Concord's 98th Annual Christmas Parade will roll through historic downtown on Sunday, Nov. 22, anchoring a packed holiday season across Concord and Harrisburg.

The parade, billed as one of the oldest continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina, covers more than two miles along Church Street, Buffalo Avenue and Union Street, according to Explore Cabarrus. The route starts at Church Street North and Lake Concord Road and ends at Union Street and Corban Avenue.

Speedway Christmas opens Nov. 20 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and runs through Jan. 3. The drive-through course features more than five million LED lights along a four-mile route around the track, through the infield and under the concourse, according to Explore Cabarrus' holiday guide. An infield Christmas Village and drive-in holiday movies on the speedway's 16,000-square-foot screen round out the experience.

Christmas Extravaganza, now in its fifth year, takes over the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center from Nov. 27 through Nov. 29. The indoor market features 200 vendors selling holiday gifts, handmade goods and home décor.

Small Business Saturday Holiday Trail follows on Nov. 28 in downtown Concord. More than 60 vendors will set up shop, and two trolleys will shuttle shoppers between Gibson Mill, Southern Strain Brewing Company and downtown storefronts.

Harrisburg's Christmas Tree Lighting is set for Friday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Harrisburg Park, according to Harrisburg Parks & Recreation. The tree lights up shortly after 6 p.m. Food trucks, craft vendors, live performances and a visit from Santa fill the evening. Residents can call Harrisburg Parks & Recreation at 704-455-7275 for details.

Holiday Model Train Display fills the Swanee Theatre from Dec. 11 through Dec. 13. One weekend only. The Atlantic Coast S Gaugers bring their popular interactive model train layout.

The Cabarrus County Visitor Center in Concord offers free hot cocoa, locally made gifts and classic Christmas movies throughout December.

Upcoming holiday events

  • Oct. 23–25: Christmas Made in the South, Concord
  • Nov. 20 – Jan. 3: Speedway Christmas, Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • Nov. 20 – Dec. 24: Photos with Santa, Concord Mills
  • Sunday, Nov. 22: 98th Annual Concord Christmas Parade, downtown Concord
  • Nov. 27–29: 5th Annual Christmas Extravaganza, Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
  • Nov. 28: Small Business Saturday Holiday Trail, downtown Concord
  • Nov. 29 – Dec. 23: Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge, Concord
  • Friday, Dec. 4: Harrisburg Christmas Tree Lighting, Harrisburg Park
  • Dec. 11–13: Holiday Model Train Display, Swanee Theatre