Wilmington's 23rd Holiday Parade is 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026, on Front Street. The tree lighting date is not set; last year it was Dec. 4.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. This page is updated each year. Facts come from the City of Wilmington’s Holiday Parade 2026 page and its 2025 tree lighting page.

The City of Wilmington’s 23rd Holiday Parade rolls down Front Street at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026, the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It is free and runs until about 8 p.m. The city has not yet set the date for its tree lighting at Riverfront Park; last year it was Thursday, Dec. 4.

Who to call

The Holiday Parade: Sunday, Nov. 29

  • When: 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Front Street in downtown Wilmington.
  • Road closure: Front Street between Walnut Street and Church Street closes at 5 p.m. and reopens at 7:15 p.m.
  • Parking: metered parking downtown is free on Sundays, the city says.
  • Cost: free.

Want to march? Organizations sign up with the city’s parade registration form by Friday, Nov. 20.

The city has not published a route map beyond the Front Street closure. Find a spot on the sidewalk along Front Street early; bring a chair and layers, since it is dark by the start.

The tree lighting at Riverfront Park

The 2026 date has not been announced. The 2025 event ran like this:

  • When: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Riverfront Park, 10 Cowan St.
  • What: the lighting of the holiday tree, Santa’s arrival, a reading of a classic Christmas poem, light refreshments and visits with Santa.
  • Cost: free.

We will update this page when the city posts the 2026 date.

More holiday lights

  • Enchanted Airlie, Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Road: Nov. 27 to Dec. 21, 2026. Airlie says the light display has been a tradition since 2005. Tickets and nights are on the Enchanted Airlie page.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Wilmington Christmas parade 2026? The City of Wilmington’s 23rd Holiday Parade is Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Front Street downtown. It is free.

What roads close for the Wilmington holiday parade? Front Street between Walnut Street and Church Street closes at 5 p.m. and reopens at 7:15 p.m., according to the city.

When is the Wilmington tree lighting? The city has not announced the 2026 date. In 2025 the tree lighting was Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Riverfront Park, with Santa’s arrival and a holiday reading.

When does Enchanted Airlie open in 2026? Airlie Gardens lists Enchanted Airlie from Nov. 27 to Dec. 21, 2026. Tickets are sold through Airlie Gardens.

More: getting around Wilmington and trash pickup over the holidays.