Raleigh Christmas Parade 2025 kicks off the holiday season in spectacular style on Saturday, November 22, with marching bands, giant balloons, and Santa himself rolling through downtown Raleigh. As the crisp November air sweeps through the oak-lined streets of North Carolina’s capital, an undeniable buzz takes over: over 60,000 people line the 1.4-mile route to watch the city transform into a living holiday postcard. This beloved 81st annual tradition, the largest Christmas parade between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, is just the beginning. A few weeks later, the North Carolina State Capitol hosts its magical tree lighting ceremony and holiday open house, blending historic charm with festive wonder. Together, these events make Raleigh the ultimate destination for holiday magic in 2025—perfect for families, locals, and visitors ready to bundle up and celebrate.
Imagine standing shoulder-to-shoulder with families on Fayetteville Street, the scent of roasted chestnuts mingling with the laughter of children as colorful floats glide by. That’s the essence of the Raleigh Christmas Parade, often hailed as the largest of its kind between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Organized by the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association (GRMA) and presented by Shop Local Raleigh in partnership with ABC11 and Crossroads Ford Apex, this year’s parade promises to outshine its predecessors with a lineup that’s equal parts nostalgic and dazzling. Kicking off at 9:30 a.m. sharp, the procession starts at the intersection of Hillsborough Street and St. Mary’s Street, snaking eastward past the grand facade of the State Capitol before veering right onto Salisbury Street. It then hooks left onto Morgan Street, makes a triumphant right onto the pedestrian-friendly Fayetteville Street, and wraps up at Lenoir Street near the Raleigh Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater. For those tuning in from afar—or simply craving a cozy viewing spot—the event airs live on ABC11, complete with aerial shots from Sky 5 that capture the parade’s serpentine flow like a holiday ribbon unfurling through the city.
What makes this parade more than just a procession? It’s the sheer diversity of participants that turns it into a snapshot of Raleigh’s soul. Expect over 100 entries, from high school marching bands belting out upbeat renditions of “Jingle Bells” to equestrian units trotting in with jingle-laden saddles. Dance troupes in shimmering elf costumes will twirl alongside superheroes perched atop floats sponsored by local businesses, while giant inflatable characters—like a towering Rudolph with a nose that glows brighter than the North Star—bob overhead, delighting wide-eyed kids. And let’s not forget the VIP arrival: Santa Claus himself, rounding out the route in a sleigh pulled by his trusty reindeer, waving to the crowd as if he’s just dropped in from the North Pole for a quick Tar Heel pit stop. This year, organizers have amped up the interactive elements, with “Holiday Lane” popping up along the route. Picture a winter wonderland midway point featuring live music from local indie bands, synchronized light shows that pulse to the beat of carols, a giant snowball toss arena for pint-sized athletes, and reindeer games that pit families against each other in silly challenges like antler ring toss. It’s all designed to keep the energy high, turning passive spectators into active participants in the holiday hoopla.
The parade’s roots run deep, tracing back to a simpler time when post-World War II Raleigh was rebuilding its sense of togetherness. The GRMA, founded to boost local commerce, saw the parade as a way to sprinkle some post-war sparkle on the community. Fast-forward eight decades, and it’s evolved into a powerhouse event that not only kicks off Black Friday shopping but also spotlights small businesses through themed floats and vendor booths. “This isn’t just about the spectacle,” says GRMA Executive Director Emily Hart, whose team coordinates the volunteer army of over 500 that makes it all happen. “It’s about creating moments that families return to year after year—those stories of ‘Remember when the balloon got stuck on the traffic light?’ that become part of the holiday lore.” Volunteers, a mix of retirees, college students, and corporate groups, handle everything from balloon inflation to crowd wrangling, embodying the parade’s ethos of giving back. For those eager to lend a hand, sign-up sheets fill up fast, but spots for ushering along the route or assisting with setup are always a rewarding way to soak in the behind-the-scenes magic.
Of course, no great parade is an island, and the 2025 edition builds on a weekend of prelude festivities that set the stage for seasonal splendor. The night before, on Friday, November 21, downtown Raleigh’s Moore Square at 300 South Blount Street becomes a beacon of light during the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the square fills with families clutching mugs of hot cocoa as local performers—think acoustic guitarists strumming festive tunes and youth choirs harmonizing under string lights—warm the crowd. The highlight hits at 6:15 p.m., when the mayor flips the switch on a towering evergreen adorned with thousands of LED bulbs, casting a golden glow that rivals the sunset. Fire pits crackle nearby, s’mores stations invite gooey indulgence, and artisan markets hawk handmade ornaments and scarves, blending shopping with the simple joy of togetherness. “It’s the perfect appetizer for the parade,” notes event coordinator Mia Lopez, who emphasizes the family-friendly vibe. “We’ve got storytellers reading ‘The Night Before Christmas’ in multiple languages, ensuring every corner of our diverse community feels included.” As the lights flicker on, it’s a poignant reminder that Raleigh’s holidays are about more than spectacle—they’re about shared stories under the stars.
