The holiday season is special for many reasons: the festive decorations, cozy nights in, enjoying warm, delicious food, and the excitement of shopping for the perfect gift. Perhaps, though, what makes the holidays so special is their ability to bring people together. After all, what better way to get into the winter spirit than sharing festivities with the community?
In the spirit of holiday togetherness, Hunterdon County, NJ hosted its annual holiday parade on December 6, 2025. The set up began as early as 3 in the afternoon with roads closing to leave room for the parade attractions. Despite the cold weather conditions of the December evening, hundreds of families, friends, coworkers, or maybe just acquaintances, came together in Flemington to celebrate the different holidays of the winter season and enjoy a festive night of lights, music, and decorations.
The parade featured over 70 marching bands (including Hunterdon Central’s own Marching Red Devils), floats, troops, community vehicles and even a visit from the famous holiday joy, Santa Claus. Another favorite of the community, the McDonalds shoe, also made its annual appearance with the Hamburgler, Grimace, and Ronald McDonald himself.
As folks started lining the sides of the Historic Main Street in Flemington, the community showed immense holiday spirit with festive hats, lights, and even going all out in holiday themed outfits from head to toe! Starting at 4 P.M, shops along the street were open for customers to peruse before and after the parade, including multiple churches handing out hot chocolate and candy for the town’s enjoyment, as well as pre-parade performances with singing and dancing. “Just everyone coming together to celebrate one of the most beautiful times of the year, really brings me joy,” replied an attendee when asked about their favorite part of the parade. Not only is this holiday parade an entertaining event to include on your yearly calendar, but it’s also a great opportunity to see the variety of groups you could join here in Hunterdon County, including a wide range of girl and boy scout troupes, local music and dance academies, first responder groups, and our marching band. “My favorite part every year is just seeing the smiles on people’s faces as we march down the street,” said a clarinet player in the Marching Red Devils. So next holiday season, if you are looking for something to do to get into the spirit of the holidays, you won’t want to miss the annual holiday parade held in Flemington, NJ!
