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Holiday Parade and Fun Fest
Kick off the holiday season at the Durham Holiday Parade and Fun Fest!
Cheer on dynamic floats, hometown bands, drill teams, schools, and community groups as they make their way down Main Street at the Durham Holiday Parade. The procession will conclude with a guest appearance from Santa.
At the Fun Fest, enjoy snow sledding, inflatable bounce houses, arts and crafts activities, visits with Santa, train rides, music, and more.
Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2019
10 a.m.
Downtown Durham - Main Street
Free Event
Rain or Shine
- Floats
- Bands
- Mascots
Seating will not be provided. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.
Parade Route & Maps
The parade will start at the Health Department (Main and Dillard Streets) and end near Duke University East Campus (Main Street and Buchanan Boulevard).
Parade Performance Areas
Designated performance areas will be located near the following intersections: Mangum and Main streets, Chapel Hill and Main streets, and Duke and Main streets.
Parade Restrooms
Temporary restroom stations will be located near the following intersections: S. Elizabeth/Commerce and Main streets, Chapel Hill and Main streets, and Duke and Main streets
Parade Parking
Please check back soon for parking information.Please note: There will be no parking on Main Street on December 14 beginning at 6 a.m. Parking violators will be towed. The street will close to vehicular traffic at 7 a.m. All roads will reopen no later than 2 p.m.
Parade Food Vendor Information
City Resident $75 | Non-City Resident $90
Fill out the online form to apply to be a food vendor for the Parade.
Parade Participants
Parade participant registration will begin on Monday, September 30 at 8:30 a.m. Visit our Active Net registration site for details.
- General Unit Entry (Walking, Car, Motorcycle, Horse, etc.): This is for units promoting a non-profit, organization, business or social group.
- City Resident $75 | Non-City Resident $95
- Marching Band: Any organized marching group that plays instruments for entertainment purposes.
- Free
- Float Rental: Float rentals must be done in person beginning Monday, September 30 at 8:30 a.m. at the Durham Parks and Recreation Administration Building located at 400 Cleveland Street. A limited quantity is available.
- City Resident $750 | Non-City Resident $775
Rain Procedure: Please be prepared in the case of rain, snow, or other inclement weather. In the case of a weather event, the festival coordinator will consider and determine suspension or cancellation of any part or the entire event. You should not leave the parade area before the festival coordinator announces suspension or cancellation of the event. If you choose to leave before an official suspension or cancellation is made by the festival coordinator, no refund of event fees will be returned to the organization.
Refunds: No deposit and rental fees will be refunded for cancellations less than 30 calendar days prior to the proposed date of the event. Exceptions include when the cancellation is a result of an act of nature or the event is cancelled by DPR due to unforeseen circumstances. Please allow two to four weeks for processing. All refunds will be mailed to the individual, business, or organization's address on the application.
Parade Volunteer Information
Interested in volunteering? Volunteers will receive a shirt and snacks! Visit iVolunteer to sign up.
Photos from the 2018 Holiday Parade are available on our Facebook Page.
For information about the parade, email Rukea Womack.
Fun Fest
Saturday, December 14, 2019
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Blackwell Street between Morehead Avenue and West Lakewood Avenue
Free Event
Rain or Shine
Fun Fest Activities
- Peppermint Plunge – Snow sledding for children and adults (sleds will be provided, please do not bring a sled) + two snow play areas
- North Pole – Santa Claus Meet & Greet
- Frosty Family Fun
- Community Care Corner – Decorate holiday cards for homebound individuals in our community
- Vendors – Local businesses will be giving out information as well as selling arts & crafts, etc.
Fun Fest Volunteers
Interested in volunteering? Volunteers will receive a shirt and snacks! Visit iVolunteer to sign up.
Fun Fest Food Vendor Information
City Resident $175 | Non-City Resident $205
Fill out the online form to apply to be a food vendor for Fun Fest.
Fun Fest Non-Food Vendor Information
City Resident $75 | Non-City Resident $95
Register online for a Non-Food Vendor space at the Fun Fest.
Fun Fest Event Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For information contact Cynthia Booth.
For information about Fun Fest, email Kristin Perez.