Downtown Duluth is all set to be swathed in holiday cheer as the Christmas City of the North Parade makes its grand return this Friday, November 22. According to official details released by the City of Duluth, the parade is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. kick-off in front of the historical landmark, Fitger's, located at 6th Avenue East and Superior Street. Marching along Superior Street, the parade will conclude at 4th Avenue West, promising a spectacle of lights, music, and festive floats.
For those planning to witness the annual event, it’s worth noting that parade units will line up from 4 p.m. on London Road, between 10th and 14th Avenues East. In preparation, a series of road closures will be rolled out starting at 4 p.m., which includes London Road's shutdown from 10th to 14th Avenues East. Superior Street will see closures beginning 5:30 p.m., stretching from 8th Avenue East to 12th Avenue East, and then expanding to 5th Avenue West at around 5:45 p.m. Buses for parade participants will take their positions on the upper side of London Road from 14th to 17th Avenues East, easily identifiable for the marching bands and dance groups who will disembark the parade route on 4th Avenue West.
Residents and guests driving to and from the area should prepare for diversions, with eastbound Superior Street traffic being redirected at 6th Avenue West to eastbound 2nd Street, and westbound traffic being rerouted from London Road at 14th Avenue East and from Superior Street at 12th Avenue East to westbound 3rd Street. To enhance Downtown accessibility, the city has made arrangements to provide free parking after 5 p.m. at various ramps and lots, including the Fourth Avenue Auto Park and the Civic Center Ramp. Furthermore, parking meters will go off-charge after 5:30 p.m., although there is a strict no parking policy along the parade route on Superior Street.
With an influx of foot traffic expected, motorists are advised to remain alert for pedestrians and parade-goers while also heeding the no parking signs dotted around the event perimeter. Drivers will need to be particularly cautious as some vehicles parked in specific lots, such as the Fitger’s Ramp and Pickwick parking lots, will be restricted from exiting until the end of the parade festivities. The city anticipates normal traffic conditions to resume around 8:30 p.m., ensuring a snug finish to the evening's jubilations.
