Lighting of Wake Forest & Downtown Christmas Parade

About this adventure

Downtown Wake Forest celebrates the season with its signature holiday double-header: the Lighting of Wake Forest at Centennial Plaza followed by the beloved Wake Forest Christmas Parade down South White Street. The parade features more than 100 colorful community entries, including high school marching bands, beautifully decorated holiday floats, antique fire engines, cheer squads, equestrian groups, and Santa Claus. Spectators line historic White Street with lawn chairs and blankets, enjoying holiday treats from local bakeries and food trucks. Earlier in the holiday calendar, the Friday night tree lighting at Town Hall features the illumination of a 30-foot evergreen tree, youth choral caroling, and free carriage rides. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Centennial Plaza and South White Street have broad sidewalks and well-marked curb cuts that easily accommodate strollers, double strollers, and pull wagons. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Wake Forest Town Hall on Brooks Street provides heated indoor public restrooms with diaper changing tables; grassy spots along the parade route offer lawn seating. • Age Suitability: Entertaining for newborns through grandparents. The daytime Saturday parade timing is ideal for young toddlers who are alert and ready to wave at passing characters. • Sensory Tips: The parade includes energetic band drumming and cheerful sirens. Spectators can set up folding chairs slightly back from the curb on grass lawns for a gentler sensory buffer.