Sunday, November 27, 2025
Begins at 2:00pm
Main Street in downtown
High Point, North Carolina
A High Point tradition since 1925
Sunday, November 27, 2025
Begins at 2:00pm
Main Street in downtown
High Point, North Carolina
A High Point tradition since 1925
About The Parade
How long does the parade last?
Parade is expected to last approximately one and a half hours.
Where does it begin?
The parade will begin at Green Drive and travel north on Main Street to Qubein Street. Southbound traffic will be rerouted beginning at 2:00 pm.
Where is the best place to watch the parade?
High Point’s wide Main Street and sidewalks provide a wonderful view of the parade all along the parade route.
Where do I park to watch the parade?
Parking is available at various businesses along the parade route as well as at the parking decks in the downtown area. Disabled persons can view the parade from a reserved area in front of Sheraton Towers at 400 North Main Street.
What happens if it rains?
No rain date scheduled…We will have the parade rain or shine.
History of the Holiday Festival
High Point has hosted this annual parade since 1925.
The parade is known statewide as one of the favorites of the viewing audience. At one time, the parade was held on Thanksgiving Day. In 1976, the parade was officially named the High Point Holiday Festival Parade. The parade was moved to the evening in the 1980s, and for years was the largest nighttime parade in the state of North Carolina.
For many years, the parade was produced by the High Point Merchants Association. In 2008, the HPMA merged with the Greensboro Merchants Association, forming the Guilford Merchants Association. GMA has produced the annual parade ever since.
In 2010, the parade was moved to the Sunday before Thanksgiving at 3pm, rain or shine. Each year, the parade has more than 100 entries, including marching bands, beauty queens, floats, clowns, Santa Claus and much, much more!
Be one of the thousands that flock to Downtown High Point year after year to usher in the coming holiday season with the High Point Holiday Festival Parade!
Rules and Regulations
Participating in the parade?
You can find the rules and regulations here.
Parade
Enjoy a peek through parades of the past with our photo gallery!
