The Raleigh Christmas Parade 2025 kicks off on Saturday, November 22, at 9:30 a.m., bringing holiday cheer to downtown Raleigh with floats, marching bands, and Santa’s grand finale. Covering a 1.4-mile route from Hillsborough Street at St. Marys to Lenoir Street, this family-friendly event lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours and is broadcast live on ABC11 and streaming online. Streets close early, so locals and visitors are encouraged to arrive between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. to secure the best viewing spots along Hillsborough Street, Fayetteville Street, and near the State Capitol. With free parking decks, festive performances, and plenty of downtown activities before and after the parade, it’s one of Raleigh’s most anticipated holiday traditions.

Parade Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025

Start Time: 9:30 a.m. (street side and broadcast on ABC11 and streaming)

Route Length: About 1.4 miles

Approx Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Parade Route: Begins at Hillsborough Street and St Marys Street, goes east on Hillsborough, right on Salisbury, left on Morgan, right on Fayetteville, and ends at Lenoir Street

Best Times and Arrival Strategy

Arrive between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. for the best spots.

By 7:30 a.m., prime sidewalks at intersections are usually taken.

Arriving closer to 9:00 a.m. means more crowding and limited views.

Streets begin closing as early as 6:00 to 7:00 a.m., so plan ahead.

Viewing Zones

Start zone at Hillsborough and St Marys: see the parade launch.

State Capitol area on Hillsborough: floats slow down, nice backdrop.

Turns at Salisbury to Morgan and Morgan to Fayetteville: fun to watch floats maneuver.

Fayetteville Street: most energy and performances, popular with crowds.

Lenoir Street: good for catching the finale and Santa Claus.

Parking and Transit

City owned parking decks are free the morning of the parade.

Street parking is free downtown on weekends but fills up early.

Alexander Square deck near Wilmington Street is a popular choice with elevated views.

Other options: Wilmington Street decks, Moore Square deck, Blount Street deck, City Center deck.

Use side streets and walking paths to avoid traffic bottlenecks.

Road Closures

Hillsborough Street, St Marys Street, Salisbury Street, Morgan Street, Fayetteville Street, and Lenoir Street close by 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. and reopen after the parade ends.

Plan to walk into your spot, as cars will not be able to get near the route after closures begin.

What to Bring

Folding chair or blanket

Warm layers, hats, gloves, scarf

Water, snacks, and small cash for vendors

Fully charged phone and portable charger

Printed route map or phone map

Small umbrella or poncho in case of rain

Comfortable shoes for walking

Sample Parade Day Itinerary

6:30 a.m. Leave home

7:00 a.m. Park in selected deck or street spot

7:15 a.m. Walk to your viewing area and settle in

7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Relax, stretch, use bathrooms, grab food or coffee

9:30 a.m. Parade begins

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parade ends near Lenoir Street

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Exit downtown slowly or grab lunch at nearby restaurants

After Parade Ideas

Ice skating at Red Hat Amphitheater at The Rink

Explore Fayetteville Street, Moore Square, and local cafes

Holiday shopping and local vendor booths downtown

Tree lighting events and live music often scheduled nearby

Text Route Map (Printable)

Parade Route Approx 1.4 miles

Start: Hillsborough St & St Marys St

East on Hillsborough St toward State Capitol

Right turn onto Salisbury St

Left turn onto Morgan St

Right turn onto Fayetteville St

Right turn onto Lenoir St, parade ends

Key Intersections:

Hillsborough & St Marys

Hillsborough at Capitol

Salisbury & Morgan

Morgan & Fayetteville

Fayetteville corridor

Fayetteville & Lenoir