Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade: Charlotte Holiday Kickoff

About this adventure

The Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade is Charlotte's official holiday kickoff and America's fourth-largest holiday parade, dating back to 1947. Stepping off at dusk on Thanksgiving Eve, the illuminated parade travels through the heart of Uptown Charlotte along Tryon Street under glowing city skyscrapers. Families marvel at high-flying giant cold-air character balloons, elaborate twinkling floats, top regional high school and university marching bands, festive equestrian units, cultural performance troupes, and the grand evening arrival of Santa Claus. The nighttime illumination gives the parade a magical glow that captivates young spectators. Tryon Street offers wide, level sidewalks with plenty of room for families with strollers and wagons. Families can ride the LYNX Blue Line light rail directly into Uptown (disembarking at 7th Street or CTC/Arena station) to avoid traffic and parking hassles. Public restrooms are accessible inside the Overstreet Mall, the Charlotte Transportation Center, and the Knight Theater lobby.