Annual Holiday Parade Presented by the City and County of Schenectady
NOW STREAMING!
Watch the Northeast's Largest Nighttime Holiday Parade Online Now. A Storied Holiday Tradition! Schenectady County ushers in the holiday season in Downtown Schenectady with sparking floats, glittering firetrucks, marching bands, dance troupes, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul stopped by and helped kick off the parade and welcomed our parade Grand Marshal the New York Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing!
Be in a New York State of Mind this holiday season! Let's celebrate the best of what makes New York and Schenectady County a great place to live, work, and play. There is so much to discover, from the snow-capped Adirondacks to the bright lights of Broadway, all the villages, towns, and cities along the banks of the Erie Canal, and everything in between.
Announcing the Veteran's Division at the Holiday Parade
Schenectady County welcomes anyone who has served to walk as the guest of honor in the new Veterans Division at the 54th Annual Holiday Parade. The newly formed division will march directly behind the 109th Airlift Wing. Too often many Veterans aren't able to participate in these types of events unless they are members of a veterans organization. The Veterans division is open to veteran groups and individuals.
Sign up today! CDTA is proud to offer the MVP Trolley for Veterans who request to ride the parade route.
The 2023 Holiday Parade Grand Marshal
Members of the New York Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing
Schenectady County takes great pride in being the home of the 109th Airlift Wing, and as a fitting tribute to their 75th anniversary, we are honored to have them serve as the Grand Marshal of our holiday parade. This celebration not only marks their incredible milestone but also acknowledges the invaluable service they provide to our country and local community.
Thank you to the 54th Annual Holiday Parade Sponsors
Be Part of the Parade!
Get excited! The 54th Annual Holiday Parade is right around the corner. Applications for the 2023 parade are now CLOSED.
Check back later for registration information for the 55th Annual Holiday Parade.
What to expect!
Sparkling Floats
Dozen's of brighly decorated and illuminated floats built by local volunteers!
Glittering Firetrucks
Decorated firetrucks, police cars, snow plows, and more decked out in holiday style.
Festive Marching Bands
Holiday tunes performed by local marching bands, drumlines, and musicians.
Spectacular Dancers
Local dancers dance down state street with holiday-infused routines.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
He is making his list and checking it twice! Santa and Mrs. Claus make their first official visit to Schenectady County spreading holiday cheer and reminding everyone to be kind
Past Parade Highlights
Thank you for ringing in the holiday season with Schenectady County at the Annual Holiday Parade. Take a look back at your favorite moments from past parades.
2022 Holiday Parade
Schenectady County certainly "Dreamed Big" at the 2022 Holiday Parade. It turned out to be the biggest parade yet with performances by national recording artist Ryan Cabrara and Girl Blue.