History

High Point has hosted this annual parade since 1925. The parade is known statewide as one of the favorites of the viewing audience. At one time, the parade was held on Thanksgiving Day. In 1976, the parade was officially named the High Point Holiday Festival Parade. The parade was moved to the evening in the 1980's, and for years was the largest nighttime parade in the state of North Carolina.

For many years, the parade was produced by the High Point Merchants Association. In 2008, the HPMA merged with the Greensboro Merchants Association, forming the Guilford Merchants Association. GMA has produced the annual parade ever since.

In 2010, the parade was moved to the Sunday before Thanksgiving at 3pm, rain or shine. Each year, the parade has more than 100 entries, including marching bands, beauty queens, floats, clowns, Santa Claus and much, much more!

Be one of the thousands that flock to Downtown High Point year after year to usher in the coming holiday season with the High Point Holiday Festival Parade!