The 82nd Raleigh Christmas Parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Downtown's tree lighting is Friday, Nov. 20, at Moore Square. Updated each year.
Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Updated each year; the same page carries next year’s dates. Facts come from the parade’s presenter, the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, Visit Raleigh and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance.
Raleigh’s holiday season downtown opens on back-to-back days in 2026: the tree lighting at Moore Square on Friday, Nov. 20, and the 82nd Raleigh Christmas Parade on Saturday, Nov. 21. Both are free.
Who to call
- Parade: Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, 919-256-3640, info@grma.org
- Downtown events: Downtown Raleigh Alliance, downtownraleigh.org
- Road closures on the day: DriveNC.gov and our road closures guide
The Raleigh Christmas Parade, Saturday, Nov. 21
The parade steps off at 9:30 a.m., according to Visit Raleigh’s listing, which calls it “the largest parade of its kind between Atlanta and Washington, D.C.” The Greater Raleigh Merchants Association has presented it since 1944, now under its Shop Local Raleigh name, and says it lasts about 2.5 hours.
The route, from the organizer:
- Starts on Hillsborough Street at St. Mary’s Street
- Proceeds to the State Capitol
- Turns right onto Salisbury Street
- Turns left onto Morgan Street
- Turns right onto Fayetteville Street
- Ends at Davie Street, where it disbands
The organizer says the parade reaches more than 250,000 people through television and live streaming as well as the crowds on the street. Road closure times for the route had not been posted when we checked; this page will carry them when they are.
Downtown tree lighting, Friday, Nov. 20
Downtown Raleigh’s annual tree lighting and holiday market runs 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., according to the Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s 2026 event form. Expect a lit tree, free photos with Santa, a vendor market and performances by local artists.
Getting there
- Parking and transit: downtown decks and GoRaleigh bus routes are in our getting around guide.
- Weather: check the National Weather Service forecast the night before.
What this means for you
- Arrive early for a curb spot on Fayetteville Street or Hillsborough Street.
- Driving downtown Nov. 21? Plan around the route until early afternoon.
- Friday night’s tree lighting is the easier one for small children: shorter, and with Santa.
More holiday plans: things to do this month, updated on the first of each month.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Raleigh Christmas Parade 2026?
The 82nd Raleigh Christmas Parade is Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, starting at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Raleigh. It is free to watch.
What is the Raleigh Christmas Parade route?
The parade starts on Hillsborough Street at St. Mary’s Street, passes the State Capitol, turns onto Salisbury Street, then Morgan Street, then Fayetteville Street, and ends at Davie Street.
When is the downtown Raleigh tree lighting?
Downtown Raleigh’s annual tree lighting and holiday market is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., with free photos with Santa.
How long is the Raleigh Christmas Parade?
The organizer says the parade lasts about 2.5 hours.
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