# Thanksgiving break with kids in Charlotte > 37 Thanksgiving parades, turkey trots, break camps and things to do with kids in the Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia area over Thanksgiving break 2026, each linked to the organizer’s own page with the date we last checked it. 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 2, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-01), 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/thanksgiving Towns with listings: Charlotte (15), Huntersville (5), Belmont (3), Mooresville (2), Concord (1), Davidson (1), Landis (1), Lincolnton (1), Locust (1), Matthews (1), Mint Hill (1), Pineville (1), Rock Hill (1), Stanley (1), Statesville (1), Waxhaw (1). ## Quick answers ### Where is there a turkey trot for kids near Charlotte? 13 listings, the soonest 4: [Northwestern Trojan Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/northwestern-trojan-turkey-trot-5k-and-1-mile-fun-run--listing-ec1c58310264a88eb49f86dc) (Sat, Nov 21, From $5); [Stuart Cramer Turkey Trot 5K and Dressing Dash Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/stuart-cramer-turkey-trot-5k-and-dressing-dash-fun-run--listing-8fc57e010d00584e1b4725ee) (Sat, Nov 21, From $15); [Bright Lights 5K and Fun Run at Daniel Stowe Conservancy](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/bright-lights-5k-and-fun-run-at-daniel-stowe-conservancy--listing-bcccce7098ca7e9c47d2510d) (Wed, Nov 25, Paid); [CPI Security Charlotte Turkey Trot with Harris Teeter 1 Mile and Tot Trot](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/cpi-security-charlotte-turkey-trot-with-harris-teeter-1-mile-and-tot-t--listing-c4a564b31d08dcd5a6c96ddc) (Thu, Nov 26, Paid). ### What free Thanksgiving break events are there for kids in Charlotte? 6 listings, the soonest 4: [Turkey Trek](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/turkey-trek--listing-daf1decc73192c239ff1ac38) (Fri, Nov 20, Free); [Turkey Tales at Quest](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/turkey-tales-at-quest--listing-8fc75b84b09b94d961f02a67) (Sun, Nov 22, Free); [82nd Annual Mooresville Christmas Parade](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/82nd-annual-mooresville-christmas-parade--listing-5b156e90996f86af8ceffbeb) (Tue, Nov 24, Free); [Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/novant-health-thanksgiving-eve-parade--listing-d38baa8e79a0ed2cbe65dc71) (Wed, Nov 25, Free). ### Which Thanksgiving break events suit toddlers and young kids in Charlotte? 3 listings: [Family Storytime: A Friendsgiving Celebration! — South Boulevard Library](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/family-storytime-a-friendsgiving-celebration-south-boulevard-library--listing-d25399f24337a2e9c3aa7ba5) (Wed, Nov 18); [Young Explorers: Turkey Adventures and Snowman Adventures at Quest](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/young-explorers-turkey-adventures-and-snowman-adventures-at-quest--listing-8b2bc3fca427bf9de015c580) (Mon, Nov 23); [Preschool Friendsgiving Tea Party — Pineville Library](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/preschool-friendsgiving-tea-party-pineville-library--listing-8beaf1fbb605910c9c10ad21) (Tue, Nov 24). ## Dated events ### Charlotte (15) - [Family Storytime: A Friendsgiving Celebration! — South Boulevard Library](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/family-storytime-a-friendsgiving-celebration-south-boulevard-library--listing-d25399f24337a2e9c3aa7ba5) — Wed, Nov 18 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM · South Boulevard Library · Ages 0–5 · checked Oct 30. A special family storytime about friendship with activities, a Friendsgiving feast and a puppet show, for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with their grown-ups. - [Turkey Trek](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/turkey-trek--listing-daf1decc73192c239ff1ac38) — Fri, Nov 20 · 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM · McDowell Nature Center and Preserve · Ages 7+ · Free · checked Oct 14. Kick off the Thanksgiving season with a 3–4 mile Turkey Trek! Get ready for a fun, scenic hike filled with fresh air, good company, and a little Thanksgiving spirit. Whether… - [Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/novant-health-thanksgiving-eve-parade--listing-d38baa8e79a0ed2cbe65dc71) — Wed, Nov 25 · 5:30 