The 81st ABC11 Crossroads Ford Raleigh Christmas Parade kicks off today at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Raleigh. It’s the largest Christmas parade between Washington DC and Atlanta. Watch live on ABC11, streaming apps, or from the streets. Dereck Whittenburg, NC State basketball legend, serves as grand marshal.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. on Hillsborough Street at St. Mary’s Street
- Route spans approximately 1.4 miles through downtown, ending on Lenoir Street
- Live coverage begins at 9:00 a.m. on ABC11 and streaming apps
- Expected duration: 2 to 2.5 hours of floats, bands, and festive entertainment
- Street closures in effect from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Hillsborough and nearby roads
What’s Happening This Morning
Downtown Raleigh transforms into a holiday wonderland as the city celebrates its 81st annual Christmas parade. The event officially kicks off at 9:30 a.m., but things get rolling earlier with a pre-show at 9:00 a.m. Parade-goers lined up early to snag prime spots. The festivities include floats, marching bands, civic groups, and specialty vehicles.
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Local businesses are gearing up for the big day. The Cupcake Shoppe started baking gingerbread cookies at 3 or 4 a.m. Staff at participating downtown shops will extend hours and offer special holiday treats. Veloce’s in City Plaza is opening its doors for the first time, serving New York-style bagels and Italian specialties. It’s a major boost for small businesses during prime holiday shopping season.
How to Watch Live Coverage
Can’t make it downtown? No problem. The parade airs live on ABC11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You can also stream it on the ABC11 streaming apps or the ABC News Hulu channel. Viewers at home get full coverage of the entire parade, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.
For those heading downtown, parking is available across all of downtown Raleigh in decks and street spaces. Parade-goers can arrive as early as 7 a.m. to secure the best viewing spots. If timing is tight, you can show up right at 9:30 a.m. and still catch the parade action from nearby locations.
The Route & Street Closures
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Point | Hillsborough Street at St. Mary’s Street intersection |
| Distance | Approximately 1.4 miles through downtown |
| Path | East on Hillsborough, right on Salisbury, left on Morgan, right on Fayetteville, right on Lenoir |
| Street Closures | 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Hillsborough (West Morgan to St. Mary’s) and St. Mary’s (College Place to W. Morgan) |
| Additional Closures | Additional detours established at incident commander’s discretion |
The parade passes by the State Capitol and the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, giving spectators iconic downtown Raleigh backdrops. Holiday Lane includes music, light shows, a snowball toss, and reindeer games for extra festive fun.
Who’s the Grand Marshal?
This year’s grand marshal honor goes to Dereck Whittenburg, a legendary NC State basketball coach with deep community ties. The grand marshal award recognizes individuals or groups making significant impacts on the Raleigh community. Whittenburg’s selection reflects his lasting influence on the region.
Fun fact: The Raleigh Christmas Parade started way back in 1939. It’s the region’s longest-running holiday tradition. Plus, it’s the largest Christmas parade anywhere between Washington DC and Atlanta. That’s serious parade status for a community event stretching back nearly 86 years.
What To Watch For Today
- 9:00 a.m. – Pre-show starts on ABC11 with behind-the-scenes content and parade preview
- 9:30 a.m. – Street parade kickoff as floats roll down Hillsborough Street
- 10:00 a.m. – Live parade coverage expands on ABC11 with full broadcast
- 2 to 2.5 hours total of continuous parade action and entertainment
- Multiple viewing locations along the 1.4-mile route offer varied perspectives
Is This An Unmissable Raleigh Tradition?
For families across the Triangle, the Raleigh Christmas Parade marks the official start of the holiday season. What makes it special? It’s not just size. Local merchants have organized it since 1945 (after a WWII break), giving it deep community roots. Small local businesses depend on this event. Floats from civic groups, marching bands from regional schools, and decorated vehicles create energy you can feel.
Whether you’re bundled up on Hillsborough Street or watching from your couch, today’s parade celebrates everything Raleigh’s community stands for. Local businesses shine, families gather, and the holiday season officially kicks off. Don’t miss it.
Sources
- ABC11 News – Official broadcast partner with comprehensive parade coverage and logistics
- Greater Raleigh Merchants Association – Parade organizers providing route and scheduling details
- Visit Raleigh – Tourism authority with cultural event information and history
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.