Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the 46th annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade in downtown Cary. This joyful celebration features a vibrant procession of marching bands, community groups, local businesses, and festive floats. Bring your family and friends to witness the holiday cheer and catch a glimpse of Santa Claus as he makes his way through town.
What to Expect
Annual Christmas parade with floats, bands, and community groups.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: There is no designated parking for the parade. Spectators and participants can park in any of the Town of Cary public parking areas. Parking on E. Chatham St and S. Academy St along the parade route will not be permitted.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Other Christmas Events Near Cary
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and community members
Vibe
Festive and celebratory
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Special Events & Promotions
- Registration pricing increases after November 8, 2025.
- Live stream available via WRAL.
- No persons dressed as Santa Claus are permitted.
Location
Event Details
Duration
2 hours
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Cary
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Cary Jaycees
Food & Drink
No sales allowed for vendors, but food trucks can participate in the parade for advertising.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along E. Chatham Street or S. Academy Street, as parking is limited and roads close at 1:00 PM.
- Spectators should be aware that throwing candy is not allowed; participants will hand out candy from the sidewalk.
- Participants must arrive between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM (floats by 12:00 PM) at designated drop-off points.
- Consider bringing a hot cocoa or warm beverage to enjoy while watching the parade, as no vendors will be selling food or drinks.
- Check the official Cary Jaycees website by December 10th for the parade lineup to know which groups and floats to look out for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the registration deadline for parade participants?
Registration for participants ends on November 29, 2025, at 12:00 AM. Registering by November 8, 2025, will secure the best pricing.
What are the safety precautions in place for the parade?
Safety is a priority, with protocols including no throwing of candy (only handing out from sidewalks), float arrival times, driver safety briefings, and spacing between participants and floats.
What is considered a float for registration purposes?
Anything being towed, including vehicles, is considered a float. There are different registration tiers based on the number of vehicles and whether a float is involved.
Is this event rain or shine?
Yes, this is a rain, snow, or shine event, and no refunds will be given for cancellations due to weather.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
While there are no vendors selling food or drinks, spectators are welcome to bring their own to enjoy during the parade.
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.