But if the parade is the city’s boisterous heartbeat, the North Carolina State Capitol’s tree lighting ceremony and holiday open house serve as its elegant afterglow, offering a quieter, more reflective celebration a few weeks later. On Thursday, December 11, 2025, Capitol Square transforms into a luminaria-lit haven starting at 5:30 p.m. The Raleigh Concert Band fills the air with brass swells of “Deck the Halls,” while dancers from Alicia’s School of the Performing Arts glide through routines that evoke sugarplum visions. Governor Josh Stein and fellow dignitaries arrive around 6:00 p.m. for the official tree lighting on the south grounds, where a majestic spruce—sourced sustainably from the North Carolina Forest Service—bursts into illumination, its branches heavy with ornaments crafted by state artisans. Visible all the way down Fayetteville Street, the tree becomes a nightly landmark, drawing evening strollers for selfies and silent admiration. State Employees’ Credit Union sweetens the deal with complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, and kid-friendly activities like ornament decorating, capped by a surprise visit from Santa, who poses for photos with elves in tow.
The evening seamlessly flows into the Capitol’s holiday open house at 6:30 p.m., inviting the public inside this architectural gem for a self-guided tour of yuletide elegance. Picture wandering marble halls draped in fresh holly and magnolia garlands, the rotunda echoing with carols from the WakeMed Chorus. Natural greenery sourced from local farms accents historic portraits and chandeliers, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts reverent and radiant. “The Capitol isn’t just a building; it’s the story of our state,” explains curator Elena Vargas, who oversees the decorations. “These events let people connect with that history while making new memories.” The open house extends through the weekend—Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday until 2:00 p.m.—with live music in the rotunda keeping the spirit alive. For those craving more, the nearby Executive Mansion joins in with its own open house from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on December 11, followed by daytime tours through December 15. Donations of nonperishable food at the door support the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, turning festive visits into acts of kindness.
These twin pillars of Raleigh’s holiday calendar—the parade’s exuberant kickoff and the Capitol’s graceful interlude—complement each other like tinsel on a tree. The parade injects adrenaline into early holiday plans, priming shoppers for Black Friday deals along the very streets it traverses. Meanwhile, the Capitol event provides a mid-season recharge, a chance to pause amid the frenzy and appreciate the craftsmanship of traditions passed down through generations. For families navigating both, practical tips abound. Arrive early for the parade—parking in downtown garages like the Deck 424 or Blount Street Station fills up by 8:00 a.m., and R-Line buses offer free hops along the route. Dress in layers against the morning chill, and snag spots on the bleachers near the Capitol for prime float views. At the Capitol, strollers navigate the grounds easily, but indoor tours are standing-room only during peak hours, so mid-morning slots are ideal. Both events are free, accessible, and pet-friendly (leashed, of course), with ADA accommodations ensuring everyone can partake.
Beyond logistics, these gatherings underscore Raleigh’s role as a holiday haven in the Triangle region. The parade boosts local economy by an estimated $5 million annually, funneling foot traffic into shops and eateries from The Pit’s barbecue to Brewery Bhavana’s inventive brews. The Capitol events, meanwhile, foster civic pride, drawing history buffs who linger over exhibits on North Carolina’s holiday customs—from Moravian love feasts to Gullah Geechee storytelling. In a world that often feels rushed, these occasions remind us of the power of pause: the way a child’s gasp at a balloon’s ascent or a couple’s quiet toast under lit branches can etch joy into the calendar.
As the final float fades into the distance on November 22 and the Capitol’s tree gleams through December’s chill, Raleigh’s 2025 holiday tapestry reveals itself not in isolation, but in harmony. The parade shouts “Let the season begin!” while the open house whispers “Savor every glow.” Whether you’re a lifelong resident chasing nostalgia or a newcomer seeking warmth in unfamiliar streets, these events offer an open invitation: Come, celebrate, connect. In the City of Oaks, where history’s branches reach toward tomorrow’s lights, the holidays aren’t just events—they’re homecomings wrapped in red and green.