# Fort Mill Christmas Tree Lighting & 79th Annual Christmas Parade

> Event for families in the Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia area (NC / SC). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Dec 3 – Dec 5 · 5:00 PM – 1:30 PM
- Where: Downtown Fort Mill Main Street & Bandstand, 220 Main St, Fort Mill, SC 29715
- Ages: All ages (free family celebration with candy tosses, school choirs, and Santa visits)
- Price: Free admission; all parade viewing, tree lighting entertainment, and Santa visits are free
- Organizer: Town of Fort Mill Parks and Recreation
- Official page: https://www.fortmillsc.gov/524/79th-Annual-Fort-Mill-Christmas-Parade
- Last checked: Thu, Nov 5

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/fort-mill-christmas-tree-lighting-and-79th-annual-christmas-parade--listing-18b63fd9d657ef5c46bccea0

## About

The Town of Fort Mill, just south of the state line in York County, hosts a pair of beloved holiday traditions celebrating small-town Carolina warmth. On Thursday evening, families gather at the historic Main Street Bandstand for the annual Lighting of the Town Tree, featuring carols sung by local elementary and middle school choruses, handbell choirs, complimentary hot chocolate, and the grand illumination of the municipal tree by Santa and the Town Council. On Saturday morning, Main Street comes alive with the 79th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade, featuring classic convertibles, marching bands, equestrian groups, fire engines, dance troupes, and Santa tossing festive treats to children lining the route.

Downtown Fort Mill is closed to vehicular traffic during both events, providing expansive, safe pedestrian areas where families can spread out blankets and push strollers with ease. Free public parking is available in municipal lots behind Main Street and at Walter Y. Elisha Park. Public restrooms with diaper-changing stations are accessible at the Fort Mill Town Hall and Bandstand Pavilion.

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