The City of Harrisburg will present the annual Holiday Parade in Downtown Harrisburg on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10am. The parade will feature giant parade balloons, marching band and dance team performances, decorated floats, characters, Santa Claus and more. The parade takes place on Front and 2nd Streets from Market to North. After the parade, head to Strawberry Square to meet Santa, enjoy FREE hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last) and find out the marching band, dance team, and Best in Theme winners. Marching bands are awarded $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place and $200 for 3rd place. The top three dance/step/drill teams receive $150 for first place, $100 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place along with trophies. The Best in Theme winner receives a $100 Amazon gift card.
Visitors are encouraged to eat lunch at one of the many terrific restaurants located in the City and to do some shopping at local boutiques. A great way to explore the City is through the self-guided trails and experiences offered through Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, including the Sweet Treat Trail, Harrisburg Arts District, Brew Barons Beer Trail, Adventure Trail, and the Cultural Guides. For a full list of City businesses to explore, visit www.explorehbg.com. For more information on the trails and experiences, visit www.visithersheyharrisburg.org/trails.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
– 10 a.m. – Start of parade
– Following the parade – Announcement of parade winners, free hot chocolate & cookies (while supplies last) and Santa Claus at Strawberry Square
PARADE ROUTE:
– The parade takes place on Front and 2nd Streets from Market to North. The route begins at the intersection of Front and Market Streets, proceeds on Market St., turns left on 2nd St., turns left on North St., turns left on Front St. and ends where it began at Market St.
PARKING/TRANSIT:
– The code LUVHBG can be used in the Parkmobile app to receive 4 hours of free street parking in the Downtown area.
– The Market Square Garage is $10 from 8am-8pm courtesy of Park Harrisburg.
– A bus stop and the train station are just 2 blocks away.
ROAD CLOSURES:
– The Market Street Bridge will be closed starting at 7 a.m.
– 2nd Street and Front Street will be closed from Market to Forster Streets starting at 7 a.m.
SPONSORS:
– Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore HBG, Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, Park Harrisburg
Share your experiences with us using #HolidayParadeHBG.
PARTICIPANTS
If you are interested in participating in the 2025 Holiday Parade, please complete the application below by Friday, October 17. We will begin to send acceptance notices on Monday, October 20 so we recommend applying prior to that for best consideration on acceptance.
The 2025 Holiday Parade application is not yet available.
If you would like to submit an entry for a decorated float, marching band, dance/step/drill team, walking group or vehicle, please complete the application by clicking the blue button on the left.
PARADE MAP
PARADE BALLOONS
See below for photos of the 3 giant parade balloons that were featured in the 2024 Holiday Parade. The balloons were provided by Dynamic Displays.
Balloon Sponsor: Capital Blue Cross
Balloon Sponsor: Aetna Better Health Kids
Balloon Sponsor: Xfinity
EXPLORE THE CITY
SHOPPING
From timeless fashions for women and fine clothing for men, to hand-crafted soaps & home décor, the shops, stands and specialty stores of Harrisburg provide the ultimate marketplace.
DINING IN THE CITY
Whether you are in the mood for a quick bite from a casual joint, a farm-to-table meal, or a 5-course feast, Harrisburg has you covered.
EVENTS & FAMILY FUN
Harrisburg is full of fun activities for all ages! Families can make a stop at the nearby Whitaker Center to explore science exhibits & a 3D cinema. You can also take a tour of the state Capitol building, watch a movie at Midtown Cinema, catch shows by Theatre Harrisburg and Gamut Theatre, and more!
ACCOMODATIONS
With so much to see and experience throughout the City, consider staying for the weekend to maximize your visit. The City offers several nearby hotels and other accomodations.
BREW BARONS BEER TRAIL
Join the interactive craft beer adventure in hershey and Harrisburg. Explore 30+ craft breweries and tasting locations to earn prizes and become a Brew Baron.
HARRISBURG ARTS DISTRICT
The Harrisburg Arts District is a walkable area encompassing parts of the Capitol City’s downtown, midtown, and riverfront. Don’t miss all that our creative community has to offer in the form of art museums and galleries, live theatre, concerts, murals, and more!
SWEET TREAT TRAIL
Plan a sweet escape! From family recipes to the most famous name in chocolate, discover delicious treats from more than 25 taste-tempting locations.
ADVENTURE TRAIL
Plan an outdoor adventure! Hike, bike, or kayak to experience a variety of trails, waterways, and scenic spaces sure to bring out your inner explorer.
SPONSORS
The City of Harrisburg relies on community partners to produce the Holiday Parade. This event will offer exposure to a diverse crowd of local residents and regional visitors alike. Please review the sponsorship packet and contact Cortney Ranck-Cameron at 717-255-3033 or [email protected] for more information about sponsorship opportunities. We are happy to create custom sponsorships to meet your goals.
Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting this event! It would not be possible without your support.
EVENT IMAGES
