Heralding the arrival of the holiday season, annual holiday parades by the dozens provide festive cheer during November and December in the Southeast. Wherever you may be visiting, from the largest cities to the smallest country towns, there is likely to be a holiday parade taking place somewhere nearby to get you into the spirit of the season. These holiday parade highlights feature parades in some of the Southeast's most popular holiday tourist destinations. Also see:
Raleigh Christmas Parade
Raleigh, North Carolina - November 17, 2012Raleigh's annual Christmas Parade features fanciful floats, giant balloons, an array of bands, entertainers and more. The parade, which follows a 1.4 mile route and lasts about two and one-half hours, steps off at 9:40 a.m. (Rain Date is November 18)
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Asheville Holiday Parade
Asheville, North Carolina - November 17, 2012This community parade, a celebration of all of the holidays, has highlighted Asheville's holiday spirit since 1946. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and the theme for 2012 is Silver Bells and Snowflakes.
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Related: Christmas at Biltmore Estate
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Grand Illumination Parade
Norfolk, Virginia - November 17, 2012Join 100,000 or so spectators in a synchronized countdown to the illumination of the Norfolk and Olde Towne Portsmouth skylines, which kicks off the beginning of this annual holiday parade. The parade features floats, bands, giant helium balloons, Ole Saint Nick and more. The parade, themed Storybook LIVE this year, begins at 7 p.m.
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Related - 100 Miles of Lights
Carolinas' Carrousel Thanksgiving Day Parade
Charlotte, North Carolina - November 22, 2012- A 65 year Thanksgiving Day tradition, this annual parade draws spectators and participants from both of the Carolinas and has been recognized as the fourth largest Thanksgiving Parade in the United States.
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Winter Wonderland Parade - Light Up Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky - November 23, 2012Held each year on the day after Thanksgiving, Light Up Louisville has been a Louisville holiday tradition since 1981. Ushering in the Louisville holiday season, Light Up Louisville events include a colorful evening parade of lights, day and evening of live entertainment, a festival holiday market, family activities, the arrival of Santa Claus, fireworks and more.
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Children's Christmas Parade
Atlanta, Georgia - December 1, 2012Featuring award-winning marching bands, holiday themed and animated floats, giant helium balloons and a Santa grand finale, this premiere annual parade kicks off the holiday season with more than a little holiday magic. The parade stars at Peachtree Street near Baker Street and ends on Centennial Olympic Park Drive. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - Noon rain or shine.
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Related - Atlanta for the Holidays
The Dominion Christmas Parade
Richmond, Virginia - December 1, 2012This annual holiday parade marks the official start of the Richmond holiday season with colorful floats, star-spangled bands, high flying balloons and Santa. The parade begins at the Science Museum of Virginia, continues along Broad Street and ends at 7th Street. Start time is 10 a.m.
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Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Alexandria, Virginia - December 1, 2012A highlight of the annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend in Old Town Alexandria, this popular parade features more than 100 Scottish Clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, Scottie dog groups, re-enactment groups, Santa Claus and more. Other traditional annual events during the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend include a Christmas Marketplace and a Holiday Designer Tour of Homes. The parade steps off on Saturday at 11 a.m.
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Related - Alexandria Holiday Events
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Lighted Holiday Parade
Savannah, Georgia - December 1, 2012A relative newcomer to the collection of holiday parades in the Southeast, the Savannah Lighted Holiday Parade begins at the waterfront on River Street and proceeds throughout the Historic District. Before the parade, enjoy a multicultural holiday celebration of regional arts and crafts and live holiday entertainment during the day along River Street during Christmas on the River. The parade steps off at 5:30 p.m.
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Related - Photos of Savannah
Charleston Christmas Parade
Charleston, South Carolina - December 2, 2012A Charleston holiday tradition, this annual parade features bands, floats performers and marchers through the historic streets of downtown Charleston. It begins at the intersection of Calhoun and Meeting Streets.
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Related - Top Things to Do in Charleston
Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
Gatlinburg, Tennessee - December 7, 2012This annual parade for young and old features marching bands from all over the Southeast U.S., giant helium balloons and more. The parade begins at 7:30 at Traffic Light 1A on Hwy 321 and ends about an hour-and-a-half later at Traffic Light 10.
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Related - Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival
Nashville Christmas Parade
Nashville, Tennessee - December 7, 2012The 60th Annual Nashville Christmas Parade showcases the city's rich history of music with floats, holiday lights illuminating the night sky, and the magical sounds of the holiday season. Always held on the first Friday in December.
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