Christmas parade to step off under sunny skies

Those who choose to watch the parade in person will be greeted by sunny skies, but the air will carry the chill appropriate for late November, WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said. Temperatures will be in the 40s when the parade steps off at 10 a.m. and climb into the 50s by its end.

"Make sure you are well bundled since you will be exposed to the elements for quite some time, plus the winds will tend to kick up from 5 to 15 mph at times," Fishel said. 

Now in its 68th year, the parade will feature over 115 entries, including fantastic floats, super-sized balloons, marching bands, entertainers, animals, specialty vehicles and the arrival of Santa Claus.

"American Idol" participant and North Carolina native Emily Minor will be the grand marshal.

The parade route is 1.2 miles long, starting at the corner of Hillsborough and St. Mary’s Street. The parade travels east on Hillsborough Street, turns south at the Capitol on Salisbury Street, east on Morgan and then makes a final turn down Fayetteville Street.

All downtown parking garages will be open and free Saturday morning to accommodate the crowds.