The Greater Raleigh Merchants Association (GRMA) and Shop Local Raleigh are excited to announce preparations are underway for the 81st Annual Crossroads Ford Apex ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade, set for Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Downtown Raleigh.
The beloved holiday tradition will once again partner with ABC11 WTVD as the parade’s Exclusive Broadcast Partner, bringing the magic of the season to viewers across the Triangle and beyond on-air and streaming. The event also proudly welcomes back Crossroads Ford Apex ABC11 as the title sponsor, underscoring their continued commitment to supporting community traditions.
“This parade has been a cornerstone of Raleigh’s holiday season for more than 80 years,” said Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of Shop Local Raleigh. “We are thrilled to once again work alongside ABC11 WTVD and Crossroads Ford Apex ABC11 to create an unforgettable experience for families both on the parade route and at home.”
About the Parade
The Raleigh Christmas Parade is the largest parade between Atlanta and Washington, D.C., attracting more than 65,000 attendees to Downtown Raleigh and reaching over 250,000 broadcast viewers. With 115 entries spanning marching bands, super-sized balloons, festive floats, dancers, twirlers, and local community groups, the one-mile parade brings joy, creativity, and holiday spirit to the region.
A Holiday Legacy
Since its debut in 1939, the parade has been a Raleigh tradition, with only a brief pause during World War II. In 2020, the event pivoted to a virtual format, ensuring the community could still enjoy the holiday magic amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the parade remains a resilient celebration of unity and tradition.
Application Information
Applications to participate in the 2025 Raleigh Christmas Parade are now open and will close on September 12, 2025.Interested groups can apply here.
Event Details
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- Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
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- Time: 9:30 a.m. (street-side and live on ABC11 & ABC11 streaming apps)
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- Location: Downtown Raleigh
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- Spectators: 65,000+ in person, 250,000+ via broadcast
The event is free to attend and will start on Hillsborough Street, traveling to Fayetteville St. and ending on Lenoir St. The parade lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Parking options can be found here