CHARLOTTE, N.C. β This Thanksgiving Eve, Uptown Charlotte welcomes back one of the most cherished traditions of the season: the 79th Annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade.
Scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the Parade will step off at 5:30 PM, with a live broadcast on WCCB at 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Click HERE to learn how you can watch the Parade on WCCB.
Once again, Tryon Street will come alive with marching bands, vibrant floats, giant balloons, live performances, and holiday spirit as an expected 50,000 spectators gather to kick off the holiday season in style.
Parade FAQs:
- Date and Time: Wednesday, November 26, 2025, 5:30 PM (Step-off); 6:00 PM WCCB Live Broadcast
- Location: Uptown Charlotte β Tryon Street from 9th Street to Good Samaritan Way
- TV Performance Area: Legacy Union and Ally Charlotte Center (600 block of South Tryon)
- Route: Tryon Street, beginning at 9th Street and concluding near Good Samaritan Way
Parade Highlights:
- 85+ Participants
- 16 Marching Bands
- 8 Larger-Than-Life Cold Air Balloons
- 12 Festive Floats
- 46 Specialty groups
- 5 Dynamic Dance Groups
- 4 Segwalloons
- 6 Musical Performances
This year, the Parade will feature coβGrand Marshals, Shana Templin and Morganne van Voorhis. Templin is Novant Healthβs Arts in Health Facilitator, providing arts experiences for team members and patients of all ages to support wellness and mental health. She is a cancer survivor and was inspired to do this work by those who supported her with art as she was receiving treatments.
Van Voorhis is an artist, educator, and mother committed to making art an everyday experience. She leads the Fine Arts Program at South Piedmont Community College, where she mentors emerging artists and fosters creative community engagement. Morganneβs work was recently featured in the exhibition “A Slice of Life: The Art of Everyday,” with a drawing inspired by her newborn son, captured while in the Maternity Ward at Novant Presbyterian.
βWeβre so pleased to have Shana Templin and Morganne van Voorhis represent Novant Health as co-grand marshals of this yearβs Thanksgiving Eve Parade. They beautifully reflect the heart behind our Art of Remarkable Care initiative. Shana and Morganne reflect how creativity, compassion, and community can come together to inspire healing,β said Dr. Sid Fletcher, senior vice president and president of the greater Charlotte region for Novant Health. βThis parade is such a cherished Charlotte tradition, and weβre honored to once again be part of a celebration that brings families together to share in gratitude and joy.β
The Parade will feature 85+ unique units, including 16 marching bands, 8 larger-than-life cold air balloons, 12 festive floats, and 46 specialty groups including 5 dynamic dance groups. Additionally, attendees will also enjoy 4 Segwalloonsβan innovative and unique Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade tradition where oversize balloon characters glide down Tryon Street atop concealed segways.
Notably, the parade also awarded a total of $3,500 in scholarships to two marching band students to support continuing their music education beyond high school. Adding to the excitement, the evening will come alive with performances by 6 musical acts, showcasing talent from local, regional, and national artists. This yearβs musical acts include Dani Kerr, Lisa Trinity, Rob Cole, Josh King, Jack Burns, and Maggie Baugh.
The Parade route will run along Tryon Street, beginning at 9th Street and concluding near Good Samaritan Way, with a special performance area at Legacy Union and Ally Charlotte Center.
With more than 1,000 volunteers bringing the Parade to life, each one plays a key role, from balloon handlers and parade marshals to costumed characters and production assistants. Executive Producer Robert Krumbine promises new surprises this year, building on last yearβs success while keeping a few magical elements under wraps until the big night.
Attendees will also find a variety of vendors along the parade route, offering warm beverages, hot dogs, illuminated novelties, and more to enhance the festive atmosphere. The Parade is expected to conclude by 8:00 PM, allowing plenty of time to explore Uptownβs other attractions, including Truist Fieldβs βLight the Knightsβ, local restaurants, and nearby museums.
The Parade is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, including Novant Health as Title Sponsor, WCCB as Broadcast Partner, and presenting sponsors Food Lion Feeds, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Howard Hanna Allen Tate Realty, James River Equipment, Sonic Automotive, Piedmont Natural Gas and Autobell Car Wash.
