The Greensboro Holiday Parade has been a downtown tradition for over 30 years.  In 2000, five organizations (Downtown Greensboro, Inc., the Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Greater Greensboro Merchants Association, The Bryan Foundation, and the City of Greensboro) approached the Greensboro Jaycees with a vision to revitalize the parade, showcase our downtown area, and bring back the crowds that our City's parade once drew.  The Jaycees accepted the challenge, and with the generous sponsorship of those 5 organizations, we were successful in bringing the state's first giant balloon parade to Greensboro on December 9, 2000.   With beautiful blue skies overhead, 35,000 people came to watch as large Macy's style balloons, professional floats, drill teams, and the area's best high school marching bands paraded down the streets of downtown.

This year the parade will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009 beginning at 12 noon. The parade route starts at the Greensboro Jaycee Office (401 N Greene Street). It goes down Greene Street then turns left onto East Market Street. It continues down Market then turns left onto Church Street. It ends in front to of the Children's Museum.

The Parade Entry Process ended on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. No more entries are being accepted.

Are vendors allowed at the parade? Yes, the fee for vendors is $100 per cart.

What is the parade route? The parade route goes through downtown Greensboro. The actual parade will begin at Greene and Lindsay Streets and continue down Greene Street to East Market St turning left and heading down to Market Street, turning left on Church St, and then ending at Church and Lindsay Streets.

Where will parking be available? Free parking will be available at all public parking garages.  All garages will be open until approximately 11:30 am.  At that time, they will be closed and not reopen until after the entire parade ends (approximately 2:00 pm).

What time should I arrive to get a good spot for watching the parade? Please try to get downtown as early as possible.  The best time to get there, park your car in one of the parking decks, and get a good spot is usually between 9am - 10am.

Will balloons be in this year's parade? Yes we will again have the large Macy style balloons.

What bands will be marching in this year’s parade? We are still confirming the involvement of many of the best bands in our area..

What if it rains or snows? The parade will take place rain or shine.  This includes rain, snow, or sleet.  In the event that there is an unforeseen tragedy or a situation that could cause immediate danger and harm to parade participants and onlookers, the parade will be canceled.

Who plans the parade? The parade is created, planned, and facilitated by volunteers of the Greensboro Jaycees.

How essential is it for our entry to correspond with the parade’s theme? The selection process for inclusion into this year’s parade will largely be based on the entry’s ability to incorporate theme into the entry itself.

Are there regulations regarding who may handle the large balloons? Balloons must be carried by individuals ages 16 and up.  Children may walk along with the balloon; however they will be difficult to supervise by anyone handling a balloon.

Where are the staging areas for parade lineup? Staging for the parade will begin at Lindsay and Murrow streets; continue down to Greene and Smith streets.  The actual parade will begin at Greene and Lindsay Streets.

If I am writing a check for the entry fee, balloon sponsorship, float rental deposit, or vendor fee, who should I make the check payable to? All checks should be made payable to Holiday Parade, Inc