Uptown Charlotte will welcome thousands Wednesday evening for the 79th Annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade, one of the city’s longest-running holiday traditions and recently voted one of America’s most cherished Thanksgiving traditions. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs along Tryon Street from 9th Street to Good Samaritan Way.
The free event remains one of the Southeast’s largest Thanksgiving parades, drawing families and visitors to line the sidewalks. Spectators may bring their own chairs, while VIP reserved seating is available for purchase. Children two and under may sit in a guardian’s lap without a ticket.
Parking will be widely available, with about 50,000 spaces offered on-street and in private decks at market rates. Paradegoers can also use the LYNX Blue Line, CityLYNX Gold Line, or Charlotte B-cycle for direct access to the route.
Organizers recommend arriving early — especially for those needing front-edge visibility — because there is no designated handicapped seating. Pets are discouraged due to noise and crowds.
The parade is expected to conclude around 8 p.m. Volunteers are still being accepted for various roles. Marching band and specialty unit applications open each year from February through August.
More details, parking information, and VIP ticket options are available on the event’s official website here.
