PARADE INFO

New This Year

OSRAM Entrance on Portsmouth Avenue is for Float and Parade Entries only!
C/A Design Entrance on Holland Way is for human participants in the parade.

Only parade entries (floats, bands, trucks, beauty queens, etc.) enter the staging area from the Portsmouth Avenue roadway next to Foss Motors. Vehicles dropping off parade participants (float riders, scouting troops, sports teams, walking groups, etc.)  will not be allowed in through the Portsmouth Avenue entrance. Parade participants will be directed to the C/A Design entrance on Holland Way to park and ultimately connect with their parade group.

Important info for Float/Entry Organizers and Participants:

  • There is only one Santa Claus making an appearance in the parade.
  • Please read RSA 265:108-a Parade Vehicles before you plan your parade entry.
  • Parade starts at approximately 5:30 PM.
  • OSRAM entrance closes at 4:00 PM.
  • This is an alcohol-free event.
  • The distribution and release of balloons in the parade is prohibited.
  • The distribution of candy is prohibited (with the exception of the parade volunteers).
  • The distribution of brochures or literature along the parade route is prohibited.
  • Float/Entry judging begins at approximately 3:30 PM.
  • All commercial entries must have theme-appropriate decorations to participate.
  • Only one vehicle per float (no additional vehicles allowed without committee approval).
  • Unregistered entries will not be allowed to participate in the parade.
  • Portsmouth Avenue entrance is for floats, bands, beauty queens, etc.
  • C/A Design entrance on Holland Way is for all parade participants (walkers, float riders, scouting troops, sports teams, etc.)
  • The pick-up of float riders & walkers should be arranged at a safe location. We recommend the Main Street School, Lincoln Street School and Exeter Handkerchief Factory parking lots..
  • Applicants assume all responsibility for any loss or damage in connection with their float entry in the Exeter Holiday Parade.

Important info for Spectators:

  • Parade starts at approximately 5:30 PM on Portsmouth Avenue
  • Portsmouth Avenue will shut down around 5:15 PM
  • Street closures under the direction of the Exeter Police Department are a rolling close once the parade is ready to start.
  • The parade route is Portsmouth Avenue from OSRAM/Foss Motors to the High Street intersection, right turn down Water Street to Swasey Parkway.
  • Parade viewing ends at Swasey Parkway.
  • Many of the parade participants will continue on to Main Street School and Lincoln Street School to disembark their floats and connect with their families.
  • Individuals with Auditory hypersensitivity should consider watching the parade at the start of the parade route.
  • The parade is live-streamed on Facebook for friends and families near and far to enjoy.

The Parade is a rain or shine event:

  • The Parade Committee in conjunction with the Exeter Police Department reserves the right to cancel the parade for any reason – including inclement weather.
  • Announcements about parade cancellation will be made on the website and on our Facebook page no later than 1:00pm on parade day.
  • An alternate parade date may be established.

Two zoom meetings will be held on Wednesday, December 4th at 6:00 and 6:$5pm for parade participants and drivers to ask questions and receive updated information.

Representatives from groups marching in the parade are highly encouraged to attend this meeting to receive up-to-date info for distribution to your parade participants.