Merrimack Festival Of Lights - 2026 Holiday Kick Off
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6TH, 2026
Parade at 3:00 PM | Holiday Kickoff at 3:45 PM
The Merrimack Parks & Recreation Department invites you to celebrate the magic of the season at one of Merrimack’s most beloved community traditions! Join us on Sunday, December 6, 2026, as we kick off the holiday season with an afternoon filled with festive floats, sparkling lights, community spirit, and holiday cheer.
This year, we’re celebrating “A Festival of Lights” with a parade featuring creatively decorated floats, festive displays, music, and plenty of seasonal magic! Gather your family and friends, bundle up, and enjoy the sights and sounds as our community comes together to welcome the holiday season.
🎅 Holiday Parade | 3:00 PM
The parade begins at The Commons Shopping Plaza, 515 Daniel Webster Highway, and features a colorful procession of creatively decorated floats, festive displays, music, and holiday cheer. Come enjoy the creativity and community spirit that make this annual tradition so special!
🎉 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
Parade Float Registration:
Think your float has what it takes to steal the show? Bring your creativity, deck out your float, and show off your holiday spirit! Prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated floats, so go big, get festive, and let your holiday magic shine! The deadline to enter the parade is Wednesday, December 3rd.
🎄 Holiday Kickoff & Tree Lighting | 3:45 PM
Following the parade, join us at Abbie Griffin Park at Merrimack Town Hall, 6 Baboosic Lake Road, for our community holiday kickoff and tree lighting. Gather with friends and neighbors as we light up the season and celebrate the beginning of the holidays together!
✨ One Community. Many Traditions. A Season of Light.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, another holiday tradition, or simply enjoy the magic of the season, everyone is welcome! This celebration is an opportunity for our entire community to come together, share in the joy of the season, and create lasting memories with family, friends, and neighbors. Bring your holiday spirit and join us as Merrimack shines bright for the season!
So mark your calendars, bundle up, and join us for an afternoon full of holiday cheer and community pride!
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).
Volunteers Needed:
We are looking for volunteers to help us coordinate the Annual Holiday Parade (and also serve as Parade Float Judges). Help is needed from 1:00 - 3:15 pm. If you would like to Volunteer, please click here to sign up.
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 for the Parade'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
- 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.
Thank you to Rivets Funeral Home for providing Santa's Sleigh for the Parade
Come celebrate the magic of the season with your family and friends!
