Kick off the holidays and celebrate the season with us at the 28th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 21 from 6-8:30 p.m., and the 97th Concord Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 22 beginning at 2:30 p.m.
These family-friendly events are free to the public and feature children’s activities, live music, and fireworks.
28th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 21, 6-8:30 p.m.
Presented By
The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place in Downtown Concord. There will be food trucks, a kids’ zone, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and fireworks to end the celebration.
Event Map:
Santa Land, Presented by Kinetic, Uwharrie Bank, and Propst Brothers
Join us in the snow-filled Courthouse Plaza to meet Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause. This will be the perfect backdrop for a photo of your child with Santa!
Stage Entertainment
This year, we will have two stage options. On the main stage, located at the intersection of Church Street and Means Avenue, we'll be joined by musical guest, Saddletramp, who will cover the best '70's, ’80s, and ’90s country hits. Additionally, we will have another stage located at the intersection of Union Street and Barbrick Avenue where local youth performers will share the stage. Youth Entertanment will include:
WM Irvin Elementary School and Pitts School Road Chorus’
Under the direction of Latta Jelen and David Barnaba. Latta Jelen has led chorus groups from WM Irvin and other schools at the tree lighting for the last 16 years.
Motion Dance Studio
Motion Dance Studio offers recreational and competitive dance classes for ages 3 to adult. They are located on Cabarrus Ave and love being a part of the Downtown Concord community.
Royal Oaks School of the Arts
Royal Oaks School of the Arts is the only K-8 school AND the only School of the Arts in the Cabarrus County School system. In addition to offering strings, dance, theater, art and music as regular classes, the teachers at Royal Oaks use the arts as a vehicle for delivering core content such as math, literacy, and science. Royal Oaks is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform for you tonight.
Dance Expressions
offers classes for dancers ages 3 and up in a wide variety of styles including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, pointe, acro, and modern. In addition to our recreational classes, we are proud to be home to award-winning competition teams.
At Dance Expressions, we provide a high-quality dance education in a fun, supportive, and family-friendly environment. Dance Expressions - more than a studio, a family.
Concord High School Theatre III and IV Class
Under the direction of William Taylor
The Concord High School Theatre III and IV Class is performing an original piece about the spirit of Christmas! They wrote and rehearsed this piece in just under seven days!
Kids' Zone
Located in the parking lot behind Flywheel, the Kids Zone will feature a bounce house and dual-lane slide, obstacle course, balloon artist, LED seesaws, and a rock climbing wall.
Movie on Union
Beginning at 6:00 p.m., the movie The Grinch (2018 version) will play on a large screen on Union Street, in front of the Concord Library. Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy a free, family-friendly movie screening!
97th concord christmas parade saturday, November 22 at 2:30 p.m.
The annual Concord Christmas Parade is one of the oldest and continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina!
Parade Entries, Guidelines, and Awards
Register Here
2025 Parade Guidelines can be found here.
Parade Route:
The parade begins at the intersection of Church Street N and Lake Concord Road, and continues over two miles along Church Street, Buffalo Avenue, and Union Street, ending at the intersection of Union Street and Corban Avenue. The judges’ stage will be near the intersection of Barbrick Avenue and Union Street.
Parade Awards:
Categories
School Bands - First Place ($1,000), Second Place ($500.00), Third Place ($250.00)
School - First Place ($250.00), Second Place ($150.00), Third Place ($100.00)
Church - First Place ($250.00), Second Place ($150.00), Third Place ($100.00)
Civic Organization - First Place ($250.00), Second Place ($150.00), Third Place ($100.00)