After an absence last year, the annual Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade returns in December.

In addition to the parade, Centennial Park and the Urban Greenspace at 1026 Roanoke Avenue will also be holding events.

“We look forward to the return of the Christmas parade and staff has solidified the date which is December 5,” Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said Thursday. “We’re anticipating that the parade will be an excellent family event as it has been in the past.” 

City Manager Joseph Scherer in his report at Tuesday’s meeting told council that staff have already begun planning for upcoming Christmas events.

The lighting of the avenue and Centennial Park ceremony will be on Friday, December 3, the police department’s Christmas with Kids will be on Saturday, December 4 and the Christmas Parade will be on Sunday, December 5.

Meanwhile, Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle said today that activities created last year during the COVID-19 pandemic will continue as well. Those events include the lighting of the avenue and the greenspace with the giant Joy sign and the Christmas ride-along. “There’ll be lots of photo opportunities,” she said. “Last year, even in the height of the pandemic, it was nice to bring the community together. This year we’re pleased to bring back the longstanding tradition of the parade along with all of these new events that were well-received.”

As planning progresses more details will become available.