PM · Tryon Street, Uptown Charlotte (start at 9th Street) · Free · checked Oct 28. Charlotte's big holiday parade along Tryon Street in Uptown, airing live on WCCB. Free to watch: bring your own chair and line Tryon Street, or buy reserved VIP seating. Food and… - [CPI Security Charlotte Turkey Trot with Harris Teeter 1 Mile and Tot Trot](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/cpi-security-charlotte-turkey-trot-with-harris-teeter-1-mile-and-tot-t--listing-c4a564b31d08dcd5a6c96ddc) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM · SouthPark Mall · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. North Carolina's largest road race starts and finishes at SouthPark Mall on Thanksgiving morning, with an 8K (8:10 am), 5K run/walk (9:10 am), a 1-mile fun run/walk at 8:00 am… - [Levine JCC Thanksgiving Turkey Trot (5K or 1.5-mile fun run)](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/levine-jcc-thanksgiving-turkey-trot-5k-or-1-5-mile-fun-run--listing-05c1cc739b28173e701e92c5) — Thu, Nov 26 · 7:45 AM · Poliakoff Pavilion, Levine Jewish Community Center · checked Oct 14. Thanksgiving-morning run at the Levine JCC: participants choose between a 5K or a 1.5-mile fun run, billed as a morning of movement, family and community before the holiday… - [Turkey Dash Charlotte (4-Mile and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk)](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/turkey-dash-charlotte-4-mile-and-1-mile-fun-run-walk--listing-0826a11408f7edeb93aaec91) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM · Village at Robinson Farm · All ages · From $31 · checked Oct 30. The 14th Turkey Dash returns to the Village at Robinson Farm in south Charlotte on Thanksgiving morning with a 4-mile timed run/walk at 8:30 am and a 1-mile fun run/walk at 9:30… - [University City Turkey Trot and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/university-city-turkey-trot-and-kids-fun-run--listing-574bfd0ae80eef90c17d074f) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM · University City Turkey Trot start (Prosperity Church Road) · All ages · From $40 · checked Oct 30. The University City Turkey Trot starts at 8:00 am on Thanksgiving Day from Prosperity Church Road in north Charlotte, with a kids' fun run at 8:45 am. The race benefits Sickle… - [Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne's Backyard](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/carolina-holiday-light-spectacular-at-ballantyne-s-backyard--listing-e9994853b12aeabff3ec192a) — Nov 27 – Dec 30 · 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM · Ballantyne's Backyard (Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular) · All ages · From $10 · checked Oct 27. A walk-through Christmas light trail in Ballantyne, now in its fifth season, with millions of lights across more than 40 illuminated scenes that run end to end along concrete and… - [Charlotte Symphony: Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Concert](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/charlotte-symphony-dr-seuss-s-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-in-concer--listing-b373090a1735b010cc49d7f3) — Fri, Nov 27 (+1 more date) · Ovens Auditorium · Paid · checked Oct 14. The 2000 live-action Grinch film screened with the Charlotte Symphony performing James Horner's score live, conducted by Christopher James Lees. Audio description for the Friday… - [OMB Christmas Market and Santa Saturdays — Ballantyne Brauhaus](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/omb-christmas-market-and-santa-saturdays-ballantyne-brauhaus--listing-7b465d81d911621d52b036e5) — Fri, Nov 27 (+11 more dates) · The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Ballantyne · All ages · checked Oct 30. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's Christmas Market runs at its Ballantyne Brauhaus for four weekends starting Thanksgiving weekend, with 50+ local vendors, fire pits, holiday… - [OMB Christmas Market and Santa Saturdays — LoSo Brauhaus](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/omb-christmas-market-and-santa-saturdays-loso-brauhaus--listing-f63ac55fd8c51fbb78bbb45d) — Fri, Nov 27 (+11 more dates) · The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (LoSo) · All ages · checked Oct 30. