The Jolliest Seacoast Holiday Parades! And when to catch them rolling on by in 2023!
The seacoast communities are all ready to celebrate the winter holidays! Several towns are kicking off the season with a Santa parade and other wonderful festive activities for families and children of all ages. Check out what’s going on in your local area!
New Hampshire
Dover Holiday Parade
Sunday, November 26, 2023; 3:00pm
Cochecho Friends is proud to announce the return of the Dover Holiday Parade. This year’s theme is Dover Lights up the Holidays. The parade will be on November 26th, the Sunday after Thanksgiving starting at the intersection of Sixth Street and Central Avenue at 3:00 PM.
Exeter Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023; 5:30pm
This year’s theme is Winter Nights and Magical Lights. This annual event has been the highlight of the holiday season for decades in Exeter. The parade begins on Portsmouth Avenue at OSRAM, makes a right on High St., continues onto Water Street, ending at Swasey Parkway. Be sure to get there early to find a prime spot to watch all the action and welcome Santa Claus to Exeter! Parade is rain or shine.
Hampton Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023; 1:00pm
This year’s parade takes place on December 2nd, 2023 at 1:00 pm, and the theme is, “Surfboards & Snowglobes”, we wanted to pay homage to the Beach, the holidays, and the lifestyle that living in a seaside town encapsulates. Not only this year are we asking our parade entrants to decorate to the theme, but also, those coming to view the parade to get in on the party! Hawaiian Shirt, Jimmy Buffett on the radio, and all of the Hang Ten cheer you can stand! The fun starts at 1pm as floats, bands, entertainers, marchers make their way through down Route 1 into Downtown Hampton. Be on the lookout for Mrs. Clause, she loves the parade along with Santa. Mark your calendar for all of Hampton’s Holiday Events!
Portsmouth Holiday Tree Lighting & Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023; 5:00-5:30pm/6pm
Enjoy the spirit of Christmas in downtown Portsmouth beginning with holiday music at 5pm. Catch the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 5:30pm, followed by the parade at 6pm. The parade marches down Islington St. through Market Square.
Nottingham Holiday Parade & Children’s Craft Workshop
Saturday, December 2, 2023; 10:00am
Families stop into the Town Hall Gym after the parade to build and create holiday gifts for your friends and families. Each craft has a small fee and all proceeds will benefit the event and those who participate. Please bring cash to this event if you plan on creating! Parade Starts at 10:00AM. Children’s Craft Workshop 10:30AM-12:00PM. Cost: Bring cash for crafting! Where: Town Hall (139 Stage Rd. Nottingham, NH, 03290)
Rochester Holiday Parade
Monday, December 4, 2023; 6:00pm (reschedule due to weather)
The official theme of this year’s parade is “A Polar Express Christmas”. The parade will begin at the triangle by the R.W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, travel south on Wakefield Street, turn onto Union Street and then turn south on North Main Street and proceed through South Main Street, disbanding around the Rochester Commons.
Rye Holiday Parade
Sunday, December 3, 2023; 1:00pm
This year’s theme will be: “HOLIDAYS OF YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW”. More information: town.rye.nh.us
Annual Car Menorah Parade – Light up New Hampshire
Wednesday, December 13th at 2:00pm
Join us for the annual Car Menorah Parade leaving from The Jewish Center
Reservations REQUIRED | JewishSeacoast.com/Parade
Stratham Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 16, 2023; 5:00pm
See the Lights4Lives Parade Route Here!
Epping Holiday Parade
Sunday, December 17th at 1pm
See the parade route here!
Maine
Somersworth/Berwick Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023; 1:30pm (rain date: Sunday, December 3rd)
This year’s parade theme is “Classic Cartoon Christmas.” The route will start at Wilson St. in Berwick. It will follow onto Allen St. and Sawmill Hill Rd. and enter Somersworth on Market St. The parade will then head up High St, turn onto Constitutional Ave. and finish on Main St. in front of the Somersworth Plaza.
Kittery Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023; 3:00pm
The Kiwanis Club of The Seacoast is sponsoring the annual Kittery Holiday Parade this year. This year’s theme is “Holiday Songs and Carols.” The parade will step off from Post Office Square at 3PM, follow the traditional parade route through downtown Kittery, and conclude at the John Paul Jones Park with the tree lighting.
York Festival of Lights Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023; 4:30pm
The parade will consist of marching bands, floats, clowns, antique cars, public service organizations, business establishments and much more. There are many other holiday events happening too. Check the Festival of Lights committee’s calendar for more information! Starts at Foster’s Clambake on Axholme Road. Parade Route is 8/10th’s of a mile. Parade ends at Village Elementary School.
Massachusetts
Amesbury Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023; 3:30pm
Rain or shine the town of Amesbury is proud to bring you the 59th annual Holiday Parade. The theme this year is: Holiday Lights! The parade will begin at 3:30pm EST from the intersection of Sparhawk and Greenleaf Street. All parade participants will be lined up on Greenleaf Street.
Santa Parade & Tree Lighting in Newburyport
Sunday, November 26, 2023; 3:30pm-6:00pm
As the holiday season approaches, Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive in the most fitting way for this seaport town by US Coast Guard boat! Welcome Santa on the Sunday after Thanksgiving as he and Mrs. Claus dock at the boardwalk and begin to parade through downtown Newburyport, then gather in Market Square for the annual Christmas tree lighting and carols.
Did we forget something? Send your town’s holiday plans to us and we’ll add them!
