# Apex Christmas Parade & Rotary Tree Lighting on Salem Street > Event for families in the Raleigh–Cary area (NC). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Sat, Dec 5 · 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM - Where: Historic Downtown Apex & The Halle Cultural Arts Center, 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502 - Ages: All ages (illuminated nighttime holiday parade along Historic Salem Street; lawn chairs and blankets encouraged) - Price: Free public admission; curbside sidewalk viewing and tree lighting activities are free. - Organizer: Apex Rotary Club & Town of Apex - Official page: https://www.apexnc.org/428/Special-Events-Festivals - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 10, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/raleigh/activities/apex-christmas-parade-and-rotary-tree-lighting-on-salem-street--listing-e96c220f9360a71eacbe932f ## About The Apex Christmas Parade on Historic Salem Street is one of the Triangle's only nighttime holiday parades, filling the historic downtown district with twinkling magic. Sponsored by the Apex Rotary Club and the Town of Apex, the illuminated parade features over 100 entries, including lighted floats from local schools and civic groups, marching bands adorned with glowing fairy lights, dance troupes, fire trucks with holiday lights, and Santa arriving in his sleigh. Earlier in the evening, families gather outside The Halle Cultural Arts Center for the ceremonial lighting of the Rotary Christmas Tree, accompanied by live caroling, hot cocoa stations, and festive kids' activities. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Historic Salem Street features wide brick and concrete sidewalks that are stroller and wagon friendly, though arriving 45 minutes before step-off ensures easy sidewalk positioning. • Nursing & Rest Spots: The Halle Cultural Arts Center and Apex Town Hall offer heated indoor restrooms with baby changing stations and quiet lobby benches for nursing parents. • Age Suitability: All ages welcome. The nighttime glowing floats and twinkling lights make this parade particularly magical for toddlers and elementary children who love the visual glow. • Sensory Tips: Marching bands and sirens produce loud acoustics between historic storefronts. 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