Parade Prep: Behind the Scenes of North Attleborough’s Holiday March
Every December, thousands line the streets of North Attleborough for the town’s beloved holiday parade, a tradition that transforms downtown into a winter wonderland. But behind the marching bands, glittering floats, and waving Santas is a full-scale production months in the making. The planning starts as early as September, when town officials, local businesses, and volunteer groups gather to sketch out parade routes, assign float slots, and brainstorm themes that will resonate with the community.
Local schools play a major role in the festivities, with students preparing musical performances and choreographed routines weeks in advance. Art classes take charge of float painting and decoration, while marching bands rehearse tirelessly in the cold. The North Attleborough Fire Department ensures safety logistics are met, from street closures to crowd control, working closely with public works to make sure roads are ready and clear.
Small businesses also get in on the act, sponsoring floats or decking out their storefronts with holiday lights and festive window displays. For many, the parade is not just tradition—it’s one of the busiest weekends of the year. Families stop for hot cocoa, grab dinner after the event, or make a day of it with holiday shopping in town.
Volunteers are the backbone of it all. From costume fittings to float assembly, local residents of all ages pitch in, driven by town pride and holiday spirit. Parade day itself is an early start for many—volunteers gather before sunrise, making last-minute touch-ups to floats and coordinating lineups. When the first drumbeat echoes through downtown, it’s the culmination of weeks of coordination, collaboration, and community care.
As the final float rolls past Town Hall and the crowd begins to thin, there’s already talk of next year. Because in North Attleborough, the holiday parade isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a celebration of the town’s spirit, stitched together by the people who call it home.
