2013 Holiday Caravan Salisbury Spencer Christmas Parade Dates Times and Tips

2013 Dates and Times for Holiday Caravan in Salisbury and Spencer NC © Katrena

The day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days in the heart of Rowan County, North Carolina. Bands, school teams and queens, cars and go carts, floats and dancers begin to line the streets of Spencer in anticipation while folks from all around start to line the streets in anticipation of the Holiday Caravan parade.

See the Trolley at the Holiday Caravan Parade © Katrena

This parade has one of the longer routes as it travels through two towns: Spencer and Salisbury. The date for the 54th annual 2013 Holiday Caravan is November 27. Here are the start times:

Spencer	2:00
Salisbury	3:00

Fun Holiday Activities in Rowan County © Katrena

The parade has grown from a modest three entries, including the Spencer High School band, Miss Spencer, and of course the jolly man in red, to entries from all over the state and a few from out of state with more than 20,000 spectators along the Main Streets of Salisbury and Spencer.

Christmas Parade in Rowan County the Day Before Thanksgiving © Katrena

Here are a few tips for the enjoying the parade: plan to arrive early. make an afternoon of it, slow down, and simply enjoy the afternoon. Ensure that children understand not to run out into the street for safety reasons and plan to watch the kids carefully. Bring a camera to capture the fun moments. The sun will get lower as the parade progresses – choosing an area where the sun won't be in your eyes is very helpful.

When is the Salisbury Spencer Holiday Caravan Christmas Parade? © Katrena

Be prepared for the weather. Trust me, the parade will roll through any kind of weather. Some years are shorts weather, some may include a little snow, and other years plan to bring your umbrella and cheer for the ones that have to trudge through the wet stuff! I would recommend bringing a blanket or chairs on which to sit. The Spencer portion is shorter and earlier. If you particularly want to hear the bands play, it is a good idea to find a place close to the judge's area.

Fun Free Family Activities in Salisbury and Spencer NC © Katrena

Those who wish to take the guesswork out of finding a good seat can take advantage of reserved seating by completing this form. The cost is $4.50 per seat. The official Holiday Caravan web site also has a page where you can email Santa Claus or sign up to volunteer.

Tips for Seeing the Christmas Parade in Spencer and Salisbury NC © Katrena

This parade includes entries celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, sounds of the season, and just plain fun. Some of my family's favorite display is the go carts that zoom into various formations, veterans and other service organizations, the various bands, dancers, and of course the clowns. Any group that is giving out candy wins a thumbs up with my kids as well! Share your favorites from the Holiday Caravan in the comment section below.

Fun Holiday Activities for the Family in Rowan County © Katrena

Readers may also wish to read:

• 2013 Salisbury Night Out Dates and Themes
• 2013 Tanglewood Festival of Lights Dates Rates and Times
• 2013 McAdenville NC Christmas Lights Dates Times and Tips
• Catawba College Ecological Preserve – a Hidden Treasure Awaits!
• Meet the Bears at Dan Nicholas Park Near Salisbury NC

Find more of Katrena's articles at the Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids site maps.
Note: My photos are from the 2013 Holiday Caravan.

2013 Holiday Caravan Start Times © Katrena