The holiday began Friday night, November 21, with the downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting.
The parade kicked off in downtown Raleigh the following day! Everything was broadcast LIVE on ABC11 and, the ABC11 streaming apps.
Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus closed out the parade as only they can.
WHO'S THE GRAND MARSHAL?
- NC State legend Dereck Whittenburg was the Grand Marshal for the 81st Annual ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh.
- The parade's Grand Marshal is an annual honor bestowed upon an individual or group that has made a significant impact on the community.
PARADE HISTORY
The first Raleigh Christmas Parade was on Saturday, November 25, 1939. It took a hiatus during WWII until 1945.
Click on Raleigh Christmas Parade for more history and facts.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Bundts by Brenee
Bundts by Brenee: Shop Local Raleigh
Lightship Neon
Lightship Neon: Shop Local Raleigh
Needle and Thread Co.
Needle and Thread Co.: Shop Local Raleigh
Zest Cafe & Home Art
Zest Cafe and Home Art: Shop Local Raleigh