2025 HOLIDAY PARADE
“Holiday Magic”
Saturday, December 6, 2025
5:30PM
The Elizabeth-City Pasquotank County Parks & Recreation Department will be hosting its annual Holiday parade; this year’s theme is titled “Holiday Magic”. The 2025 Holiday Magic Parade will celebrate the joy, peace, and wonder that make the season truly special. The magic of Holidays is found in many forms, whether through cherished traditions of gift-giving and family gatherings, the warmth of generosity and kindness, or the festive glow of lights, music, and decorations. For some, this magic is rooted in the holiday’s true meaning; for others, it is the enchantment of childhood memories, the beauty of winter’s charm, or the inspiration of hope for the year ahead. Our hope is to bring these elements together, inviting the community to share in the spirit of the season and experience the true magic of the holidays.
The 2025 Holiday Parade will begin at 5:30pm, and line-up will start at 1:00pm. The parade will kick off at Westover Street (beside the Enfield Ballpark) traveling East along Ehringhaus Street, going North on Road Street, then East along Main, and finishing up at Waterfront Park.
QUIET ZONE
The parade quiet zone will begin at the corner of E. Church Street and S. Water Street and end at the stoplight at Ehringhaus and Water Street. The purpose of the quiet zone is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory impairments. In this designated area loud noises, flashing lights, and other stimuli are minimized to reduce sensory overload. Although we want everyone to enjoy the holiday spirit along the parade route, we kindly ask that you respect the rules of the Quiet Zone.
PARADE FEE
There will be a $25.00 fee for the first entry and an additional $5.00 for each additional entry. Per entry means, per vehicle, motorcycle, tractor, bus, float, etc. Only credit card payments will be accepted. Full payment must be made when the application is submitted. No application will be accepted and held without payment. All fees must be paid, or entry will be dropped from the parade. All proceeds support Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Parks and Recreation’s 4th of July Fireworks and youth programs. No refunds after November 14, 2025.
PARADE ENTRY
The entry point to the parade lineup will depend on location during lineup. All lineup information will be emailed out in the week of November 24, 2025. Everyone must adhere to their entry points to help line up run safely and smoothly. Parade line will start on Westover Street and continue down Catalina Avenue and Corsair Circle. It is imperative for the safety of everyone that we limit the number of vehicles moving within the lineup area. Only vehicles in the parade will be allowed in ballpark. Drop-offs will not be allowed to enter past parade lineup entry points at the ballpark. Numbers will be marked on the pavement to correspond with your location in the lineup. Parade staff will assist in getting everyone in place. No entries will be accepted after November 14, 2025. NO EXCEPTIONS!
TYPE OF ENTRIES CONSIDERED
· Marching Bands- school bands, drum corps, independent bands, etc.
· Floats- creatively designed and decorated moving vehicles
· Specialty- drill/dance teams, clowns, antique or custom vehicles
· Special Guests- invited guests, dignitaries, and celebrities
AWARD ELGIBILITY
To be eligible for awards, entries must reflect this year’s theme, “Holiday Magic.”
· Judging will take place along the parade route.
· Award winners will be announced the week following the parade.
· Be sure your group, organization, or business name is clearly displayed.
· The parade may not be used as a platform for political or special interest messages.
· Elizabeth City- Pasquotank County Parks and Recreation reserves the right to deny participation (including on the day of the parade) for violation of any guidelines or restrictions. Entry fees are non-refundable in such cases.
AWARD CATEGORIES
· Best Overall (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place). *Groups who place in the Best Overall Category will not be considered for other categories.
· Best Church Entry
· Best Civic Organization Entry
· Best School Club Entry
· Best Business Entry
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received no later than Friday, November 14, 2025. Applications after this date will not be accepted. You will be contacted with your lineup number/information by the ECPC Parks and Recreation Department in the week of November 24, 2025. For more information, contact Elizabeth City- Pasquotank County Parks and Recreation at parksandrec@elizabethcitync.gov
PARADE GUIDELINES
· No Live Santas- to avoid confusion, no live Santas are permitted on any unit.
· Application & Fees- entry fees must be paid in full, and applications completed by the stated deadline.
· No Throwing Items- for safety reasons, nothing (candy, gum, etc.) may be thrown from floats or vehicles. Escort personnel may walk alongside entries to hand out items. Violators will be suspended from future parades without exception.
· Music- only Christmas music may be played.
· Escort Staff- a limited number of escorts are allowed; no small children, strollers, or carriers may accompany floats.
· Entry Approval- applicants will be contacted only if their entry is deemed unacceptable.
· Drop-Offs & Parking- participants must arrive with their float/entry or be dropped off at the designated location. No extra vehicles will be allowed inside the Enfield Ballpark; only parade vehicles are permitted.
· Vehicle Safety- reckless or unsafe driving will not be tolerated. Violators will be removed immediately and law enforcement notified.
· Child Safety- riders under age 5 must be secured in appropriate safety devices and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
· Float Size- maximum float dimensions are 75’ long, 14’ wide, and 14’ high.
· Float Construction & Safety- all materials must be properly secured. Floats must include support railings or restraints for riders. Any float using electrical wiring must carry a fire extinguisher.
· Speed Limit- all vehicles must maintain a maximum speed of 5 mph and 30 to 50 feet distance in between each unit. Burnouts, high-speed takeoffs, and any other reckless behavior by motor vehicles are strictly prohibited. Violators will be removed from the parade by law enforcement.
· Signage & Advertising- no vulgar or offensive content will be allowed. Advertising may be displayed only on the front, sides, or back of floats.
· Clean-Up- all participants are responsible for cleaning up their decorating area in the staging zone.
· Prohibited Items- alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, smoking, and open flames are strictly prohibited on floats, in vehicles, or on city property. Smoking is also prohibited in the parade lineup area.
· Political Campaigning – absolutely no political campaigning is permitted.
· Animals- Floats with pets are only permitted if sponsored by recognized pet-related organizations (e.g., SPCA).
· Theme Requirement- while strongly encouraged to follow the official parade theme, all entries must at minimum reflect a Holiday theme.
Please be aware that all guidelines and regulations will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Parade day can be busy and fast-paced, so come prepared, have your group ready, and follow the directions of our parade staff. Any rude or derogatory behavior toward staff will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the parade by law enforcement.