Downtown Kinston is gearing up for its annual Light the Night Christmas Parade, a hallmark holiday event that brings thousands of spectators to the streets. Hosted by Downtown Kinston Revitalization (DKR), the parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, starting at 4:30 p.m. from Historic Grainger Stadium, located at 400 E. Grainger Ave.

The parade, which has been a festive tradition for years, will feature colorful floats, lively performances, and creative holiday displays. This year, however, brings a key change: candy and other items will no longer be allowed to be thrown into the crowd for safety reasons.

"We’re thrilled to bring this holiday tradition back to downtown Kinston," said Leon Steele, Executive Director of DKR. "The parade is a chance for our community to come together, celebrate the season, and enjoy the incredible creativity of our participants."

Participants, including groups and organizations, are required to register through the DKR website by Nov. 25, 2024. Line-up for the event will take place between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with Kinston Parks and Recreation staff managing the staging area.

"This event draws over 8,000 attendees and showcases more than 100 parade entries," Steele added. "We’re especially excited about the new display, which is sure to be a showstopper for everyone who comes out."

Since 2018, the parade has been streamed live on social media, ensuring those who can’t attend in person can still enjoy the magic.

For more information about the parade or to register, visit the Downtown Kinston Revitalization website or call 252-525-6144.