Raleigh’s Christmas Parade is back, without vehicles but with teal. Here’s what to know
After a year marked by the tragic death of an 11-year-old dancer, the annual Christmas Parade is returning to the streets of downtown Raleigh on Saturday.
It will look different this year, for sure, with no motorized vehicles.
Here’s what to know before venturing to Raleigh this weekend.
When is the parade?
Saturday starting at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Raleigh.
Where is the parade route?
The parade wraps around a nearly 1.5 mile stretch of downtown Raleigh. It begins at the intersection of Hillsborough Street and St. Mary’s Street. The procession will then head east past the State Capitol. It will then turn right onto Salisbury Street before making a left on to Morgan Street. Finally, the parade will turn right on Fayetteville Street before dispersing on Lenoir Street.
What’s different this year?
There won’t be any floats, firetrucks or other vehicles.
“The 2023 event will not include motorized vehicles or floats, but still promises to be one that’s entertaining for all ages,” said Jennifer Martin, executive director of Shop Local, a Greater Raleigh Merchants Association association affiliate.
Initially, in September, the merchants association was denied a parade permit in the wake of 11-year-old Hailey Brooks being struck and killed by an out of control truck during last year’s parade.
“The decision was made out of an abundance of caution for parade participants and spectators, as well as respect for Hailey Brooks’ family and friends,” according to a city statement at the time.
But Hailey’s parents, April and Trey Brooks, said in a statement from their attorney that they were not consulted about the decision ahead of time. The family were opposed to canceling the parade, the statement said.
“It has been 10 months since Hailey Brooks was killed, and it is time for the city to honor her by enacting protections for the safety of this community — not by canceling the parade,” said the September statement.
Less than a week later, in the face of backlash, the City of Raleigh reversed this decision on Sept. 20.
Where can I park?
Parking will be available at several parking decks and surface lots across the city.
Hargett Street and Dawson Street
Hargett Street and McDowell Street
Hargett Street and Wilmington Street
Wilmington Street and Cabarrus Street
Cabarrus Street and Gale Street
Lenoir Street and Fayetteville Street
What roads will be closed?
▪ Hillsborough Street from West Morgan Street to St. Mary’s Street, and St. Mary’s Street from College Place to W. Morgan Street will be closed from 6 am-2 pm.
▪ Hillsborough Street from St. Mary’s Street to Salisbury Street and all cross-streets one block in each direction will be closed from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
▪ West Hargett Street from McDowell Street to Wilmington Sreett, and Fayetteville Street from Hargett Street to Lenoir Street and all cross-streets one block between them will also be closed from 7 a.m to 2 p.m.
Additional road closures and detours may be established at the discretion of the incident commander to control traffic near the route, according to parade organizers.
What will the weather be like?
The current forecast predicts Saturday will be sunny with a high of 67 and a low of 43.
What to wear
Parade organizers took to social media this month to encourage parade goers to honor the memory of Hailey Brooks.
“Hailey Brooks, the young dancer, whose life was lost too soon at the 2022 event, her favorite color was teal,” said a post by Shop Local Raleigh.
Organizers have asked that attendees wear something teal — a ribbon, scarf, hat, jacket or other article of clothing in memory of Hailey.
How to watch the Raleigh Christmas Parade
The parade will kick off at 9:30 a.m. street side and on official sponsor ABC11, the ABC11 streaming apps, and the ABC News Hulu channel. WRAL TV also will be broadcasting the parade, starting at 9 am.
