Stamford's holiday season starts next weekend. The Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular steps off at noon on Sunday, November 22, with giant helium balloons, marching bands and dance groups on a route of about a mile through downtown. The night before, the same balloons are inflated in the street, where anyone can walk up and watch.

Both events are run by the Stamford Downtown Special Services District, the organization behind the downtown's events calendar, which describes the parade as one of the largest of its kind in the country. It is the official kickoff of the city's holiday season, and two weeks later the district follows it with Heights and Lights, when Santa comes down the side of a 22 story building.

Saturday: the balloons come to life

The Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party runs Saturday, November 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Hoyt Street at Summer Street. Spectators get a close look as the giant balloons are filled, with live music, performances and an appearance by Santa.

Sunday: the parade

The parade runs from noon to about 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 22. The master of ceremonies is Colin Cosell, a Stamford native and three time Emmy Award winner who is the public address announcer for the New York Mets, Army West Point football and the Premier Lacrosse League.

The route is roughly a mile long, which the district says leaves plenty of room for spectators. The district publishes a route map, a list of the streets closed for staging and the route, and a map of free parking for parade day on its website. Several streets close that morning, so the district advises leaving extra time to get anywhere downtown.

Sign-ups for marching bands, dance groups and other performers have closed for this year. The district says to check back in early 2027 for the next parade, and it also takes volunteers for parade day.

December 6: Heights and Lights

On Sunday, December 6, Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch and friends rappel down Landmark Square, one of the tallest buildings in Stamford, from 22 stories up. A fireworks show follows the descent. Santa and his company then march up Bedford Street to Latham Park, where there is holiday music and the lighting of Stamford's holiday tree. The district says more details are still to come.

For Heights and Lights, the district recommends parking at Stamford Town Center, the Bell Street Garage, the Summer Street Garage or the Landmark Garage, which is entered from Atlantic Street. Because of construction around the Bedford Street Garage, it suggests using one of the others.

Getting there by train

The Stamford Transportation Center is a short walk from the parade route, and the district points to Metro-North as a good way in on parade day. Stamford is a stop on the New Haven Line, with direct trains from Greenwich, Darien, Norwalk and Westport.

Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party: Saturday, November 21, 3 to 6 p.m., Hoyt Street at Summer Street. Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular: Sunday, November 22, noon to 2 p.m., downtown Stamford. Heights and Lights: Sunday, December 6, Landmark Square to Latham Park.

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