It’s gobble time: Here’s what to know to watch the 2023 Thanksgiving parade in Charlotte
Watch balloons float through the sky and colorful floats drive by while musicians, dance groups and others entertain at the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade on Wednesday, Nov. 22.
The family friendly parade is a Thanksgiving Eve tradition for thousands of people in Uptown Charlotte, where it’s running for the 77th time. Applications to join the parade route open in February and close in August, but volunteers ages 16 and older are sill welcome to sign up.
Here are the Thanksgiving parade details
How to watch: Live starting at 5:30 p.m., the 2023 parade route will begin at 9th Street and end at Good Samaritan Way along Tryon Street. You can also tune in via the live broadcast on WCCB’s CW, starting at 6 p.m. The parade will air again on Thanksgiving Day and on Christmas morning.
Cost: Free, but VIP tickets for designated seating along Tryon Street are available for $25 each and are on sale online. A maximum of eight tickets are allowed in each transaction, and children 2 and under don’t need a ticket for the VIP section.
Add-on experience: Tickets for Santa’s Winter Wonderland, which takes place from 3-5 p.m. before the parade at South Church Street, are available online for $35.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland ticketholders will be able to access a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus that comes with a free photo, a choice of a hot beverage and a sweet treat. and a reserved seat in the nearby VIP seating area to watch the parade.
Parking: Parking will be available throughout the center city. Event organizers recommend checking for available spaces with Inrix ParkMe.
Food and drink: Vendors will offer food and beverages for sale.
Restrooms: Portable facilities will be set up along the parade route.
Pets: Pets are not recommended, due to the amount of noise and crowds.
