4 Things to Know: The 2024 Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade

The 78th-annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade arrives on Wednesday, Nov. 27. This year’s event steps off at 5:30 p.m. in Uptown, and it airs live on WCCB Charlotte’s CW at 6 p.m. The procession brings performances, floats, celebrities, marching bands, balloons, and a few surprises to the streets of Charlotte, with the route moving down Tryon Street through the course of the evening. Below, you’ll find more tidbits you need to know about attending this year’s parade, from the route to the Santa’s Winter Wonderland event before the parade:

1. The Route: This year’s travels down Tryon Street, starting at 9th Street and ending at Good Samaritan Way. Free viewing can be found between 9th Street and Brooklyn Village Avenue, and you can bring collapsible chairs and get there early for the best spots. Alternatively, VIP tickets are available for purchase, with bleacher seating located just in front of the performance area. No need to arrive early or bring your own chair to get a good spot, but individual seats are not reserved so plan ahead if you want a group to sit together. Purchase those VIP tickets here.

For parking, there are more than 50,000 accessible parking spaces around Uptown. On Thanksgiving Eve, many of these are available at market rates. Center City Partners points to this tool to discover spots across Uptown’s wards. And just a reminder: The parade route is also easily accessible via the LYNX Blue Line, CityLYNX Gold Line, or a Charlotte B-cycle.

Patrick Schneider

2. Volunteering: It takes around 1,000 volunteers to put on this event, and interested parties can sign up through Nov. 14. Volunteer roles include balloon handlers, costume walkers, float captains, float escorts, puppeteers, push cart handlers, and robotic character handlers. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to be a balloon carrier or walk alone as a costume walker. More info on volunteering can be found here.

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3. Cookies With Santa: The Cookies With Santa program gives kids the chance to enjoy dessert with Kris Kringle himself between 3 p.m.-5 p.m., prior to the parade. The experience, running $45, takes place at Bank of America Tower at Legacy Union (301 S. College St.). Ticketholders get a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus; a free photo with him; and your choice of a sweet treat and hot beverage; and a reserved seat in Section B in front of the performance floor in a prime viewing area.

Patrick Schneider

4. More Uptown Fun: You can maximize your parade experience with countless activities elsewhere in Uptown. Center City Partners offers some ideas on how to do just that here.

For more information about this year’s event, head here.