Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade

Holiday traditions return to Downtown Concord with the 26th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Uwharrie Bank, Eli Lilly, and Atrium Health on Friday, November 17 from 6-8:30 p.m., and the TrueCare Pharmacy 95th Concord Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 18 beginning at 2:30 p.m.

These family-friendly events are free to the public and feature children’s activities, live music and dance, and fireworks.

26th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony,
Friday, November 17, 6-8:30 p.m.

Presented by Uwharrie Bank, Eli Lilly, and Atrium Health

The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place in Rotary Square, located at the corner of Union Street S and Corban Avenue SW.  There will be food trucks, a kids’ zone featuring inflatables, a rock wall, balloon artist, kids’ train and more!

Back by popular demand! Visitors will enjoy an illuminated vehicle display as they make their way from Rotary Square to Bicentennial Lot on Church Street to watch the fireworks. This year, visitors will be able to vote on which City department they feel had the most outstanding light display!

95th concord christmas parade
saturday, November 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Presented by TrueCare Pharmacy

The annual Concord Christmas Parade is one of the oldest and continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina! The TrueCare Pharmacy 95th Concord Christmas Parade route will begin at the intersection of Church Street N and Lake Concord Road, and continue over two miles along Church Street, ending at the intersection of Church Street and Corban Avenue.

Parade Entries:  Community organizations, churches, schools, businesses, and all other groups can register to join the parade here. (Once the tab opens, click special events, then Christmas Parade)

Awards: Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries across four categories: band, church, civic organization, school.  The contest judges will be located on the main stage at 375 Church Street. 

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

• School Bands: 1st Place $1,000; 2nd Place $500; 3rd Place $250

• Church Floats: 1st Place $250; 2nd Place $150; 3rd Place $100

• Civic Organization: 1st Place $250; 2nd Place $150; 3rd Place $100

• School Representation: 1st Place $250; 2nd Place $150; 3rd Place $100

Road Closures: Come back soon for more information about Christmas Parade road closures

Grand Marshal: Stay tuned for the announcement of the 95th Annual Concord Christmas Parade Grand Marshal!

Santa Scramble 5K: Returning this year is the annual Santa Scramble 5K road race! More details to come.