# Smithfield Christmas Parade

> Event for families in the Raleigh–Cary area (NC). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Thu, Dec 10 · 7:00 PM
- Where: Downtown Smithfield — Market Street parade route, 350 E Market St, Smithfield, NC 27577
- Ages: All ages
- Price: Free hot chocolate and cookies before the parade
- Organizer: Town of Smithfield
- Official page: https://www.smithfield-nc.com/page/christmas
- Last checked: Fri, Oct 30

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Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-01), 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/smithfield-christmas-parade--listing-6b41a044d2a2ce5e8052945a

## About

The Town of Smithfield holds its annual Christmas Parade through downtown along Market Street on an evening in mid-December. Families line the street to watch floats, music and community groups roll past, with Santa as the traditional finale. Before the parade, starting at 6 pm, the town serves free hot chocolate and cookies at Town Hall on East Market Street while supplies last, which makes a good meeting point and a warm-up stop for children. Because it is an evening parade in December, bring blankets, hats and gloves, and arrive early to find a curbside spot. The same weekend Santa's Workshop is open at the courthouse downtown, so many families combine a visit with Santa and the parade.

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