Organizations, horse riders, bands, performing groups, businesses, and others may be able to register and be a part of a North Carolina parade. While the majority of local parades take place in December, registration may be required far in-advance.
Listed below are some area parades for which applications may already be available, or will be soon. Most of these are happening in the five-county area of Wake, Franklin, Johnston, Wilson, and Nash. Links to parade data, including available applications/entry forms, are included with each event’s details.
Not interested in participating? Take note of the parade dates and plan to be a spectator at one or more of these wonderful holiday traditions… and maybe catch a little candy along the route.
Note: Holiday events before or after parades may be mentioned below. Some events may also be accepting Vendor Applications. As several municipalities have not yet announced their calls for participants, the list below may be updated in the coming weeks.
Bunn, NC Christmas Parade
Event Date: Saturday, December 11, 2021 @ 10am
Registration deadline for participants: TBA
Signing up for the parade is free. Those interested in being a part of the parade, call 919.496.2992 to provide details of your proposed parade entry.
Note that the town’s annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree is scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2021, 6-7pm. Mini-subs and treats will be served, near town hall.
Clayton, NC Christmas Parade
Event Date: Saturday, December 11, 2021
Registration deadline for participants: TBD
This annual parade is organized by the Rotary Club of Clayton.
Preliminary parade information is available at claytonrotaryclub.org.
Garner, NC Christmas Parade
Event Date: Saturday, December 18, 2021 @ time TBA
Registration deadline for participants: TBD
The Parade Planning Committee already has groups signed up, and they are seeking more parade participants. (They’re also looking for volunteers to help on the day.)
Visit the parade website at www.garnerchristmasparade.com, and Follow on Facebook for updates.
Knightdale, NC Christmas Parade
Event Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021 @ 2pm
Registration deadline for participants: November 8, 2021
Organized by the Town of Knightdale. Parade entry is free for some groups and vehicles. For others, the fee varies from $25 to $75. Professional floats fee is higher.
Visit www.knightdalenc.gov/…/christmas-celebrations for details and to access the “2021 Christmas Parade Registration Form.”
Note that the town’s Tree Lighting Ceremony is the night before the parade. Tree lighting is scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2021 at 6:30-9pm, in Knightdale Station Park.
Louisburg, NC Christmas Parade
Event Date: Sunday, December 5, 2021 @ 3-5pm
Registration deadline for participants: Friday, November 19, 2021
Be a part of the Town of Louisburg’s Parks and Recreation Department annual Christmas Parade. Entry fees to be a part of this year’s Christmas Parade vary from $10 to $50, with no entry fee (free) for student organizations. Float rentals are available.
See details at townoflouisburg.org/event/louisburgs-2021-annual-christmas-parade.
Red Oak, NC Christmas Parade
Event Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021 @ 4pm
Registration deadline for participants: TBD
Join the town’s parade, and stick around for the full day event, “A Red Oak Christmas” — starting at 1pm with a vendor fair, amusement rides, and a tree lighting at 6:30pm.
Watch for details/updates at www.townofredoaknc.com.
Rolesville, NC Christmas Parade
Event Date: Sunday, December 5, 2021 @ 2-3pm
Registration deadline for participants: Not noted.
This annual parade is organized by the Rolesville Chamber of Commerce. Entry is free for school/college bands and parks and rec groups. For others, entry fee varies from $25 to $100. Professional float fees higher.
See details at business.rolesvillechamber.org/events/details/christmas-parade-2021-2166.
Note that the parade is preceded by “Christmas Wonderland” activities noon-2pm.
Wilson, NC Christmas Parade
Event Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021 @ 11am-1pm
Registration deadline for participants: Friday, November 19, 2021
Organized by the city of Wilson. Participation free for public safety vehicles. Entry fees range from $10 to $100.
See details at www.wilsonnc.org/how-do-i/apply-for/wilson-christmas-parade.
Note that the town’s festivities kick off with “Candyland Christmas” starting on November 27, 2021 and continuing through December 12, 2021.
Youngsville Christmas Parade
Event Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021 @ 10am
Registration deadline for participants: Not noted.
Organized by the Town of Youngsville. Participation fee is $50; nonprofit fee discounted 50% to $25.
See details at www.townofyoungsville.org/how_do_i_/-register_for_the_christmas_parade.php.
Note that the town’s tree lighting ceremony will be held the night before the parade. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is Friday, December 3, 2021 at 4:30-7pm.
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Ed. Note: Originally published October 20, 2021. Updated November 3 with Town of Bunn parade announcement.
