Kinston Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Downtown Kinston, North Carolina

Registration is free. Register by November 22 at midnight.

Register for the Parade

Hosted by Downtown Kinston Revitalization with the City of Kinston, Kinston-Lenoir County Parks & Recreation and Neuse News.

Parade at a glance

Schedule & lineup

Lineup begins9:00 AM
Parade begins11:00 AMApproximate departure
Grainger Stadium

400 E. Grainger Avenue
Kinston, NC 28501

Parade route

1.3 miles

Starts at Grainger Stadium and ends near East Caswell Street and McLewean Street.

Your lineup number

Numbers may arrive the day before the parade. If yours has not arrived, call Scott Alston at 252-939-3332. Parks & Recreation manages lineup; its decisions are final. DKR does not have lineup numbers.

Most performers are near the front and should arrive early. Bring your own food and drinks. Restrooms are available at the stadium. Please be patient and courteous during lineup.

Rules & agreement

The Team Captain must review these requirements and share them with everyone in the entry.

Parade rules and safety

People and performances

  • No firearms or horses. Dogs must be leashed and controlled by an adult age 18 or older; follow leash and cleanup laws.
  • Children under 12 must remain on a float unless in a lighted bicycle group accompanied by adults for the entire parade.
  • Keep moving and avoid performance stops that create gaps. Do not call spectators toward your entry.
  • Keep costumes, music, dances and displays appropriate for children and families. No adult, offensive, disrespectful or potentially dangerous content, profanity or offensive lyrics.

Vehicles and floats

  • Police may check active registration, valid inspection and insurance at lineup. Keep at least one car length behind the entry ahead.
  • Car, motorcycle and bicycle clubs may have up to 10 vehicles or bicycles per registration. Use extreme caution with motorized activities or stunts.
  • The left turn onto East Caswell Street may be tight for long vehicles. Plan ahead.
  • Finish floats before arriving. Incomplete floats may be disqualified. Floats must stay intact along the entire route; use extra caution near spectators.
  • Install generators safely and limit noise; quiet generators are preferred. Keep a fire extinguisher readily available.

Spectators and the railroad

  • Do not toss, throw or hand candy or other items to spectators. Violators may be removed.
  • Spectators must stay on sidewalks and should not cross while the parade is moving. Police will help keep the route clear. Volunteers walking beside entries are encouraged to keep spectators away from vehicles and floats.
  • The train does not stop for the parade, though it may slow. Watch the crossing at Queen and Blount Streets and never block the tracks.
Hold Harmless Agreement

DKR's parade insurance does not cover participants or spectators. Acceptance of the rules and Hold Harmless Agreement is required in the registration form.

Register for free

Complete the form by November 22 at midnight. The person submitting it is the Team Captain and primary contact for the entry.

Vendors must register separately with Downtown Kinston Revitalization. Unregistered vendors are not permitted.

Registration questions? Call 252-525-6144 or email revitalizekinston@gmail.com.