Ring in the Holiday season in Downtown Schenectady at the 53rd Annual Holiday Parade presented by the City & County of Schenectady.
Enjoy this storied, annual Capital Region tradition with friends and family. With marching bands, dancing troupes, glittering firetrucks, sparkling floats, and a special visit from Santa Claus, it's fun for the whole family. Come early and enjoy holiday performances by local musicians on the parade mainstage.
Dream big this holiday season! Let's celebrate the limitless possibilities of a child's imagination, the hope for a better life, and the dreams of business owners and changemakers. Together, we can make those dreams a reality in Schenectady County.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor
Premier Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
CDTA
National Grid
Ellis Medicine
Best Fitness
Community Partners
Chamber of Schenectady
Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation
Discover Schenectady
The Costumer
Media Partners
Albany Broadcasting - Radio
The Daily Gazette - Print
WTEN/WXXA - TV
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE & PARADE LINE-UP
3:00pm to 5:00pm | Pre-parade Holiday Block Party
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Come early to enjoy a special holiday block party on State St. and Jay. Enjoy live music performed by singer-songwriter Girl Blue and national recording artist Ryan Cabrera on the Parade Mainstage on State Street, grab a hot drink or a bite to eat at our local restaurants, do some shopping and take a selfie with holiday characters, including Santa, on Jay Street. If you get cold, you can pick up free handwarmers and gloves at the MVP sponsor table.
5:00pm | Parade Kick-Off
The fun begins at the corner of State St and Washington near SUNY Schenectady. Grand Marshal Madelyn Thorne leads over one hundred floats, marching bands, dance troupes, decorated fire trucks and more down State Street to the grand stand in front of Proctors.
Meet the Grand Marshal!
Madelyn Thorne is the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County. She inspires people to "dream big" everyday by mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, revitalizing neighborhoods, and helping ordinary people achieve the American dream of homeownership. Learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County.
PARADE ROUTE
Parade begins at SUNY Schenectady at the corner of State Street and Washington Ave and continues up State Street to the corner of Lafayette and State Street. The parade mainstage is located at the Proctors Marquee, 432 State Street.
PARKING & ROAD CLOSURES
Free parking is available at the Schenectady Municipal Parking Garage on Broadway and various public surface lots within walking distance of the parade route. Some lots may be closed due to road closures. Plan ahead and avoid parking tickets using Park Schenectady.