The annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade is kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. The parade route begins at 140 West Plaza, travels along Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, proceeds to Main Street in Carrboro, and ends at Carrboro Town Hall.
This year’s theme will be “Walkin’ in a winter wonderland” to feature modes of travel like walking, biking, and rollerblading. Earlier this year, the parade’s planning team made the decision to remove motor vehicles from the 2023 Community Holiday Parade for the safety of both participants and spectators. This decision also demonstrates Chapel Hill and Carrboro’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Participant registration for the parade is open through Sunday, Nov. 12. Parade units are encouraged to decorate with a winter theme and should plan to entertain or engage spectators. Organizations with diverse cultural and faith traditions are encouraged to apply via the Community Arts & Culture website.
Community Arts & Culture’s Interim Director, Meeghan Rosen, says, “We’re lucky to have such a diverse array of community groups and organizations here in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. They’re what make the Holiday Parade such a fun, festive, and uniquely local event. We’re looking forward to this year’s parade!”
Attendees should arrive early to secure their spots and explore the area’s restaurants and shops after the parade ends. To see local offerings, visit https://downtownchapelhill.com/ and https://visitcarrboro.com/.
Parking will be available at 140 West and other lots downtown. Learn more about parking in Chapel Hill at parkonthehill.com and parking in Carrboro at carrboronc.gov/parking.
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade is planned and organized by the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture, Carrboro Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Resources, and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership.
To learn more, visit chapelhillcarrboroparade.org.
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