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High Country Christmas Parades; Grab the Entire Family and Head out to One of these Annual Traditions

by Madison V. Fisler

Dec 4, 2013. Christmas is a magical time in the High Country, with the crisp winter weather and quaint towns setting the stage for the perfect white Christmas. To celebrate this special time of year, many towns in the High Country offer an annual, highly anticipated event that area residents and visitors alike look forward to all year.

That’s right, it’s that time of year for the High Country Christmas parades!

The annual Boone Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. This yearly tradition includes a grand procession down King Street, complete with decorated floats, local celebrities, dance troupes, music and more. Everyone in Boone gets into the holiday spirit when the Boone Parade comes to town. And don’t forget a special appearance by Santa Claus himself! The parade will follow a route from Horn in the West, down King Street west to the Poplar Grove Extension. This is a fantastic, family friendly event with something for everyone. To participate in the Boone Christmas Parade, find information about registration here

Banner Elk’s Parade of Lights is just a small part of Banner Elk’s Christmas in the Park Celebration. Taking place on Dec. 7, the parade will proceed from Lees-McRae College to Tate-Evans Park to continue the holiday celebrations. Everyone in attendance is welcome to participate in the Christmas parade, and is encouraged to decorate their cars, pets and kids in Christmas lights and join in on the fun. The Parade of Lights will feature the Avery High School Marching Band as well as a special appearance by Santa and Mr. Claus. 

The Newland Business Association will host the Newland Christmas Parade titled “Christmas in Lights” on Dec. 6. Line-up is at 4:30 p.m. at Lowes Foods.  The Parade Route is from Lowes Foods to N.C. 194 via Ash Street, McDonalds intersection to Library Street.  The Parade will end on the Avery Square. This event is a great chance to visit the small town of Newland and see its small-town charm at its best. 

The Wilkes County Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 in Wilkesboro. The central theme of the parade will be “A Christmas Story.” Sponsored by the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, the Christmas Parade will begin at 1 p.m. Floats will be judged by a committee and a winner chosen as the best overall float which represents the theme. For more information about the Wilkes County Christmas Parade, click here

The Lenoir Christmas Parade, hosted by Lenoir Parks and Recreation, will be held on Friday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. The theme of the parade this year is “Making Christmas Memories.” Called the “best parade in Catawba County” the parade will take place in beautiful Historic Downtown Lenoir and the entire community is invited to attend. For more information, click here

The Black Mountain Christmas Parade, hosted by the Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, will take place in downtown Black Mountain at 4 p.m. For more information, click here