Raleigh Christmas Parade Returns with Floats, Marching Bands, and Holiday Cheer
Bundle up for the 81st annual tradition lighting up downtown Raleigh.
Shannon
November 17, 2025
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Get ready for tinsel, trumpets, and possibly a snow machine or two—Raleigh’s 81st ABC11 Christmas Parade kicks off Saturday, November 22 at 9:30 AM! The 1.4-mile route winds from Hillsborough Street to Lenoir Street, filling downtown with marching bands, dancers, and floats bigger than your holiday wish list. Whether you’re watching curbside or tuning in on ABC11, it’s a Raleigh holiday tradition that never loses its sparkle. Here’s everything you need to plan your parade morning.
This isn’t sponsored by ABC11 (we’d tell you if it were)—we just like any excuse to see a marching Santa on live TV. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Bleu Olive’s Pork Chop is served with potato pavé, root vegetables, and a pear & fig mostarda for a rich, seasonal finish.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: PETEY | DOG | 7 MONTHS | MALE
Petey is a 7-month-old, 43-pound sweetheart with a lapdog soul and a goofy grin, offering the perfect blend of snuggly and silly. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Townes of Westford, Apex on November 22 at 7AM for high-quality home décor, furniture, and women’s clothing, all in excellent, like-new condition. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Thanksgiving Wine Tasting Class at Dram & Draught on November 20 at 5:30PM.
Thanksgiving Wine Tasting Class invites guests to sip, swirl, and savor a curated selection of eight exceptional wines designed to elevate holiday celebrations. Sign up here →
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🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Rolling In Rolesville @ Rolesville Community Center | November 19 | 11AM
The Senior Network Bunco Meet-Up is a twice-monthly gathering at Rolesville Community Center where seniors can play Bunco, win over 100 prizes, and make new friends—no registration required. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Burger King | 10% Senior Discount
Burger King offers 10% off for seniors, plus extra drink discounts for guests 60 and older.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Lindsey Stirling | Rock
Lindsey Stirling is an American violinist, dancer, and composer known for her innovative fusion of classical violin with electronic music and choreographed performances. | DPAC | November 22, 8PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Brandon Lake | Rock
Brandon Lake is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, and worship leader known for his powerful vocals and passionate, faith-driven songs of praise and devotion. | Lenovo Center | March 22, 7PM | Get tickets here →
Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)
When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.
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✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.
✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.
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✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.
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Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Joe Gatto at Goodnights Comedy Club | November 28-30 | Joe Gatto is an American comedian, actor, and producer best known as a member of the comedy troupe The Tenderloins and a star of the television series Impractical Jokers. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Ms. Pat at The Carolina Theatre of Durham | January 30, 8PM | Ms. Pat is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and author known for her raw, fearless storytelling and sharp humor drawn from her real-life experiences. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 New Member's Night @ West Street Dog | November 21 | 4PM
New Member’s Night at West St. Dog offers free dog park entry for first-time visitors, with proof of vaccines and the West St. Dog app required, and all dogs over 8 months must be spayed or neutered. Get details here →
🤝 Friendsgiving: The Feel-Good Journey Edition @ 814 Elmira Avenue | November 21 | 6:30PM
A cozy Friendsgiving gathering featuring healthier twists on holiday favorites, herbal tea sipping, and a closing gratitude circle to foster grounding, connection, and community. Get details here →
Boxcar's one of those Raleigh gems you stumble into for a quick beer and end up staying all night. Between the retro arcade games, the rotating craft drafts, and the dog-friendly patio, it’s got that perfect mix of nostalgia and chill vibes. Just don’t tell too many people…I like being able to snag the good pinball machine without a wait.
—Hannah, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Equivity VA is seeking a Virtual Litigation Paralegal.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Giggles Drop-in Childcare is seeking an Afterschool Teacher.
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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