# Lighting of Wake Forest & Downtown Christmas Parade > Event for families in the Raleigh–Cary area (NC). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Sat, Dec 12 · 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM - Where: Centennial Plaza & Downtown Wake Forest, 301 S Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587 - Ages: All ages welcome (free daytime parade along historic main street and Friday evening community tree lighting festival) - Price: Free admission; open public street parade and Centennial Plaza festivities. - Organizer: Town of Wake Forest & Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. - Official page: https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events/lighting-wake-forest - 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/lighting-of-wake-forest-and-downtown-christmas-parade--listing-19bc2c9c1872b7faf5cf0e8d ## About 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. 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