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's German-style Christmas Market opens Thanksgiving weekend for four weekends with 50+ local vendors, fire pits, holiday lights, live entertainment in… - [Santa's Private Workshop: Elf Academy — Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/santa-s-private-workshop-elf-academy-carolina-holiday-light-spectacula--listing-dc99b5899b0f73cfe7bf11e4) — Nov 27 – Dec 23 · 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM · Ballantyne's Backyard (Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular) · From $49 · checked Oct 27. New for 2026 at the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular in Ballantyne: a small-group Santa visit where, each open night through December 23, Santa opens his private workshop to… - [WinterFest at Carowinds](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/winterfest-at-carowinds--listing-7ef0dca94da700a66cd34296) — Nov 27 – Jan 3 · Carowinds · All ages · With admission · checked Oct 14. Holiday season at Carowinds with live shows including Tinker's Toy Factory, light displays, Santa, select rides and attractions, seasonal food and hot chocolate, and a New Year's… - [After-Thanksgiving Escape Room — SouthPark Regional Library](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/after-thanksgiving-escape-room-southpark-regional-library--listing-86ef22683e2508f0caac5cc0) — Sat, Nov 28 · 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM · SouthPark Regional Library · Ages 10–18 · checked Oct 30. It's the day after Thanksgiving and all the leftovers are missing: preteens and teens work together to recover the dishes in a food-themed escape room in the Tween Scene Room… - [Cozy Holiday Movie for Teens at ImaginOn](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/cozy-holiday-movie-for-teens-at-imaginon--listing-3ee9b6c80e858912456ed51c) — Sat, Nov 28 · 2:00 PM · ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center · Ages 12–18 · Free · checked Oct 30. Teens watch a cozy holiday film with hot apple cider in Studio i on the Saturday after Thanksgiving; teens vote on the movie in the loft during the first two weeks of November… ### Huntersville (5) - [Sensory Saturday: Build a Play Dough Turkey](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/sensory-saturday-build-a-play-dough-turkey--listing-b2a7f76107f0cc5d09faa55d) — Sat, Nov 21 · 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM · North County Regional Library, Huntersville · checked Oct 16. A short sensory craft session at North County Regional Library where preschool and early elementary children shape a play dough turkey just before Thanksgiving. The library… - [Turkey Tales at Quest](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/turkey-tales-at-quest--listing-8fc75b84b09b94d961f02a67) — Sun, Nov 22 · 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM · Quest Nature Center at Latta Nature Preserve, Huntersville · Ages 4–12 · Free · checked Oct 16. A free Thanksgiving-week story-and-craft hour at Quest Nature Center for ages 4 to 12: children read an animal tale and do crafts and activities about what makes wild turkeys… - [Young Explorers: Turkey Adventures and Snowman Adventures at Quest](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/young-explorers-turkey-adventures-and-snowman-adventures-at-quest--listing-8b2bc3fca427bf9de015c580) — Mon, Nov 23 (+1 more date) · 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM · Quest Nature Center at Latta Nature Preserve, Huntersville · Ages 2–3 · checked Oct 16. Young Explorers at Quest Nature Center is a 45-minute nature session for 2- and 3-year-olds and their grown-ups, built around stories, crafts and activities on a seasonal theme… - [NorthStone Turkey Trot and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/northstone-turkey-trot-and-kids-fun-run--listing-f699aec7489b82ab9c891038) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM · NorthStone (Huntersville) · All ages · With admission · checked Oct 30. A Thanksgiving-morning neighborhood fundraiser in Huntersville: the Kids Fun Run for ages 7 and under starts at 8:00 am (every child gets a finisher medal), followed by a timed… - [Thanksgiving with the Raptors](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/thanksgiving-with-the-raptors--listing-1c47ca89181769bb462dd748) — Fri, Nov 27 · 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM · Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville · All ages · With admission · checked Oct 28. Keepers discuss raptor diets and how they build meals for the avian ambassadors, prepare food, and let visitors watch the resident birds enjoy a feast. Gift shop runs Black… ### Belmont (3) - [Stuart Cramer Turkey Trot 5K and Dressing Dash Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/stuart-cramer-turkey-trot-5k-and-dressing-dash-fun-run--listing-8fc57e010d00584e1b4725ee) — Sat, Nov 21 · 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM · Stuart Cramer High School, Belmont · All ages · From $15 · checked Oct 30. The second annual Stuart Cramer High School Turkey Trot pairs an 800-meter Dressing Dash fun run on the school track (9:00 am) with a 5K at 9:15 am; festive attire encouraged… - [Bright Lights 5K and Fun Run at Daniel Stowe Conservancy](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/bright-lights-5k-and-fun-run-at-daniel-stowe-conservancy--listing-bcccce7098ca7e9c47d2510d) — Wed, Nov 25 · 6:00 PM · The Gardens at Stowe, Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont · Paid · checked Oct 24. A night-before-Thanksgiving race through the illuminated paths of Daniel Stowe Conservancy's Holidays at the Garden light display. Runners and walkers choose the Bright Lights 5K… - [Holidays at the Garden: Light Exhibit at Daniel Stowe Conservancy](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/holidays-at-the-garden-light-exhibit-at-daniel-stowe-conservancy--listing-3737eda3f7962c28f46fe5dd) — Sat, Nov 28 (+24 more dates) · 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Daniel Stowe Conservancy (The Gardens), Belmont · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 16. On select evenings from November 28 through December 30, Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont turns its gardens into a winter light walk with more than one million lights… ### Other towns in the Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia area (14) - [Northwestern Trojan Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/northwestern-trojan-turkey-trot-5k-and-1-mile-fun-run--listing-ec1c58310264a88eb49f86dc) — Sat, Nov 21 · 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM · Northwestern High School, Rock Hill · All ages · From $5 · checked Oct 30. Northwestern High School's cross-country fundraiser runs on the school's grass cross-country course: a 1 Mile Fun Run for kids 12 and under at 9:00 am (parents run with their… - [82nd Annual Mooresville Christmas Parade](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/82nd-annual-mooresville-christmas-parade--listing-5b156e90996f86af8ceffbeb) — Tue, Nov 24 · 3:00 PM · Main Street, Downtown Mooresville (start at Statesville Avenue) · Free · checked Oct 14. Mooresville's Christmas parade, held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving since 1944, travels south down Main Street. First responders open with lights and sirens at 3 p.m.; the… - [Holiday Stained Glass — Mint Hill Library](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/holiday-stained-glass-mint-hill-library--listing-b5c834c5cb1ab9c925d75b87) — Tue, Nov 24 · 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM · Mint Hill Library · checked Oct 16. A science-and-art session at Mint Hill Library where children in kindergarten through 6th grade create a holiday stained-glass picture after exploring the topic through books and… - [Landis Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/landis-downtown-christmas-tree-lighting--listing-fc91e559393540e57253c694) — Tue, Nov 24 · 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Future D.C. and Frances Linn Community Park (N. Central Ave), Landis · All ages · checked Oct 27. The Town of Landis in southern Rowan County holds its 9th annual downtown tree lighting on Tuesday evening, November 24, 2026, at the future home of the D.C. and Frances Linn… - [Preschool Friendsgiving Tea Party — Pineville Library](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/preschool-friendsgiving-tea-party-pineville-library--listing-8beaf1fbb605910c9c10ad21) — Tue, Nov 24 · 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM · Pineville Library · Ages 3–5 · checked Oct 30. Pineville's weekly preschool series turns into a Preschool Friendsgiving with party games, "tea", snacks, stories and drama activities; bring a favorite stuffed friend and wear a… - [Davidson