Holiday traditions return to Downtown Concord next month, beginning with the 27th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 22, and the 96th Concord Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 23. Following adjustments to the parade route last year due to streetscape construction, the Concord Christmas Parade will officially return to Union Street. Enjoying the parade from the picturesque sidewalks of North Union Street in historic downtown is a beloved community tradition. The City’s large tree returns to its traditional place at the Courthouse Plaza on Union Street too, just in time for a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Both events are free and filled with family-friendly fun and entertainment for all ages, plus fireworks on Friday night. There is also still time to join the parade! Dance groups, school bands, businesses and community groups who want to join the parade have until Friday, October 25, to register. More information is available online at concordnc.gov/Christmas, including the event maps, parade route, and parade registration form.
27th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Presented by Eli Lilly
Friday, November 22, 6-8:30 p.m. in Downtown Concord
At the tree lighting ceremony there will be kids’ activities in the Winter Wonderland, sponsored by Uwharrie Bank, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa Land, sponsored by Kinetic by Windstream, live musical performances on the main stage, food trucks, fireworks, and more!
Back by popular demand is the illuminated City vehicle display on Church Street. Visitors will enjoy meeting some of their favorite holiday characters as they stroll through the festive displays on their way to meet Santa or watch the fireworks from the Bicentennial Parking Lot. They can also vote again this year for their favorite display and help decide the winning City department.
New this year, there will be illuminated igloos along Union Street. These are a great place for friends to gather as they take advantage of the Downtown Concord Social District. Guests 21 years or older can purchase a beverage from a participating business and enjoy it from inside an igloo with friends!
96th Concord Christmas Parade, Presented by TrueCare Pharmacy
Saturday, November 23, 2:30 p.m.
The annual Concord Christmas Parade is one of the oldest and continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina.
Returning to the traditional 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 on Church Street directly in front of the Sherwin Williams store and across from Troutman’s BBQ.
Participating bands, schools, churches, and civic organizations are eligible to win an award. First, second, and third place awards are given out in each of the four categories. The winners are selected by the panel of judges.
Make plans to join friends and family and kick off the holiday season in Concord, November 22 and 23! More information is available online at concordnc.gov/Christmas.