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Schenectady County Announces Traffic Closures and Updated Information for Holiday Parade

Schenectady County Holiday Parade Logo

Schenectady County announced traffic closures for the upcoming 55th Annual Holiday Parade Presented by the County and City of Schenectady on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

  • State Street between Clinton and Broadway will close at 10:00 a.m.
  • Side streets around State Street will start to close at approximately 3:30 p.m.
  • State Street from Gateway Landing Bridge to Veeder/Nott Street will close at 4:00 p.m.
  • Erie Boulevard heading north will close at 4:00 p.m.
  • Erie Boulevard at Union Street will close at 4:00 p.m.
  • Exit 4C on I-890 will close at 3:45 p.m.
  • Travel between the north and south sides of Downtown Schenectady will be accessible via Veeder Avenue and Nott Terrace.

Parking information is available at www.parkschenectady.com.

“We’re excited to kick off the holiday season with the 55th Annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “With the addition of fun activities, a sensory-friendly space, and community partnerships, we’ve worked hard to make this year’s event more inclusive and festive for everyone. We invite families to come early, enjoy the pre-parade holiday block party, and celebrate with us as we spread holiday cheer throughout the region.”

Pre-Parade Holiday Block Party

The festivities will begin at 3:00 p.m. with a pre-parade holiday block party on State Street and Jay, featuring live music from Grand Central Station and performances by UAlbany's a cappella group, Pitch Please. Greet some familiar faces, from beloved holiday characters to Nutcracker figures, brought to life by the Myers Ballet School. The Jay Street Marketplace will feature face painting, holiday crafts, and fun activities for kids, along with nearly 15 local craft and artisan vendors offering unique holiday gifts. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos and festive cheer before they line up for the parade. Plus, food trucks and local restaurants will be dishing out seasonal treats and savory delights.

This year, area sponsors have partnered with local nonprofit organizations to bring more jingle to the parade. Best Companies, a local family owned business, is partnering with Capital Region Toys for Tots to host a kickoff toy drive during the event’s pre-parade festivities. Attendees are invited to come early and stuff a Toys for Tots van with toys to be delivered to area youth in need this season. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the van by the mainstage near Proctors. Sunmark Credit Union, a proud supporter of the Special Olympics, is partnering with the Capital Region Special Olympics to honor its athletes during the parade. This collaboration highlights Sunmark’s commitment to inclusivity and the transformative power of sport, as they work together to create an environment where all athletes can thrive.

Second Grandstand on Lower State Street

This year there will be a second grandstand on lower State Street near the corner of State and South Ferry streets. Sponsored by National Grid, this new viewing area will feature emcees Stan Hudy and Shenandoah Briere, from The Daily Gazette’s Stan and Shen Show, who will provide live commentary and insights to enrich the experience for attendees. Additionally, they’ll be livestreaming the event, bringing the excitement to even more viewers.

Sensory-Friendly Space

Schenectady County is partnering with Crossroads Center for Children to make the event more inclusive, by launching a pilot program to create a sensory-friendly space at the GE Theater inside Proctors Theatre. The space will open at 5:00 p.m. and be available for families throughout the parade.

Veterans Division

The Veterans Division, made permanent this year to honor veterans for their dedicated service to our country, will have a position of honor directly behind this year’s Grand Marshal. Capital Region residents who have served in the military are encouraged to register for the Veterans Division, either as individuals or as part of a Veterans organization, by visiting www.schenectadycountyny.gov/parade. Participants can choose to walk or ride along the parade route, with trolley transportation provided by CDTA for those who request it. 

2024 Grand Marshal

The Schenectady Downtown Ambassadors will serve as the Grand Marshal at this year’s Annual Holiday Parade. Established in 2009, the City’s Mission’s Ambassador Program is celebrating 15 years of service, transforming lives, and building a sense of community. Over 100 men and women have extended hospitality to visitors in Downtown Schenectady, creating a welcoming atmosphere and used their skills to navigate challenging situations. Through this experience, they've gained valuable workforce training and development. Many Ambassadors have advanced to new employment opportunities, continuing to make a positive impact on themselves, their families, and our community.

The event is produced under the leadership of the County and City of Schenectady, with Premier Sponsor MVP Health Care, with additional support from Best Companies, Sunmark Credit Union, National Grid, and Market 32/Price Chopper, and in partnership with The Daily Gazette, WTEN, Albany Broadcasting, Proctors Theatre, Crossroads Center for Children, Chamber of Schenectady County, the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp., Transfinder, Discover Schenectady, and the DoubleTree. 

More information about the Schenectady County Holiday Parade is available at www.schenectadycountyny.gov/parade. Follow Schenectady County on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date information on all the County’s special events.