53rd Annual Holiday Parade

Watch the 53rd Annual Holiday Parade. Now Streaming Online

Thank you for dreaming big and kicking off the holiday season with Schenectady County. The 53rd Annual Holiday Parade turned out to be the biggest parade yet. Watch the full parade online and look back at your favorite moments.

Watch Now

Meet Madelyn Thorne, the 2022 Grand Marshall

When Madelyn Thorne isn't helping people realize the American dream of homeownership as the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, she volunteers with eight organizations. These include the Schenectady County Public Library, New Choices Recovery, and the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District. “We couldn’t think of anyone more well deserving of the honor," said Cathy Gatta, Schenectady County Legislator, and Chairperson of the Tourism, Arts & Special Events Committee. "Madelyn’s work in the nonprofit sector through the years speaks volumes to the themes and messages we’re looking to spread with this year’s festivities.”

Award Winning Floats, Spectacular Performances, & Big Dreams!

Chamber Business Award

Christine Serafini, Miranda Real Estate Group

Non-Profit Award

C.R.E.A.T.E Community Studios

Peoples Choice Award

Hamilton Elementary School Huskies

Best Live Musical Performance

Mohonasen High School Marching Band

Red Suspenders Award

Stanford Heights Fire Department

Movement & Dance Award

Triple Threat Cheerleading & Dance

Best Overall Entry

Schenectady Caribbean Day

A Rockin' Holiday Block Party!

For the first-time ever Schenectady County and our friends at MVP Healthcare hosted a pre-parade Holiday block party on State Street and Jay. Thousands of people came out to watch national recording artist, TV Actor, and 00's pop icon, Ryan Cabrera perform live on the parade mainstage.

Santa was out and about on State Street and Jay as children and adults enjoyed live performances on the mainstage, sipped hot cocoa from nearby restaurants and took selfies with their favorite holiday characters. A huge thank you to Santa and the Costumer for bringing a festive spirit to the holiday block party.

It was cold, but Capital Region Singer/Songwriter Girl Blue warmed up the crowd at the 2022 Pre-parade Holiday Block Party.

Special Guests!

Miss New York traveled to Schenectady to meet with our friends at the YWCA. Taryn Smith, who was crowned Miss New York in May of 2022 shares the YWCA's "Big Dream" of a world without domestic violence.

After performing on the parade mainstage, Ryan Cabrera met up with our friends at Albany Broadcasting and joined the parade down State Street.

In preparation for his worldwide marathon on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made their first official visit to Schenectady County. Santa's sleigh was escroted by members of the Mohanasen High School Marching Band.