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Lowes Foods Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Join the City of Hickory for their beloved annual Lowes Foods Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting event. This cherished tradition marks the official start of the holiday season, featuring a vibrant parade through downtown. The festivities culminate with Santa Claus illuminating the magnificent Christmas tree in Union Square, filling the air with holiday cheer and community spirit.
What to Expect
Annual holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: Roads will be closed at 3 p.m. in downtown Hickory. At 5:15 p.m., the full parade route is closed. No parking is allowed after 9:00 am or 2:00 pm in certain areas along the route.
- Accessibility: https://www.hickorync.gov/sites/default/files/hickoryncgov/Human%20Resources/Risk%20Management/ADA%20Program%20Statement.pdf
- Pets: No pets allowed
Other Christmas Events Near Hickory
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, community members
Vibe
Festive, community-oriented, traditional
Energy Level
Low
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Special Events & Promotions
- Winter wonderland snow globe on Union Square for photos
- Santa available for photos on Saturday, Nov. 22, during Holidaypalooza
Location
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 2 hours
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Hickory
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Hickory
Food & Drink
No food trucks or vendors are invited to this event.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route, especially for the tree lighting ceremony in Union Square.
- Check the provided parade route map to understand road closures and plan your arrival and departure from downtown Hickory.
- While Santa lights the tree, he won't be available for photos at this event; plan to visit him the next day at Holidaypalooza.
- Consider using the shuttle service available after the parade to avoid navigating road closures and parking.
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere and explore downtown shops that may have special holiday hours during the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does registration open for parade participants?
Registration for parade entries opens on October 1, 2025, for organizations within Hickory city limits.
Are food trucks or vendors permitted at the event?
No, due to event complexity and limited parking, food trucks and other vendors are not invited.
What time are roads closed in downtown Hickory for the event?
Roads begin closing at 3 p.m., with the full parade route closed by 5:15 p.m. Downtown access is restricted until the parade concludes.
Can I take photos with Santa at the Tree Lighting?
Santa will not be available for photos at the Tree Lighting. However, a snow globe on Union Square will be available for photos, and Santa will be at Holidaypalooza the following day.
Where can I find photos taken at the 2024 snow globe event?
Photos from the 2024 Winter Wonderland Snow Globe are available for download on Google Photos via the provided link.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.