The holiday season is upon us in and around Charlotte with November kicking off months of seasonal celebrations around the city. Start your Thanksgiving Day festivities with some exercise and endorphins at one of these Turkey Trots around the greater Charlotte area. If a parade aligns more with your Thanksgiving traditions, there are a few of those to watch as well! Regardless, use this list as a guide for Thanksgiving entertainment.
Novant Health 75th Thanksgiving Parade
November 24th
The parade will take place along South Tryon beginning at 9th Street and ending at Morehead Street. This year, it will be held at night on the eve of Thanksgiving so the floats, bands, dancers, marchers, and vehicles will light up the night sky.
33rd Annual Charlotte Turkey Trot
November 25
Starting and finishing at the SouthPark Mall and listed as one of the 30 Best Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots in America, the Charlotte Turkey Trot has been a local family tradition for the past 32 years. Regardless if you choose from the 1 mile, 5k, 8k, or virtual race, this event brings the community together to kick off the holiday season. Begin your Thanksgiving Day with a healthy morning run/walk before heading home to celebrate with food and family.
The Turkey Trot at Millbridge
November 25
Enjoy a 4-mile run, walk, or trot through Millbridge before you indulge in your Thanksgiving feast. Head to Waxhaw for this 6th annual race that is open to the whole family!
Turkey Dash Charlotte
November 25
The Dash is back! Returning to the Village at Robinson Farm, this is a 4-mile timed run/walk and a 1-mile fun run/walk. This year, Turkey Dash is honored to support Changing Lives Together (CLT) Foundation as their Charity Partner. Their mission is to enrich and change the lives of kids with special needs and kids with life-altering medical circumstances, right here in Charlotte!
Davidson Turkey Trot 5k
November 25
Join the First Annual Davidson Turkey Trot and start a new Thanksgiving tradition! Celebrate with a family 5k - an event for all generations in which participants can walk or run the course that winds through beautiful Davidson.
Christmas Town 5k
November 27
To kick off the holiday season, participate in the 9th annual ChristmasTown 5k. Run through McAdenville, NC, one of the world's top destinations for holiday lights. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas on the 3.1-mile route that is the area's most popular organized road race. The lights don't officially begin until December, but participants receive a sneak peek on the night of the race!
Are you choosing to stay socially distanced this Thanksgiving? With COVID-19 still lingering, you are not alone! Here are some events catered to you.
2021 University City Turkey Trot
November 25
WAKE... RUN... FEAST! The University City Turkey Trot benefits patients and families affected by sickle cell disease and will be held virtually this year to prioritize health, safety, and well-being. Enjoy time with your family and friends by running or walking this 5k on your own time and at your own pace.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 25
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the classic tradition of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year marks the 95th anniversary and, after going virtual last year, event directors are ready to bring the parade back to its pre-pandemic form. The parade, looping through NYC, will feature 15 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 36 novelty and heritage inflatables, more than 800 clowns, 10 marching bands and nine performance groups, and, of course, Santa Claus.