This year, the Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade celebrates its Diamond Anniverary, meaning it’s 75 years young and back to an in-person parade. And it’s both changing things up AND keeping traditions alive.
New Parade Day This Year
The parade will step off on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 24 at 6:00 p.m.
We love this, as it offers the opportunity for a family and guest-friendly activity and the start of a new Thanksgiving weekend tradition. And there’s just something extra wonderful about a night parade, where the floats, units and bands will be illuminated to celebrate the 75th Anniversary in style.
What: 75th Anniversary Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
When: Wednesday, November 24, 2021
6:00 p.m. Step-off
Where: Uptown Charlotte – Tryon Street from 9th to Stonewall streets
Photographer – Patrick SchneiderPhoto.com
This year’s return to a in-person Parade will feature local, regional and national talent and performers as well as your favorite units, inflatables, segwalloons and marching bands.
- 10 High School Marching Bands
- 4 Community Marching Bands
- 28 Specialty Units
- 13 Floats
- 7 Special Performers
- 8 Giant Balloons
Reserved Tickets / Seating
You don’t have to have a ticket to watch the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve parade, but with large crowds expected, the best bet and the best views will be in the ticketed seats. These are in the two “front rows” of seats along the route, and are not obstructed by standing attendees. Ticketed Seats are $25 in advance, $30 at the door if available, and can be purchased on Carolina Tix here. Some sections are already sold out.
Save time by purchasing your VIP Ticketed seats now to avoid the crowds and have reserved seats waiting for you on Wednesday evening. Seats are broken into sections along Tryon Street ~ here’s a map of seat sections.
You may purchase seats in any section you’d like with availability. While your ticket does reserve you a seat in your section, there are no reserved seat #’s , so once you’ve bought seats in that particular section, you may sit in any available seat.
Volunteer
If you have ever wanted to be in a parade, this is your opportunity. The organizers are looking for volunteers to walk as costumed cast members, helping to make it an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends. They are also looking for volunteers to walk the route while handling the giant balloons or as parade marshals. Additional health and safety protocols will be required for all volunteers. To sign up as a volunteer, or for more information about the parade, check for updates at www.novanthealththanksgivingparade.com
“This is a great time to celebrate the holidays in Charlotte and we look forward to making new memories for our attendees,” said Robert Krumbine, Chief Creative Officer for Charlotte Center City Partners and Parade Producer. “The 75th anniversary of any event is a true milestone and changing the day and time will certainly make a major impact on this spectacular Parade.”
Parade attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status and, when possible, practice social distancing.
Charlotte Center City Partners boldly envisions and activates strategies and actions that will assure Charlotte Center City is a welcoming and equitable, economically vibrant, culturally rich, and beloved place for all. For complete information about Charlotte Center City Partners, visit www.charlottecentercity.org.
