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Tips To Get Ready For The
38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade
Saturday, November 23 @ 7pm  

1. Get Excited!

Relive the magic from previous years and check out our parade highlight video. You'll laugh.
You'll cry. You'll wish it was November 23.

2. Volunteer

There is no way we could produce the parade without the help of our dedicated volunteers. Many of our volunteers have been helping with the parade for decades, so it must be fun! We still have a few spots left, so gather a few friends and help us make the 2024 Parade a success. Click here to sign up.

3. Arrive Early. Seriously.

A LOT of people love to come to the parade and celebrate the start of the holiday season. Heavy congestion starts at 5pm. Take advantage of early bird parking rates of just $3 from
Noon to 5PM, and $5 after 5pm at City garages.

4. Sip Your Way To A Sugar Rush

Downtown's Great Hot Cocoa War returns for its 10th year from November 23-30 — so you'll have plenty of time to hit all your cocoa stops. A belly full of warm cocoa is a great way to stay toasty while you watch the Parade.

5. Stake Out Your Spot

The two-mile parade route offers plenty of free seating. Feel free to bring your own chairs
and blankets, but please remember that unattended items are not allowed along the parade
route and will be removed.  

6. Food For Every Mood

We all know downtown has plenty of dining options, and on parade night we also feature
plenty of outdoor food vendors. You can decide if you want to eat al fresco enjoying the
pre-parade entertainment and energy, or inside at one of our great restaurants along the
parade route.

7. Check Out Our Spectacular Sponsors And Partners

The parade has been a beloved holiday tradition for over 35 years, and we want to remind
everyone that the parade wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous
sponsors and partners. Click here to see the sponsors that help make this magical
evening happen.

8. Can't Make It To The Parade In Person?

Don't worry, we have you covered. The parade will be on Facebook Live @DowntownNorfolk
on Saturday, November 23 starting around 7pm. If you don't have Facebook, head over to DowntownNorfolk.org where the parade live broadcast will be streamed on the homepage.