Celebrate "the Magic of Christmas"

CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS BY evoking WARMTH, GENEROSITY, AND THE JOY OF the season.

We are thrilled to have you join us for this year's parade, celebrating "The Magic of Christmas." To bring this theme to life, let your creativity shine in your decorations and presentations. Use elements that evoke the wonder and joy of the holiday season: twinkling lights, sparkling snowflakes, and festive garlands. Adorn your floats, costumes, and props with these iconic symbols to create a stunning display that captures Christmas enchantment. Include beloved holiday characters like Santa's reindeer, elves, snowmen, and gingerbread people (no one may dress as Santa, as the 'real' Santa will participate). Enhance the magic with classic Christmas carols or modern holiday hits. Your goal is to transport everyone to a world where the magic of Christmas comes alive, reflecting the warmth, generosity, and joy of the season. We can't wait to see your creativity and festive spirit in the parade. Let's make this a truly magical Christmas celebration for all!

How to Participate

We welcome local businesses, schools, community organizations, marching bands, dance troupes, youth groups, charitable organizations, and others, who meet the guidelines of the organizers.

Apply Here

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I view the parade and park?

Parade route: Hwy 16 from N. Pilot Knob Rd. to Captain's Cap.

Parade viewers are encouraged to park as near as possible to the parade route. Parade viewers are asked to pull off Hwy 16. The Captain’s Cap parking lot is being reserved for parade entrants and floats for dismounting. Please be considerate of businesses along the parade route and do not block their entrances.

Handicap and Disabled Parking is available at the Hotsy facility at Hwy 16 and Triangle Circle.

Where do participants stage?

Parade entry staging will occur on North Pilot Knob Road, between NC 73 and Hagers Ferry Road. Because both lanes of North Pilot Knob Road will be used for northbound travel, you MUST access it from NC 73. Do not arrive prior to 10:00 AM and no later than 11:45 AM.

When will participants be assigned line-up numbers?

Because it's a dynamic list, with participants added just hours before, you likely will not be provided your line-up position number until you arrive and check-in at North Pilot Knob Road.

When will we know if our application is approved?

We generally send out confirmations and additional information a few weeks prior to the parade; however, if you have not received an email, please check your spam folder before reaching out to us. Many applicants are finding our emails in their spam folders.

road closures and detours

North Pilot Knob between N.C. 73 and Hagers Ferry Road. Closed at 9:15 AM and will reopen for traffic 30 minutes after the last participant leaves North Pilot Knob.
N.C. 16 Business will be closed to traffic at the Sunoco station beginning at 12:15 PM and will reopen for traffic 15 minutes after the last participant leaves North Pilot Knob. The portion of N.C. 16 Business between N.C. 73 and the Sunoco station is for local traffic only. Others will be detoured into the Publix parking lot.
N.C. 16 Business at N.C. 73 turning lanes will be closed beginning at 12:15 PM and will reopen for traffic 15 minutes after the last participant leaves North Pilot Knob. Local traffic only. Others will be detoured into the Publix parking lot.
The following roads along the parade route will be closed beginning at 12:15 PM and will reopen for traffic 15 minutes after the last participant leaves.
- N.C. 16 Business at Forest Oak
- N.C. 16 Business at Townsend Drive
- N.C. 16 Business at Water Oaks Drive.
- N.C. 16 Business at Farmstead Lane and Clover Lane
- N.C. 16 Business at Cherry Point
- Waterway Drive at Rivercross Point. no access to N.C. 16 Business
- N.C. 16 Business at Triangle Circle
- N.C. 16 Business at Harbor Master
- N.C. 16 Business at Malibu Point
- N.C. 16 Business at Triad Lane
- Captain’s Cap parking lot
- N.C. 16 Business at Unity Church, south bound will detour to Triangle Circle to Optimist Club Road
- Rivercross Point at Triangle Circle. Detour to Rivercross Point

Download Large Map

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

Celebrate "the Magic of Christmas"

CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS BY evoking WARMTH, GENEROSITY, AND THE JOY OF the season.

How to Participate

Frequently Asked Questions

road closures and detours

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