Hickory to kick off the holidays with downtown parade and tree lighting
The City of Hickory invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season at the annual Lowes Foods Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 20, in downtown Hickory. Sponsored by Lowes Foods since the event's inception, this cherished community tradition features festive parade entries, holiday music, family-friendly activities, and the lighting of downtown's Christmas tree.
The evening begins at 5:45 p.m. with a special procession by Fallen Heroes Ministry, honoring North Carolina's fallen soldiers. The Christmas Parade will immediately follow.
Leading this year's parade as grand marshal is retired Hickory Police Chief Reed Baer, who concluded a distinguished 30-year law enforcement career on July 1, 2025. Beginning as a patrol officer in 1997, Baer dedicated three decades to serving the Hickory community and rose through the ranks to become the department's chief. His leadership and commitment to public service make him a fitting choice to help lead Hickory into the holiday season.
Parade entries will be announced as they pass the parking deck on First Avenue NW. A panel of community leaders and volunteers will judge parade entries and present awards in the following categories:
- Buddy the Elf Award for Most Christmas Spirit
- Clark Griswold Award for Best Use of Lights
- Well-Crafted Award for Most Original Design
- Jingle Bells Award for Best Musical Entertainment
Also new this year, attendees can vote for their favorite parade entry in the inaugural People's Choice Award competition. Voting will be available throughout the parade via an online form at www.hickorync.gov/christmasparade, and QR codes posted along the route will provide direct access.
The holiday fun begins with the Thanksgiving Turkey kicking off the parade route and concludes with a special appearance by Santa Claus. After making his way through downtown, Santa will make a special stop in Union Square to light Hickory's Christmas tree, marking the official start of the holiday season downtown. Following the tree lighting, Hickory Music Factory will perform holiday favorites until 8:30 p.m.
Families can also enjoy a variety of holiday attractions throughout the evening. A giant winter wonderland snow globe in Union Square will provide a festive photo opportunity, while the Newton Depot Christmas Layout, sponsored by the Newton Depot Authority, will showcase two detailed 8-foot-by-6-foot train displays and a moving trolley on The Sails on the Square stage.
Visitors can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate provided by Jeff Kincaid Insurance Group under The Sails on the Square and explore downtown shops and restaurants, many of which will remain open and offer holiday specials throughout the evening.
Parade Route
The parade route is as follows:
- Begins at the intersection of Fourth Street NW and First Avenue NW
- Travels east on First Avenue NW toward City Hall
- Turns right onto North Center Street
- Turns right onto Main Avenue NW
- Continues through Union Square before exiting downtown on Main Avenue NW
Santa's float will stop in Union Square before exiting the parade route.
Road Closures and Parking
To accommodate the parade route and ensure the safety of participants and spectators, certain downtown roads and parking areas will be closed during the event. In addition, on-street parking will not be permitted on First Avenue NW between Third Street NW and Second Street NW.
For complete event details, parking and road closure information, and an interactive map, visit www.hickorync.gov/christmasparade.
The City of Hickory encourages everyone to gather downtown and celebrate the start of the holiday season with friends, family, and neighbors at this festive community tradition.