Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
Visitors gather along downtown streets to watch a holiday procession featuring marching bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and churches. The route proceeds along East Chatham Street, turns onto South Academy Street, and finishes in front of the Cary Arts Center at Dry Avenue. Spectators standing along the sidewalks can also receive candy handed out directly by parade participants.
Sat, Dec 12, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
No spectator admission price is stated. Parade participant registration: Walkers/Dancers Only $100; Walkers/Dancers Only 501C3 $50; Walkers/Dancers Only 501C34 $75; Cars/Trucks with Walkers (NO FLOATS) $200; Cars/Trucks with Walkers (NO FLOATS) 501 C3 $100; Cars/Trucks with Walkers (NO FLOATS) 501 C4- $150; Floats with Cars/Trucks/Walkers $325; Floats with Cars/Trucks/Walkers 501C3 $162.50; Floats with Cars/Trucks/Walkers $243.75; Professional Float $800. Pricing will go up after November 8.
Hours
2pm - 4pm.
Neighborhood
Downtown Cary
Food & Drink
Food and drink sales are not allowed; food trucks may participate in the parade, but cannot make sales.
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.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Park in a Town of Cary public lot, because parking along E. Chatham and S. Academy streets is not allowed on parade day.
- Bring your own snacks and drinks, because the parade permit does not allow food trucks or any other vendors to sell.
- Stay on the sidewalk with the kids, because participants walk along it to hand out candy instead of throwing it.
- Expect closures on Ward, Hunter, East Cedar, Dry Ave and East and West Circle Drive, so plan your route into downtown around them.
- If your group is marching, register before November 8, because participant pricing goes up after that date.
Special Events & Promotions
- Participant registration prices go up after November 8.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will we see in the parade?
The parade includes bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups and churches.
Where can I park?
There is no parking set aside for the parade. Use any Town of Cary public parking area. You can't park on E. Chatham St or S. Academy St along the route.
Will kids get candy?
Yes, but nobody throws it. Participants walk along the sidewalk and hand candy to spectators, which keeps everyone out of the road.
Are there food trucks or vendors?
No. The permit does not allow vendors. Food trucks can drive in the parade to advertise, but they can't sell anything.
Can I watch if I can't make it downtown?
Yes. WRAL is live-streaming the parade again this year.
Browse Christmas in 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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.