- Home
- PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
- Special Events
- Holiday Parade and Fun Fest
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 12, 2020
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).
Please check back during fall 2020 for maps!
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 Marshal
Please check back during fall 2020 for details!
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
Please check back during fall 2020 for details on how to sign up.
- 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 $90
- 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
Please check back during fall 2020 for details!
Photos from the 2019 Holiday Parade are available on our Facebook Page.
Event Contact
For parade information, email Rukea Womack or call 919-560-4355.
Fun Fest
Saturday, December 12, 2020
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
Please check back during fall 2020 for details!
Fun Fest Food Vendor Information
City Resident $175 | Non-City Resident $205
Please check back soon for details!
Fun Fest Non-Food Vendor Information
City Resident $75 | Non-City Resident $90
Please check back soon for details!
Fun Fest Event Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For information contact Cynthia Booth.
Event Contact
For Fun Fest information, email Kristin Perez or call 919-560-4355.
Photos from the 2019 Fun Fest are available on our Facebook page.
Holiday Parade & Fun Fest Parking
| Locations | Cost |
|---|---|
| On-Street Metered Parking* | FREE |
| Chapel Hill Street Garage | FREE |
| Durham Centre City Garage | FREE |
| Morgan/Rigsbee Parking Garage | FREE |
| Corcoran Street Garage | $5 |
| Church Street Garage | $5 |
| Durham County Justice Center | $2 for first hour / $1 each additional hour |
| American Tobacco South Parking Deck | $7 per car |
| American Tobacco East Parking Deck | $7 per car |
| American Tobacco North Parking Deck | $7 per car |
*Please note: There will be no parking on Main Street on December 12 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.
Event Cancellation Information
Events may be canceled in the case of severe inclement weather.