2025 Holiday Parade
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH, 2025
🎄Join Us for Merrimack’s 33rd Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting! 🎅
The Merrimack Parks & Recreation Department is thrilled to invite you to join us on Sunday, December 7th as we kick off the official holiday season with one of Merrimack’s most beloved traditions — the 33rd Annual
Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration!
This year’s theme is “Home Alone Hijinks”, promising floats with festive creativity, laughter, and plenty of holiday spirit. Expect mischievous moments, clever costumes, and “Kevin-worthy” holiday magic as the community comes together to celebrate!
💰 Parade Float Contest: A special $100 prize will be awarded to the best decorated float related to the Parade theme, so bring your creativity and holiday spirit! Click on the link to the right to register your float. The deadline to enter the parade is Wednesday, December 3rd.
🎉 Parade Details:
- Step-off Time: 3:00 p.m.
- Starting Location: The Commons Shopping Plaza (515 Daniel Webster Highway)
- Parade Route: The parade will head south on Daniel Webster Highway, turn right onto Baboosic Lake Road, then left onto McElwain Street, and conclude in the Town Hall parking lot (6 Baboosic Lake Road).
- Distance: Approximately 1 mile
🛍️ Holiday Food Drive:
We will be collecting donations of canned food and other non-perishable items to benefit the local food pantries at St. John Neumann and St. James churches. Please bring your donations to the Parks & Recreation table at the Tree Lighting — your generosity will help brighten the holidays for those in need.
🙌 Volunteers Needed:
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help coordinate the parade lineup from 1:15 – 3:15 p.m. It’s a great way to get involved, spread some cheer, and be part of one of Merrimack’s most joyful community traditions! If you are interested in volunteering, please click here to register.
So mark your calendars, bundle up, and join us for an afternoon full of holiday cheer, community pride, and a touch of “Home Alone” holiday mischief!
PARADE FLOAT INFORMATION
All floats in the Parade should check in at the Parade Staging Area at the Commons Shopping Plaza between 1:45 - 2:45 pm at the Parks & Recreation Table in front of Tractor Supply. All floats will be lining up along Front Street (and not in the parking lot).
If you have questions about the event; please contact the Merrimack Parks & Recreation Department at 603-882-1046 or send an email to mcasparius@merrimacknh.gov
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Approximate Start Time: 3:45 pm
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY:
The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at Abbie Griffin Park (located behind Merrimack Town Hall, 6 Baboosic Lake Road) and which will be begin immediately after Santa arrives at Abbie Griffin Park (approximately 3:45 pm).
Ceremony Schedule:
- Holiday Music with DJ Darren Roy – Enjoy festive tunes while we await Santa’s arrival.
- Merrimack High School Marching Band Performance – Get into the holiday spirit with live music.
- Tree Lighting Countdown – Santa will lead the audience in a countdown to illuminate the Abbie Griffin Park Bandstand.
- Broadway Bound Performing Arts Center Performance – Holly Jolly Christmas.
- Storytime with Mrs. Claus – Children are invited to gather around as Mrs. Claus reads “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
- Meet & Greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus – Form a line to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, with photo opportunities for parents.
Special Thanks:
A heartfelt thank you to Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Southern New Hampshire for once again decorating the bandstand at Abbie Griffin Park for this festive event.
Come celebrate the magic of the season with your family and friends!
Participating Organizations
