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Annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade

55th Annual Holiday Parade

Presented by the County and City of Schenectady

Saturday, November 23, 2024
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Ring in the Holiday season in Downtown Schenectady at the 55th Annual Holiday Parade Presented by the County and City of Schenectady.

Enjoy the northeast's largest night-time holiday parade and usher in the holiday season with this storied holiday tradition. Experience the magic of the holidays with sparkling floats, glittering firetrucks, marching bands, dance troupes, and Santa Claus - fun for the whole family!

Thank you to the 2024 Parade Sponsors and Partners

2024 Grand Marshal

Congratulations Downtown Ambassadors!

We are thrilled to announce the City Mission's Downtown Ambassadors as the 2024 Holiday Parade Grand Marshal! This dedicated group of individuals embodies the spirit of community and service, working tirelessly to create a welcoming and vibrant downtown for all. Their commitment to enhancing the downtown experience makes them the perfect choice to lead this year's parade.

Just Announced! New Enhancements to the Schenectady County Holiday Parade

A Second Grand Stand on Lower State Street

A second grandstand will be added to the parade route 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 and Shen from the Daily Gazette. Together, they will provide live commentary and insights to enrich your parade experience.

A Sensory-Friendly Space

Schenectady County is proud to partner with Crossroads Center for Children to make the event more inclusive, by launching a pilot program to create a sensory-friendly space families can access during the parade at GE Theatre inside Proctors. This pilot initiative will allow families with special needs to be part of the festivities while giving them a quieter, less stimulating space to decompress.

Veterans Division

All those who have served in the military are invited to join the new Veterans Division in this year's Holiday Parade. The division is open to both groups AND individuals. Trolly transportation along the parade route will be provided to those who request it through CDTA.

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

Be Part of the Parade!

Get excited! The 55th Annual Holiday Parade is right around the corner. Registration for the 2024 Holiday Parade is Closed!

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.

2023 Holiday Parade

Schenectady County certainly was in a "New York State of Mind at the 2023 Holiday Parade. The 54th Annual Holiday Parade turned out to be the best and brightest parade yet.

View Highlights

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.