Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
Join the 47th annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade in downtown Cary for a joyful celebration. This beloved event features a vibrant procession of marching bands, creative floats from local businesses and community groups, and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. It's a perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit with family and friends.
What to Expect
Annual Christmas parade with Santa, bands, and community floats.
Event Details
Duration
2 hours
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Cary
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Cary Jaycees
Food & Drink
Food trucks can register as participants but no sales are allowed.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and community members
Vibe
Festive and community-oriented
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Rain or shine
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Spectators and participants can park in any of the Town of Cary public parking areas. Parking on E. Chatham St and S. Academy St along the parade route will not be permitted.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along E. Chatham Street or S. Academy Street, as parking restrictions begin at 1:00 PM.
- For participants, ensure you arrive within the designated window (12:30 PM - 1:00 PM for most, 12:00 PM for floats) to avoid road closures.
- If you are participating with a float, remember that no more than 16 people (12 for professional floats) are allowed on it.
- Spectators should be aware that throwing candy is not allowed; participants will hand it out from the sidewalk.
- Check the official Cary Jaycees website by December 6th for the parade lineup to know which groups and floats to look forward to.
Special Events & Promotions
- Live stream by WRAL
- Participant registration available
- No refunds for this rain or shine event
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the registration deadline and cost?
Registration ends November 18, 2026. Pricing varies by participant type, ranging from $50 for 501C3 walkers/dancers to $800 for professional floats.
What safety precautions are in place?
Safety is a priority, with measures including no candy throwing (only sidewalk distribution), float arrival deadlines, driver inspections, and police/fire safety briefings.
Which roads will be closed for the parade?
Roads including E. Chatham Street, S. Academy Street, East and West Circle Drive, East Cedar Street, Ward Street, Hunter Street, and Dry Ave will be closed from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Where should participants be dropped off and picked up?
Participants should be dropped off on E. Chatham Street in front of Urban Park between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM. Pick-up is available in the parking lot behind the Cary Arts Center.
Can vendors set up at the event?
No, the permit only covers the parade itself, so vendors are not permitted. Food trucks can participate as advertisers but cannot make sales.
More Christmas Events Near Cary
More Christmas Events near Cary
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.