Holiday Parade

The City of Harrisburg will present the annual Holiday Parade sponsored by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg in Downtown Harrisburg on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10am. The parade will feature giant parade balloons, marching band and dance team performances, decorated floats, characters, Santa Claus and more. The parade takes place on Front and 2nd Streets from Market to North Street. After the parade, head to Strawberry Square to meet Santa, enjoy FREE hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last) and find out the marching band, dance team, and Best in Theme winners. Marching bands are awarded $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place and $200 for 3rd place. The top three dance/step/drill teams receive $150 for first place, $100 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place along with trophies. The Best in Theme winner receives a $100 prize.

The 2026 parade theme is "A Season of Sharing".

Visitors are encouraged to eat lunch at one of the many terrific restaurants located in the City and to do some shopping at local boutiques. A great way to explore the City is through the self-guided trails and experiences offered through Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, including the Sweet Treat Trail, Harrisburg Arts District, Brew Barons Beer Trail, Adventure Trail, and the Cultural Guides. For a full list of City businesses to explore, visit www.explorehbg.com. For more information on the trails and experiences, visit www.visithersheyharrisburg.org/trails.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• 10 a.m. – Start of parade
• Following the parade – Announcement of parade winners, free hot chocolate & cookies (while supplies last) and Santa Claus at Strawberry Square

PARADE ROUTE:

• The parade takes place on Front and 2nd Streets from Market to North. The route begins at the intersection of Front and Market Streets, proceeds on Market St., turns left on 2nd St., turns left on North St., turns left on Front St. and ends where it began at Market St.

PARKING/TRANSIT:

• The Market Square Garage is $10 from 8am-8pm courtesy of Park Harrisburg.
• A bus stop and the train station are just 2 blocks away.

ROAD CLOSURES:

• The Market Street Bridge will be closed starting at 7 a.m.
• 2nd Street and Front Street will be closed from Market to Forster Streets starting at 7 a.m.

SPONSORS:

• Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore HBG, Capital Blue Cross, UPMC, Aetna, Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, Park Harrisburg

Share your experiences with us using #HolidayParadeHBG.

VIEW THE 2025 HOLIDAY PARADE

PARADE BALLOONS

See below for photos of the 3 giant parade balloons that were featured in the 2025 Holiday Parade. The balloons were provided by Dynamic Displays

EXPLORE THE CITY

SHOPPING

From timeless fashions for women and fine clothing for men, to hand-crafted soaps & home décor, the shops, stands and specialty stores of Harrisburg provide the ultimate marketplace. 

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DINING IN THE CITY

Whether you are in the mood for a quick bite from a casual joint, a farm-to-table meal, or a 5-course feast, Harrisburg has you covered.

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EVENTS & FAMILY FUN

Harrisburg is full of fun activities for all ages! Families can make a stop at the nearby Whitaker Center to explore science exhibits & a 3D cinema. You can also take a tour of the state Capitol building, watch a movie at Midtown Cinema, catch shows by Theatre Harrisburg and Gamut Theatre, and more!

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ACCOMODATIONS

With so much to see and experience throughout the City, consider staying for the weekend to maximize your visit. The City offers several nearby hotels and other accomodations.

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BREW BARONS BEER TRAIL

Join the interactive craft beer adventure in hershey and Harrisburg. Explore 30+ craft breweries and tasting locations to earn prizes and become a Brew Baron.

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HARRISBURG ARTS DISTRICT

The Harrisburg Arts District is a walkable area encompassing parts of the Capitol City’s downtown, midtown, and riverfront. Don’t miss all that our creative community has to offer in the form of art museums and galleries, live theatre, concerts, murals, and more!

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SWEET TREAT TRAIL

Plan a sweet escape! From family recipes to the most famous name in chocolate, discover delicious treats from more than 25 taste-tempting locations.

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ADVENTURE TRAIL

Plan an outdoor adventure! Hike, bike, or kayak to experience a variety of trails, waterways, and scenic spaces sure to bring out your inner explorer.

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SPONSORS

The City of Harrisburg relies on community partners to produce the Holiday Parade. This event will offer exposure to a diverse crowd of local residents and regional visitors alike. Please review the sponsorship packet and contact Olivia Sorensen at 717-255-3167 or [email protected] for more information about sponsorship opportunities. We are happy to create custom sponsorships to meet your goals. 

Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting this event! It would not be possible without your support.

2026 PARADE SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

EVENT IMAGES