EXETER, NH — The all-volunteer Exeter Holiday Parade Committee has announced three fundraising events ahead of the 2026 Exeter Holiday Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5.
The first event is set for Thursday, Oct. 22, at Thirsty Moose Taphouse on Portsmouth Avenue, where the restaurant will donate 10 percent of sales from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. to the parade.
Committee volunteers will be at the Thirsty Moose event with some of the parade's holiday inflatables in the outside dining area. Parade supporters are encouraged to make it a family night out and help support the annual event.
The next fundraiser listed in the announcement is the 2026 Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 28, at Old Town Hall.
Vendor space is sold out, and the committee said visitors can expect two floors of craft items from local crafters and artisans. The fair falls on Small Business Saturday, and the committee said vendor fees help fund the 2026 Exeter Holiday Parade while keeping admission free to the public.
More than 35 vendors are expected at the craft fair, and the building has an elevator.
Another restaurant fundraiser is planned for Monday, Nov. 16, at Otto Pizza on Water Street. Otto, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., will donate 10 percent of its entire day's sales to the parade, according to the committee. Parade volunteers and some of the holiday inflatables are also expected there.
The inflatables are also set to return during the Exeter Holiday Block Party on Thursday, Dec. 3, at Town House Common Park on Court Street. Families can stroll through the Festival of Trees, visit with Santa, and stop by the holiday inflatables.
This year's parade theme is "Stars, Stripes and Holiday Lights," honoring America's 250th birthday. The nighttime parade is scheduled to step off at 5:30 p.m. from Osram on Portsmouth Avenue, continue down Portsmouth Avenue to Water Street and pass the Bandstand.
The committee said the parade will again include a Quieter Zone for people with sensitivity to loud noises. From the parade starting point to the area near New England Pizza and Prov Bank, fire trucks and vehicles towing floats will be asked not to use their air horns. The committee also pointed to parking at the Exeter Commons lot.
The committee said the Exeter Holiday Parade is a more than 60-year tradition. People interested in sponsorships, donations, volunteering or joining the parade can contact the committee at exeterholidayparade@gmail.com.
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