The year is flying by, and before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here. So, it’s a good idea to start making your holiday plans now. And there’s no better way to spend your long weekend than a getaway to the mountains or coast of beautiful North Carolina, where you can take in the gorgeous scenery while also enjoying some fun Thanksgiving Day festivities. Why deal with all the traffic and crowds of New York City when you can experience all the excitement and celebration right here in the Tarheel State with these Thanksgiving parades and events?
Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade, Charlotte
The largest Thanksgiving Day parade in the Southeastern United States has been taking place in the city of Charlotte for the last 70 years. In fact, it was previously named one of the ten best holiday parades in the country by USA Today. Every year, over 110,000 people line the streets of uptown Charlotte to watch floats, marching bands, a dozen parade-sized balloons and a variety of performers and appearances, including Miss North Carolina, the United States Army Drum Corps, and, of course, Santa Claus.
Date: November 22nd, 2023
Official Website
North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, Wrightsville Beach
What better way to relax over a long Thanksgiving weekend than by spending it at the beach? And if you spend it in Wrightsville Beach on the coast of North Carolina, you’re in for a special holiday treat. Every year, the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway light up with hundreds of decorated boats cruising by. It’s an amazing display to take in, whether you’re out on the water, relaxing on the grass or even sitting on the balcony of your hotel room. Plus, there are lots of other activities going on during the weekend, including a tree-lighting ceremony and a visit with Santa.
Date: November 24th – 26th, 2023
Official Website
Raleigh Christmas Parade, Raleigh
Although the Raleigh Christmas Parade is actually held the weekend before Thanksgiving every year, it’s still a great way to celebrate the start of the holiday season. The parade, which begins on Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh and continues for 1.2 miles, is the largest Christmas parade between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta and welcomes over 60,000 visitors each year. Besides floats, giant balloons and marching bands from local high schools, guests will, of course, also be treated to a visit from the big guy himself – Santa Claus.
Date: November 18th, 2023
Official Website
Asheville Holiday Parade, Asheville
The Asheville Holiday Parade, which also takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving, kicks off the holiday season with the city’s own unique vibe. The parade winds through several streets in downtown Asheville and includes more than 100 different entries, including dance teams, marching bands, floats, and costumed characters. There will also be a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and later that evening, a lighting of the winter lights at Pack Square.
Date: November 18th, 2023
Official Website
Blowing Rock Christmas Parade, Blowing Rock
Every year, the storybook mountain town of Blowing Rock, located in Western North Carolina, welcomes the season with its annual Christmas parade. It’s the epitome of a charming, small-town celebration with firetrucks, the color guard, dance teams and local favorites like Bobbi the Clown. There will be plenty of entertainment to take in and the mountain air will be chilly, so be sure to bundle up before you settle in to enjoy!
Date: November 24th, 2023
Official Website
Christmas Parade and Boat Flotilla, Ocean Isle Beach
For another great beach escape over Thanksgiving weekend, visit Ocean Isle Beach, where you can celebrate “Super Saturday.” On the Saturday following Thanksgiving, the festivities begin with a unique Christmas parade that features a string of golf carts decorated by local residents and businesses. After the parade, there’s a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, caroling and an appearance by Santa Claus. But that’s not all, because the day ends with a Christmas boat flotilla full of decorated boats, and followed by a flotilla party with live music and dancing.
Date; TBA
