There’s a particular kind of glow that settles over downtown Schenectady when the County Holiday Parade comes to town. By mid-afternoon, State Street starts to feel like a gathering place. Kids in puffy coats clutch hot cocoa, parents scout out the perfect viewing spot, and shop windows throw back their own shine as the city gears up for its brightest tradition of the year.
The 56th Annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade—the largest nighttime parade in the Northeast—steps off at 5pm on Saturday, November 22, filling downtown with more than 100 groups. Expect marching bands, dancers, towering floats, community organizations, and Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will close out the night in signature style.
The festivities begin early at 3pm, when the 400 block of State Street turns into a family-friendly block party. Local favorite Sydney Worthley brings the live music, vendors line the sidewalks, and kids bounce between craft tables and costumed holiday characters wandering the route. Jay Street’s restaurants and shops stay open, giving the afternoon that cozy, bustling feel Schenectady does especially well this time of year.
This year’s Grand Marshals, teammembers from Schenectady Shares, embody the spirit of the season. The all-volunteer network supports more than 20 community food providers across the county, making their lead position in the parade both symbolic and well-earned. In their honor, Schenectady County is hosting a countywide food drive, with collection sites.
Inside Proctors, the GE Theatre offers a sensory-friendly viewing space for neurodiverse individuals and their families, supported by Crossroads Center for Children and Bring on the Spectrum. Veterans and their families will also have their own designated space to enjoy the parade comfortably.
Parking information is available at parkschenectady.com. More information and updates are available at schenectadycountyny.gov/parade and across Schenectady County’s social channels as parade night approaches.
