay with easy walking distance to the event and nearby Raleigh restaurants and other things to do.
Here are a couple of our favorite hotels in downtown Raleigh:
- Residence inn Downtown Raleigh – fantastic location and big suites
- StateView Hotel – hidden away in a forest on NC State’s Campus
- Sheraton Hotel Downtown Raleigh – perfect Fayetteville St Location
- Casso Hotel – a Raleigh unique boutique hotel on the end of Glenwood South and the Warehouse District and the parade route.
- Check out our top short-term rental favorites
If you are visiting from out of town and have a few extra days, here are some guides to help you plan out your days exploring Raleigh:
- 24 hour itinerary guide for Raleigh
- 48 hour itinerary guide for Raleigh NC
- Our favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants
- The best rooftop bars in Raleigh
Do you plan on attending the Christmas parade in Raleigh? Share in the comments below which parade float or act you are most looking forward to seeing? And ask any questions you have?
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Looking forward hot fresh mini donuts coffee and hot cocoa from Drizzle D’s
Located @ West Hargett Street between Salisbury St. & Fayetteville St
Now that sounds good. Thank you for this tip we have not heard of it before!