Rotary Christmas Parade

This is a Community Event organized by the Apex Rotary Club. What does this mean?

Saturday, December 2nd

Downtown Apex, Salem Street
5:00 pm

For more info, visit the Apex Rotary's website

The Annual Apex Rotary Christmas Parade traditionally takes place the first Saturday of December. The parade is the only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County. The Apex Rotary Club organizes the parade, with proceeds benefitting numerous local charities; the primary benefactor being Western Wake Crisis Ministry. The parade kicks off at Apex Peakway and Ambergate Station, turning down Salem Street, and ending at Moore Street. 

Know Before You Go:

  • This is a rain or shine event.
  • Salem Street from Apex Peakway to Williams Street (Hwy 55) will be closed on Saturday, December 2nd from 3 pm to around 8 pm. Other street closures include Apex Peakway from Magnolia Blossom Lane to Laura Duncan Road, Hunter Street from Pate Street to Mason Street, Center Street between Mason Street and Salem Street, Chatham Street from Jones Street to Elm Street, and W Moore Street. (See parade map below)
  • Parking is available behind the Tobacco Mule Exchange and across from the Apex Police Department. Parking is unavailable or limited along Salem Street, Hunter Street, Center Street, Chatham Street, and Seaboard Street. 
  • The Apex Depot Parking lot is closed all day on Saturday, December 3rd.
  • View the downtown parking map for walkable parking locations.
  • GoApex Route 1 will operate with an alternate route from 6 am to 10 pm. View this map to see the alternative route! Parade attendees can use GoApex to reach Salem Street with ease. Learn more.
  • Parade attendees can place chairs along the sidewalk on Salem Street after 10 pm on Friday, December 1st. Please do not tie chairs together - this creates a barrier to accessing the sidewalk from the parallel parking spaces on Salem Street.
  • Town staff may be on site during the event taking photos/video of the event and attendees.

New for 2023! Winter Wonderland - Snow Village

The Depot
3:00 pm

The Apex Rotary Club is letting it snow at The Depot from 3 pm to 5 pm. The event features a wintertime mix of fun with snow, interactive booths, a snow-themed selfie station, and guest appearances by Santa & Mrs. Claus.

Rotary Christmas Parade Route




What is the difference between a Community Event and a Town-Organized Event?


Community Events 
This is an event that a non-profit organization runs, pays for, and plans. Town of Apex staff provides an event location (Town Hall Campus, Salem Street, etc.), along with staff from public safety, public works and other departments, as necessary.

Town-Organized Events
This is an event that the Town of Apex creates, pays for, and plans. Town of Apex staff manages the programming, including activities, logistics, and vendors. This is sometimes referred to as a “Town Owned Event”.