Rotary Christmas Parade

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

Saturday, December 6, 2025

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. 

Watching the Parade:

  • Chair Placement: The sidewalk along N Salem St. between Chatham and Center Streets will be marked to indicate where chairs can be placed after 10 pm on Friday. Place chairs only inside the bricked area of the sidewalk. Chairs that do not meet these guidelines will be relocated to the Apex Police Department (205 Saunders Street) for pickup.
  • ADA-Accessible Viewing Area: Apex Fire Station 1 will be a designated area for those with accessibility concerns to watch the parade. The section will be marked with cones and signage and will be monitored by town staff.
  • Bleacher Seating: New for 2025! Two sections of bleachers will be placed in front of the Apex Fire Station 1 and available for the public to use. This is first come, first serve. No standing is permitted on the bleachers. 
  • Streaming Online: WRAL will air a live broadcasting of the parade. 

Route and Chair Maps

2025 Apex Rotary Christmas Parade Map

Brick Area for Parade Chair Placement

Brick area for chairs parade

Getting to the Parade:

  • Accessible Parking: A limited number of parking spaces will be available behind Apex Fire Station 1 for those with an accessible/handicap parking pass. Spaces will be first come, first serve. 
  • Road Closures: Salem Street from Apex Peakway to Williams Street (Hwy 55) will be closed on Saturday 1 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. 
  • Available Parking Options: Public parking is available in the Saunders Lot (behind the Tobacco Mule Exchange and across from the Apex Police Department). View the downtown parking map for other walkable parking locations.
  • Restricted Parking Areas: Parking is unavailable / limited along Salem Street, Hunter Street, Center Street, Chatham Street, and Seaboard Street.
  • GoApex: Parade attendees can use GoApex to reach Salem Street with ease. GoApex Route 1 will operate with an alternate route from 1 pm to 10 pm. Click here to view detour information

Know Before You Go:

  • This is a rain or shine event.
  • Town staff may be on site during the event taking photos/video of the event and attendees.
  • The Depot parking lot will be closed to vehicles on Saturday.



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”.