Schenectady Holiday Parade
Experience a beloved holiday tradition with the 55th Annual Holiday Parade presented by the City and County of Schenectady. This incredible parade is the northeast’s largest night-time parade. With fantastical floats, glittering firetrucks and tons of holiday spirit – you won’t want to miss out!
What to Expect at the Schenectady Holiday Parade
Throughout Downtown Schenectady, from State Street to Jay Street, the city will be decked out in holiday cheer. Dozens of brightly lit and intricately decorated floats will travel the route. These floats are built each year by volunteers of the community, usually following a theme. This year, though, for the 55th anniversary of the parade, there is no theme! And that means let your creativity fly! You can even sign up to be apart of the parade here.
Beyond the floats, local firefighters and police officers have decked out their firetrucks and police cars to join in on the fun. You might even catch a decorated snow plow – how fitting!
Of course, no parade would be complete without some music! So local marching bands, drumlines and musicians will march along the streets filling them with incredible music. Performing as well will be local dance groups.
The Veterans Division is a gathering of all veterans who will march as a group as guests of honor. If you are a veteran and want to sign up to march alongside the Veterans Division, click here.
Finally, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will make their first visit to Schenectady and spread holiday cheer!
Where can you watch the Schenectady Holiday Parade
The parade begins at the corner of State Street and Washington Avenue near SUNY Schenectady. It then follows a route up State Street to the corner of Lafayette and State Street.
The Parade Mainstage is located at the Proctors Theater Marquee at 432 State Street. New this year, there will be a Second Grandstand near the corner of State and South Ferry Streets. This new viewing area sponsored by National Grid will feature Stan and Shen from the Daily Gazette as emcees.
Also new this year is a sensory friendly viewing area. Located inside the GE at Proctors Theatre, this space will allow families with special needs to experience the parade from within a quieter, less stimulating space.
Free parking will be offered at the Schenectady Municipal Parking Garage on Broadway and other various parking lots.
Pre-Parade Block Party
The fun doesn’t just start when the parade kicks off. From 3:00 – 5:00 pm you can enjoy a block party before the parade! Along State Street and Jay Street enjoy live music, arts and crafts, face painting, food and drink vendors, a live ice sculpture carving and free kids activities.
Additionally, make your way to the corner of Jay Street and State Street to see the lighting of the City of Schenectady’s Holiday Tree!
When is the Schenectady Holiday Parade?
The annual Holiday Parade in Downtown Schenectady will take place on November 23, 2024 and kick off at 5 pm..
Take Amtrak to the Schenectady Holiday Parade
For Directions to Schenectady Amtrak Station click the button below.
Experience this beloved holiday event via Amtrak to Schenectady Station in Schenectady NY. Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
The train station is is just around the corner from all the action on State Street!
Attractions & Things to do in Schenectady
Schenectady is bursting with things to do beyond their iconic holiday parade.
The Greenmarket is a collection of local vendors, craftmakers and musicians that gathers every Sunday on Jay Street (until Nov. 24) and moves indoors to Proctors Theatre in December.
25 shops and restaurants make up the collection known as Jay Street Marketplace.
Rivers Casino and Resort is tons of fun and has more than just a casino. If you’re coming with the family, check out MiSci.
The Landing Hotel and Stockade Inn are great places to stay.
