# Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade (Historic Uptown Charlotte Procession) > Event for families in the Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia area (NC / SC). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Wed, Nov 25 · 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM - Where: Uptown Charlotte (North Tryon Street), North Tryon St & 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 - Ages: All ages welcome; wide curb-free sidewalks accommodate strollers and wagons; quietest viewing near 9th Street step-off - Price: Free sidewalk viewing along the entire 1-mile Tryon Street route; optional reserved VIP bleacher seats available for $25–$35 - Organizer: Charlotte Center City Partners - Official page: https://novanthealththanksgivingparade.com/ - Last checked: Wed, Nov 4 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/novant-health-thanksgiving-eve-parade-historic-uptown-charlotte-proces--listing-5fd55963373919d38f8c47a2 ## About A cherished Charlotte tradition dating back to 1947, the 79th annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade transforms Uptown Charlotte into a magical illuminated wonderland. Taking place under the city skyline on Thanksgiving Eve, the parade features gigantic cold-air character balloons, marching bands from high schools and universities across the region, radiant dance troupes, community heritage floats, and the official welcome arrival of Santa Claus to kick off the festive season. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller & Wagon Accessibility: Uptown Charlotte's sidewalks along Tryon Street are extra-wide, concrete-paved, and equipped with ADA-accessible curb cuts. Direct elevator access is available from the LYNX Blue Line at the 7th Street and CTC/Arena stations. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Family restrooms and nursing-friendly quiet lounges are available inside Founders Hall (100 N Tryon St) and the Overstreet Mall connections until early evening. • Age Suitability: Delightful for toddlers through grandparents; arriving 45 minutes early ensures a front-row sidewalk spot for young children. • Sensory Tips: Marching drumlines and brass fanfares echo off Uptown towers; noise-canceling headphones are recommended for toddlers. 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