RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The 2024 holiday season in Raleigh is officially underway!
The Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting happened Friday night! The giant decorated tree sits outside the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts on E South Street.
Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin was on hand to flip the switch a final time as mayor. The event features lots of family fun options including free photos with Santa.
The tree lighting is also a prequel to the Raleigh Christmas Parade that follows on Saturday.
When is the parade? We're glad you asked. ABC11's live coverage starts at 9:00 a.m. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. The Raleigh Christmas Parade is celebrating 80 years, this year.
If you can't get downtown to watch it in person, ABC11 will livestream the entire parade.
Here's everything you need to know about it. ABC11 live stream the entire 2024 Raleigh Christmas Parade.
After the parade, you can head over to The Rink and enjoy some fun on the ice.
LIST | 2024 Christmas parades and events happening in central North Carolina
SEE ALSO | Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin lights the 2023 Raleigh Christmas Tree