Turkey Trot](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/davidson-turkey-trot--listing-98f2de71779c19b767e20daf) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM · Downtown Davidson (start at 119 S. Main Street) · All ages · From $30 · checked Oct 30. Davidson's Thanksgiving-morning 5K run/walk winds through downtown Davidson at 8:00 am and benefits local nonprofits; organizers bill it as a family tradition for all, so walkers… - [Gobble Gobble 5K Thanksgiving Run/Walk — Locust](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/gobble-gobble-5k-thanksgiving-run-walk-locust--listing-dffe8b46af9932ebaaaad0ff) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM · Locust Town Center · All ages · Free · checked Oct 30. A free, family-friendly Thanksgiving-morning 5K run/walk from Locust Town Center on the same route as the Locust Elfie 5K. Wear your best turkey hat; registration closes at 7:30… - [Iredell County Special Olympics Thanksgiving Turkey Chase 5K, 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/iredell-county-special-olympics-thanksgiving-turkey-chase-5k-10k-and-1--listing-41f7b57814e9f132ddff990f) — Thu, Nov 26 · 9:00 AM – 10:20 AM · Statesville Soccer Complex · All ages · From $10 · adaptive · checked Oct 30. The 10th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Chase starts at 9:00 am from the Statesville soccer complex on greenway and road, with a 1-mile fun run (youth and adult), 5K and 10K, all… - [MillBridge Turkey Trot 5K and Kids' Turkey Dash](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/millbridge-turkey-trot-5k-and-kids-turkey-dash--listing-c2b6b56aaecb8ac1a9083f33) — Thu, Nov 26 · 7:30 AM · MillBridge Community House, Waxhaw · All ages · With admission · checked Oct 30. The 12th annual MillBridge Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving-morning 5K run/walk through the streets of the MillBridge community, open to all ages. A free Kids' Turkey Dash for… - [Mooresville/Lake Norman Turkey Trot 5K and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/mooresville-lake-norman-turkey-trot-5k-and-kids-fun-run--listing-21f7e6d1da38a6af98428141) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM · The Christian Mission, Mooresville · All ages · From $15 · checked Oct 30. The 16th annual Thanksgiving 5K starts at The Christian Mission on N. Main Street and supports its programs for neighbors in need. A half-mile Kids Fun Run for ages 10 and under… - [5th Annual Christmas Extravaganza at Cabarrus Arena](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/5th-annual-christmas-extravaganza-at-cabarrus-arena--listing-8d43e8dd8d4f27e11dbcd130) — Fri, Nov 27 (+2 more dates) · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, Concord · All ages · From $10 · checked Oct 30. A three-day indoor holiday market over Thanksgiving weekend with pictures with Santa and the Grinch, live music and festive photo spots; one $10 admission covers all three days. - [The Nutcracker Ballet — Matthews Ballet and Dance](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/the-nutcracker-ballet-matthews-ballet-and-dance--listing-23754d45e328398d02f83348) — Sat, Nov 28 (+3 more dates) · Fullwood Theater, Matthews Community Center · Paid · checked Oct 20. Matthews Ballet and Dance stages The Nutcracker on the Fullwood Theater stage at the Matthews Community Center over two holiday weekends, presented by the Town of Matthews. The… - [68th Annual Lincolnton Christmas Parade](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/68th-annual-lincolnton-christmas-parade--listing-927016317a0c8f9b49a35fa9) — Sun, Nov 29 · 4:00 PM · Lincolnton parade route (start: E. Main Street at Flint St.) · checked Oct 14. 'Christmas Through The Decades' parade: floats themed on a decade past, present or future, ending with Santa Claus. Route starts on E. Main Street at Flint St., travels through… - [Stanley Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony](https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/stanley-christmas-tree-lighting-ceremony--listing-8073dc0bdd340e7016025da1) — Sun, Nov 29 · 5:30 PM · Downtown Stanley · All ages · checked Oct 30. The Town of Stanley kicks off the holiday season with its annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Stanley on the Sunday evening of Thanksgiving weekend. More for families in Charlotte: https://grassyknees.com/charlotte.md