Christmas Parades in Charlotte 2025: Festive, Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate the Season
The holiday season in and around Charlotte would not be complete without the joy of Christmas parades. These beloved traditions fill city streets and small-town squares with marching bands, twinkling lights, festive floats, and the excitement of seeing Santa arrive. From big, energetic parades in Charlotte and Mooresville to charming community celebrations in Waxhaw, Belmont, and Cramerton, each one brings its own holiday magic and offers a free way to kick off the season.
Here is my recommended guide to Charlotte-area Christmas parades for 2025, all fun, family-friendly, and full of festive cheer to help you celebrate the holidays throughout the Queen City and beyond.
Tuesday, November 25
🎄 Mooresville Christmas Parade – 81st Annual
Time: 3:00 PM (First Responders start), full parade at ~3:30 PM
Location: Main Street, Downtown Mooresville, NC
Details: The 81st annual parade features First Responders, floats, bands, dancers, tumblers, vintage vehicles, the Grinch, and Santa. Presented by Greenworks. Wear green for the Grinch or red for Santa!
More Info: Mooresville Christmas Parade
Wednesday, November 26
🎄 Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
Time: 5:30 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Tryon Street from 9th Street to Good Samaritan Way, Charlotte, NC
Details: A beloved Thanksgiving Eve tradition featuring floats, performers, and holiday magic. The one-mile route is accessible via 7th Street, CTC/Arena, and 3rd St./Convention Center LYNX stations. Free to the public.
More Info: Thanksgiving Eve Parade
Tuesday, December 2
🎄 Belmont Christmas Parade
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Main Street & Catawba Street, Belmont, NC
Details: Celebrate the season in historic downtown Belmont with festive floats, marching bands, vintage cars, and Santa. Parade travels from S. Main Street along Catawba Street to Dwight Frady Fields.
More Info: Belmont Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 6
🎄 Fort Mill Christmas Parade – 78th Annual
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Downtown Fort Mill, SC
Details: A long-standing tradition featuring schools, officials, businesses, community groups, and Santa. Parade travels from Tom Hall & Unity Street through Main Street to Walter Elisha Park.
More Info: Fort Mill Christmas Parade
🎄 North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade & Merry Main Street Tricycle Race
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Main Street (Hwy 115), Davidson to Cornelius, NC
Details: A beloved parade featuring floats, marching bands, and community groups. Stay after the parade for the Merry Main Street Tricycle Race in front of the Town Green.
More Info: North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade
🎄 Mount Holly Annual Electric Christmas Parade
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Central Avenue & Main Street, Downtown Mount Holly, NC
Details: A bright, colorful electric parade lighting up historic downtown with festive floats and holiday displays.
More Info: Mount Holly Christmas Parade
🎄 Mint Hill Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Time: Parade at 5:30 PM; Entertainment at 6:00 PM; Tree Lighting at 7:30 PM
Location: Downtown Mint Hill, NC
Details: Parade begins at Bain School and ends at Publix. Enjoy entertainment at Town Hall and a community tree lighting.
More Info: Mint Hill Christmas Parade
Thursday, December 11
🎄 McAdenville Yule Log Parade & Celebration
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: 100 Main Street, McAdenville, NC
Details: A historic tradition since 1949. The community pulls the Yule Log on a vintage sled followed by holiday singing. Not a traditional parade.
More Info: McAdenville Yule Log Parade
Saturday, December 13
🎄 Kannapolis Christmas Parade
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Kannapolis, NC
Details: A nighttime parade filled with lights, bands, floats, and seasonal cheer. Typically ends around 7:30 PM.
More Info: Kannapolis Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 14
🎄 Waxhaw Christmas Parade
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Downtown Waxhaw, NC
Details: Features school marching bands, 70+ community and business entries, and Santa. Announcers line the route. Free shuttles available.
More Info: Waxhaw Christmas Parade
🎄 Indian Trail Christmas Parade
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail, NC
Details: Enjoy festive floats, marching bands, and lively performers in this community favorite.
More Info: Indian Trail Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 21
🎄 Cramerton Christmas Parade + Downtown Eats, Treats & Holiday Cheer
Time: Eats & Treats from 3:00–6:00 PM; Parade at 4:00 PM; Santa Photos 5:00–6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cramerton, NC
Details: Food trucks, sweet treats, kids’ letters to Santa, a festive parade along 8th Avenue, and free Santa photos at Confluence.
More Info: Cramerton Christmas Parade
🎁Celebrate the Season — for Free!
All of these Charlotte-area parades are free ways to celebrate the holidays, making them perfect for families looking to enjoy the magic of the season without spending a dime. Whether you’re in Uptown, the suburbs, or nearby towns like Fort Mill or Indian Land, there’s a festive event waiting for you.
Keep the Holiday Cheer Going! Check out more local guides for free holiday events in Charlotte, Christmas parades, and top holiday things to do across the Carolinas this season: 19+ Free Christmas Tree Lightings in Charlotte 2025 | Free Holiday Events in Charlotte 2025 | Top Holiday Events & Light Displays in the Carolinas