The Mayor's Christmas Parade

Welcome to the 52nd Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade!

We invite you to experience the annual holiday celebration that captivates thousands along a 1.5-mile route through Hampden and Medfield.

Photo credit @michaelivanschwartz

What To Expect

The parade boasts colorful floats, local personalities, Darth Vader, the Boumi Shriners, lively bands, and culminates with Santa Claus, offering a delightful experience for the whole family!

FAQs

Why is it called the “Mayor’s Christmas Parade”? Who funds and organizes it? Learn more at our FAQ page.

FAQs

GIVE TO THE PARADE

We need help! The parade relies on the generosity of many local businesses and community organizations.

Become a Sponsor
Donate

Directions to the Parade and Parade Route

The Mayor’s Christmas Parade winds through the heart of Baltimore’s Medfield and Hampden neighborhoods. The parade route begins on Falls Road (between Cold Spring Lane and 36th Street), continues along 36th Street (between Falls Road and Chestnut Avenue), and concludes on Chestnut Avenue (between 36th Street and 37th Street).

How to Get to the Parade

Use the tabs below to find the best route based on how you’re arriving. Keep in mind that parade streets close at 10AM, so arrive early and plan to walk a few blocks.

GPS-Friendly Parade Landmarks

These addresses are helpful for navigating close to the parade route, but you may not park at these locations. Use them to orient yourself, then look for street parking in the surrounding area.

Parade Start — Poly/Western High Schools
1400 W Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21209

DJ Stage — Burgee-Henss-Seitz Funeral Home
3631 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211

Judging Stage — Cotton Duck Title Co.
921 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211

Parade End — Hampden Elementary School
3608 Chestnut Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211

Public Parking Options

There is no designated parade parking, but the following public lots are within walking distance of the route:

Rotunda Parking Garage
727 W 40th St Suite 142, Baltimore, MD 21211
(Located about 3 blocks north of the parade route)

ACCE (Academy for College and Career Exploration) Parking Lot
1300 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211
(Located about 2 blocks west of the parade route at Falls Rd & 36th St)

Driving Directions

From the North (Hwy 695):

  • Take I-83 South (Jones Falls Expressway).
  • Exit at Cold Spring Lane (Exit 9A).
  • Turn left onto W Cold Spring Lane and continue straight.
  • Follow signage to Falls Road and proceed south.
    Note: Falls Road will be closed beginning at 10am. Follow Cold Spring Lane to connect with nearby side streets for parking and walking access.
  • Look for public parking near the parade route (consider streets surrounding Falls Road or 36th Street).

From the South (Downtown Baltimore) prior to 10am:

  • Take I-83 North (Jones Falls Expressway).
  • Exit at Falls Road (Exit 8).
    Note: This exit will be closed beginning at 10am
  • Merge onto Falls Road and continue north toward Hampden.
  • As you approach the parade area, look for public parking near the parade route (consider streets surrounding Falls Road or 36th Street).

From the South (Downtown Baltimore) after 10am:

  • Take I-83 North (Jones Falls Expressway).
  • Exit at Cold Spring Lane (Exit 9A).
  • Turn right onto W Cold Spring Lane and continue straight.
  • Follow signage to Falls Road and proceed south.
    Note: Falls Road will be closed beginning at 10am. Follow Cold Spring Lane to connect with nearby side streets for parking and walking access.
  • Look for public parking near the parade route (consider streets surrounding Falls Road or 36th Street).
Public Transit Options

MTA Bus

  • Ride MTA Bus #21 Northbound, which travels along 36th Street.
  • Stops are available close to the parade route.
  • Check MTA real-time schedules before heading out.

Light Rail

  • Exit at Woodberry Station.
  • Walk east on Union Avenue toward Falls Road (approx. 10–15 minutes).

Road Closures and Parking Tips

  • The parade route closes to traffic at 10AM on parade day.
  • There is no official event parking — plan to walk a bit.
  • Respect residential areas and all posted parking regulations.
  • The Rotunda Garage is a good option for those unfamiliar with street parking.