Kickoff the holiday season with the festive sights and sounds of the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade. The parade will step off on Thanksgiving Eve – Wednesday, November 22, on Tryon Street in Uptown. Read on for all you need to know to make it the best night ever, whether you’re celebrating with family, your girlfriends or out-of-town guests.
About the Parade
As this beloved Charlotte tradition returns for its 77th year, there’s so much to look forward to. Spectators can expect larger-than-life balloons, vibrant floats, community group appearances and dazzling performances full of holiday spirit. A few facts to help your planning:
Parade Time: The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tryon Street and will also air live on TV.
Parade Route: The Parade will go down Tryon street, beginning at 9th Street and ending at Good Samaritan Way.
Parking: Ample parking is available around Center City with differing prices. Click here for more information.
Seating: Viewing the parade is free along the parade route. (bring your own chair.) To secure a guaranteed seat, purchase a VIP spot.
Join the Cast: Volunteer to participate in the parade as a balloon handler or costume walker.
Food & Drink: There will be several Tryon Street vendors offering food and hot/cold beverages.
VIP Seating: Leave the chairs at home and reserve your VIP seats along Tryon Street! Each block is general admission, so seats are first-come, first-served. Kids 2 and under are FREE and don’t require a ticket if they will be sitting in a lap.
For more, visit the parade’s Frequently Asked Questions.
If you’re attending with family
Experience the magic of the holidays at Santa’s Winter Wonderland! Santa’s Winter Wonderland will take place from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. before the parade at Bank of America Tower at Legacy Union. Ticketholders will receive:
- Winter Wonderland interactive experience
- Meet and greet with Santa Claus
- One free photo with Santa
- Your choice of a sweet treat and hot beverage
- Reserved seat in front of the Winter Wonderland experience in a prime viewing area
Warm up with interactive museums
Explore the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibit and IMAX features at Uptown’s Discovery Place, a destination for curious kids. Open 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
At ImaginOn, young readers and readers-to-be can put their imagination and creativity to the test at this collaborative effort from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Get in the home team (and holiday) spirit
The sports fans in your family will love the chance to stop by one of the Charlotte team’s fan shops before the parade. The Hornets Fan Shop is open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Carolina Panthers & Charlotte FC Team Store is open 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., and the Knights Team Store is open 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Want to get even closer to the action? The annual Light the Knights Festival‘s opening night is the same night as the parade and will be open until 10 pm. Expect an ice rink on the field and vendors, activities and more along the concourse.
Satisfy appetites big and small
When it’s time to feed the crew, Uptown has no shortage of options. Before the parade, hop on the light rail to The Market at 7th Street. At this food hall bursting with diverse vendors, kiddos can indulge in pizza from Geno D’s Pizza and kettle corn from It’s Poppin’ while adults savor charcuterie and wine from The Assorted Table Wine Shop or Southern Fare from Jimmy Pearls.
For a fun, mobile and tasty treat, grab pastries and warm beverages before the parade from Amelie’s. If you expect to build up an appetite during the parade, a stop at Alexander Michael’s for dinner is always a crowd-pleaser.
If it’s a Girls’ Night Out
Get in on the action by volunteering
Volunteer to walk in the parade! Volunteer sign ups will close November 14, 2023. The Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade offers several volunteer opportunities, providing a role to fit every interest and ability. We are looking for individuals and groups who are interested in using their time and talent to support this Charlotte tradition.
Volunteer Roles:
- Balloon Handlers
- Costume Walkers
- Float Captain
- Float escort
- Puppeteer (limited spots available)
- Push Cart Handler (limited spots available)
- Robotic Character Handler (limited spots available)
Cozy up with warm beverages before and a trendy dinner and cocktails after
Catch up over warm coffee, hot chocolate and tasty pastries at Coco & the Director or Wentworth & Fenn.
Afterward, check out one of Uptown’s most anticipated recent openings, Coquette, for desserts and drinks. Other tried and true Uptown spots for dinner include La Belle Helene, The Asbury, Mariposa and Mico.
Round out the celebratory night with a round of cocktails at Búho Bar, Sophia’s Lounge or The Punch Room. Cheers!
See the sights (and a show)
Take in the charm of Uptown before the parade steps off with a self-guided History of Fourth Ward Walking Tour. Next, stroll through Luminous Lane, an alleyway turned contemporary arts destination featuring more than 42 artists.
Looking to really get in the holiday spirit? Immediately following the parade, head to Knight Theater for an evening of laughs and tunes at A Very Darren Crissmas.
If you’re hosting out of town visitors
Take in the city lights
Let out-of-town visitors snap their Instagram-worthy skyline views at Romare Bearden Park. Looking for a way to cap off the night? Dinner and cocktails with a city view at Fahrenheit is sure to impress.
Explore nearby museums
Give your guests a taste of Charlotte arts and culture with a pre-parade self-guided art tour courtesy of Art Walks CLT. Near the parade route, the Museum of Illusions offers endless photo opps and mind-bending illusions. Plus, it will be a free Wednesday evening for the Mint, Bechtler, and Gantt museums thanks to Wednesday Night Live Sponsored by Bank of America. Guests can enjoy free admission to the three museums from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Savor the newest flavors of Uptown
Share a new experience with your guests by checking out some of Uptown’s latest restaurants to open. Explore the newly opened Monarch Market (open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.), grab dinner reservations at the lively STK Steakhouse and end the night at The Conspiracy speakeasy for light bites and cocktails.
For More Ideas on How to Enjoy the Parade…CLICK THRU here 🙂
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.
