Nothing will get you ready for the holidays quite like a Christmas parade. With bright lights, floats, and festive cheer, they usher in the yuletide festivities in communities all across the country. In Lake Norman, North Carolina, however, we’ve put our unique spin on this classic holiday tradition, taking the parade from the streets to the water in what has become one of the town’s most anticipated Christmas traditions.
If you’re visiting this December, be sure to ring in the holiday magic at the Lake Norman Christmas Boat Parade! Celebrating its sixth year, it’s guaranteed to be an evening full of family fun you won’t want to miss.
Beyond Christmas events, there’s a world of excitement waiting for you in Lake Norman. Check out our Area Guide as you plan your next getaway!
Lake Norman Christmas Boat Parade Route
With more than 30 boats anticipated to participate in this year’s parade, making sure you find the perfect place to scope out the sights is important!
This year, the route starts at Blythe Landing and passes Ramsey Creek Park and the Peninsula Yacht Club before ending at the Duke Energy Explorium. Each point along the route offers excellent viewing opportunities, and the parks will stay open 30 minutes after the parade passes to allow everyone plenty of time to head to the grand finale.
No matter where you choose to watch the parade, you’ll want to get to the Duke Energy Explorium for post-parade festivities. Food trucks will be on location serving up delicious bites from local favorites. And you may even catch a glimpse of the big man himself as Santa is expected to make an appearance!
Beyond Boat Parades – Giving Back to the Lake Norman Community
The Lake Norman lighted Christmas boat parade, in addition to being a fun family activity, is also a toy drive for Little Smiles, and attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy donation.
With a mission of helping children through difficult times, Little Smiles provides support to children who may be dealing with terminal illness, abandonment, painful procedures, and myriad other traumas. They strive to “create little smiles” by providing gifts and fun activities to help children through these hard times.
Annual Lake Norman Christmas Boat Parade Details
- December 21, 2024
- Blythe Landing
- 16735 Cranlyn Rd/Huntersville, NC 28078
- 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- More Details
Book Your Holiday Getaway to Lake Norman
As the holiday season rapidly approaches, now is the perfect time to solidify your Christmas getaway to Lake Norman! Whether you’re spending it cozied up in one of our waterfront rentals, or you’re looking for a beautiful cottage on the cove, we have something that’s perfect for your group and budget.
Plus, when you book directly with Lake Escape, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best rate on your stay. Unlike Airbnb or VRBO, who tack on extra fees to the bottom line, when you book direct, you bypass all the third-party nonsense. And let’s face it, at the holidays, wouldn’t you rather put that money toward something else? Take a look at our complete inventory and let our team of local experts help you secure the Christmas getaway of your dreams.