Raleigh Tree Lighting kicks off 2024 Christmas holiday season

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Saturday, November 23, 2024
Raleigh Tree Lighting kicks off 2024 Christmas holiday season
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.

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.

What time is the Raleigh Christmas Parade?

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.

Parade Route

  • Begins on Hillsborough Street at the intersection of St. Mary's Street

  • Proceeds East on Hillsborough Street to the State Capitol

  • Turns right onto Salisbury Street

  • Turns left onto Morgan Street

  • Turns right onto Fayetteville Street

  • Turns right at Lenoir Street where it disbands

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

WATCH: Lighting of the Downtown Raleigh Christmas Tree
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