Cabarrus Today

Holiday traditions will return to Downtown Concord next month with the 27th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 22, and the 96th Concord Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 23. The parade will officially return to Union Street after adjustments last year due to streetscape construction. Community members can enjoy the event from North Union Street in historic downtown. The city's large tree will be placed at the Courthouse Plaza on Union Street, coinciding with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Both events are free and designed for family-friendly fun, featuring entertainment for all ages and fireworks on Friday night. There is still time for dance groups, school bands, businesses, and community groups to join the parade by registering before Friday, October 25. More information can be found online at concordnc.gov/Christmas.

The tree lighting ceremony is presented by Eli Lilly and will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. in Downtown Concord. Activities include kids' activities in Winter Wonderland sponsored by Uwharrie Bank, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa Land sponsored by Kinetic by Windstream, live musical performances on the main stage, food trucks, fireworks, and more.

An illuminated City vehicle display will be back on Church Street. Visitors can meet holiday characters as they view festive displays or watch fireworks from the Bicentennial Parking Lot. Voting for favorite displays is also available this year to help decide the winning City department.

New additions include illuminated igloos along Union Street where guests aged 21 or older can purchase a beverage from participating businesses and enjoy it inside an igloo with friends within the Downtown Concord Social District.

The annual Concord Christmas Parade presented by TrueCare Pharmacy begins at 2:30 p.m., following its traditional route starting at Church Street N and Lake Concord Road intersection through Church Street, Buffalo Avenue, and Union Street ending at Union Street and Corban Avenue intersection. The judges' stage will be located on Church Street in front of Sherwin Williams store across Troutman’s BBQ.

Participating bands, schools, churches, and civic organizations have a chance to win awards as first through third place awards are given out in each of four categories selected by a panel of judges.

Community members are encouraged to join friends and family to kick off the holiday season in Concord on November 22-23. Additional details are available online at concordnc.gov/Christmas.