GREATER RALEIGH MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES THE 79th ANNUAL ABC11 RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE

Raleigh Christmas Parade

Applications for the 2023 ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh on November 18, 2023 in Downtown Raleigh are now being accepted.

Presented by the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association and Shop Local Raleigh, this annual event is the largest parade between Atlanta and Washington D.C. Over 65,000 people will line the street, in addition to 250,000 thousand more watching at home.

The parade in its 79th year, has happened every year minus a brief pause during WWII.  In 2020, the parade went virtual and was a joyous celebration for community groups and those watching at home as they were still performances and community camaraderie while enjoying one tradition that wasn’t cancelled due to the Novel Coronavirus.

Interested participants can submit their application for participation here.

The Raleigh Christmas Parade is implementing additional requirements for those participating and requires a Certificate of Insurance from all participants.

“The Raleigh Christmas Parade is an annual tradition for thousands in our community. We want the community to be able to enjoy the traditions they love in a manner in which they feel safe and it’s great that the event can be watched from home on ABC11 or in person” said Jennifer Martin, Executive Director Shop Local Raleigh. “The 2023 parade is committed to honor our community and bring people together.”

The mile long parade will feature 115 entries, including energizing bands, themed floats, super-sized balloons, marchers, twirlers, and tons of fun! Come out early to grab your spot and don’t forget your camera to capture all of the family memories you will be making.

The parade will kick off the holiday season with festivities at 9:30am street side and at 9:30am on all ABC11 and the ABC11 North Carolina streaming apps with ABC11 anchoring the event.

About Shop Local Raleigh

Shop Local Raleigh (SLR) is part of a growing national movement of communities rallying to support their independent businesses. Shop Local Raleigh is about connecting, supporting and growing independent businesses to strengthen and enrich our community.  SLR currently serves over 1000 locally owned and independent businesses.

SLR welcomes local, independently owned businesses throughout Wake County. Businesses and consumers can learn more at www.shoplocalraleigh.org.