What To Know About Charlotte’s Thanksgiving Eve Parade
Some have this momentous occasion marked as a family tradition. Afterall, the Thanksgiving Eve Parade has been around for the past 77 years in Charlotte. This year’s parade promises to…
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 26: Santa Claus waves from his sleigh float at the 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on November 26, 2020 in New York City. The World-Famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® kicks off the holiday season for millions of television viewers watching safely at home. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s Inc.)
Some have this momentous occasion marked as a family tradition. Afterall, the Thanksgiving Eve Parade has been around for the past 77 years in Charlotte. This year's parade promises to light up the night!
Sponsored by Novant Health, the Thanksgiving Eve Parade takes place Wednesday, November 22, on Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte. The parade begins at 5:45 p.m. on Tryon Street and will air live at 6:00 p.m. on WCCB. It will happen rain or shine.
According to it's website, Charlotte's Thanksgiving Eve Parade is the fourth largest of its kind in the country and the biggest in the Southeast. Last year, some 100,000 people from around the region came to see the magic and 1 million viewers tuned in to see the live broadcast.
It's just the event to kick off the holiday season with lights, music and of course no parade would be complete without the floats. Here's a quick guide to enjoy the parade experience.
What To Know
- Parade Route: The parade will start 5:45pm at 9th Street at Tryon and end at Good Samaritan Way.
- Parking: There is sufficient parking in uptown and prices vary at different lots. Spectators are encouraged to come early to park and find a spot on the curb before 5:30pm.
- Tickets: You do NOT need a ticket to watch the parade. Bring your own chair and secure your spot. VIP seating is offered for purchase. Unfortunately, tickets for VIP Seating are sold out.
- VIP Seating is reserved seat along the parade route located between East Brooklyn Village Ave and M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.
- Seating: You can bring your own chair to secure your spot.
- Food & Drink: Vendors along Tryon Street will offer food and hot/cold beverages available for purchase.
- Volunteer: The deadline to participate in the parade was November 14.
If you are not able to get to the parade, you can watch it LIVE on local channel WCCB, 6-8pm.
5 Can’t Miss Festivals This Fall And Winter In Jackson County North Carolina
Fall is here and winter is quickly approaching. And this is the perfect time of year to plan a mountain getaway to the mountains of North Carolina. And the towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva are ready to host you and visitors from all over at 5 festivals and events in the Jackson County towns. This area is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Charlotte making it the perfect spot for a fall or winter getaway. From leaf season which is a site to see anywhere in the North Carolina Mountains, to winter and the holidays and maybe even a snowfall there is something for everyone to enjoy.
These 5 festivals and events take place between October and December and include fall craft festivals and holiday events across Jackson County. But even if you can't swing a trip before the holidays, perhaps pay a visit at the beginning of the year with small crowds and lower prices. And an even better chance for that snow I'm dreaming of! Keep reading to learn more about these events. And get more info on planning your visit here.
Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival
Dates: October 6th-8th
Location: The Village Green 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC
This annual three day festival features 90 artisan vendors, live music, crafts for kids, food trucks, and more. Everything sold at the festival is handmade by the vendors including unique handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry, and more. All while the leaves are turning their gorgeous colors the beautiful mountain village of Cashiers. The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival is free to attend.
WNC Pottery Festival
Date: November 4th
Location: Bridge Park, Railroad Ave, Sylva NC
One of the top events in the North Carolina mountains and Top 20 event in November in the Southeast the WNC Pottery Festival features more than 40 master potters, with many demonstrations in a variety of techniques. Potters come from over 13 states and work with a variety of clay art styles.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Dates: December 1-2, and December 8-9th
Location: Downtown Dillsboro
2023 marks the 40th anniversary or Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries. The downtown of Dillsboro comes alive with 2,500 candles and white lights. There are carolers, cocoa and cider, and horse-drawn carriage rides. There is also live music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Cashiers Christmas Parade
Date: December 2nd
Location: Cashiers Crossroads
Don't miss the Cashiers Christmas Parade this December. Local businesses, organizations, and residents take part in the yearly parade that travels a 1-mile loop.
Sylva Christmas Parade
Date: December 3rd
Location: Downtown Sylva's Main Street
This hour-long parade features floats, bands, and of course, Santa makes an appearance. If you're in town you'll also want to check out the town's tree lighting and fireworks on December 1st.
