Gastonia Christmas Parade 2026 and Christmas in the City
The 79th Gastonia Christmas Parade is Sunday, December 6, 2026 at 4:30 PM. It travels east on Main Avenue from Chester Street to Broad Street, then everyone heads to the Rotary Pavilion for Christmas in the City, with a marketplace from 5 to 8 PM and the tree lighting right after the parade (Gaston Business Association).
See golf carts for sale | Lithium conversions | Call (704) 302-1200
Entering the parade
The Gaston County Jaycees run the parade. Registration is open September 15 to November 30, with no late entries. Businesses are $100, and nonprofits and schools are $30. A logistics meeting is Monday, November 30 at 6:30 PM, in person or virtual. Lineup is 3 to 4:30 PM. Contact Alex Cabral at operations.gastoncojaycees@gmail.com.
Golf cart rules in Gastonia
In North Carolina, a golf cart can only go on public streets two ways: as a titled, registered and insured low speed vehicle (LSV) on roads posted 35 mph or less, or under a local golf cart ordinance where the town or county has adopted one (NCDOT model ordinance). For a ride downtown on public streets, the legal choice is a street-legal LSV on roads posted 35 mph or less, with the headlights and taillights a December evening needs. Our Charlotte Wilkinson and Mount Holly stores are close by.
Golf cart decorating tips
- Use battery powered LED string lights or lights rated for your cart’s 12 volt accessory power, and zip tie them to the roof frame, not the steering column.
- Keep the driver’s view, mirrors, pedals and lights clear, and check that nothing hangs low enough to catch a wheel.
- Wreaths on the front cowl, garland along the roof and a lit sign on the back seat read great from the curb.
- Charge fully the night before. Lights, music and slow parade speeds drain lead acid batteries fast, which is one more reason owners move to a lithium golf cart battery conversion.
- Follow the parade rules on throwing candy. Most parades here ban it, so hand it out at the curb instead.
Visit Queen City Carts
Our Mount Holly store is at 107 Henderson St, Mount Holly, NC. We also have stores in Denver, Lake Wylie and on Wilkinson Blvd in Charlotte. Main line (704) 302-1200.
Mount Holly hours: Monday to Friday 9 to 5:30, Saturday 10 to 5, Sunday by appointment only.
Ready for the season
- Browse golf carts for sale
- Make your golf cart street legal
- Apply for financing
- Contact us or call (704) 302-1200
See more in our guide to the best golf cart communities around Charlotte. Thank you for celebrating with us. It is our pleasure to serve you.
FAQ
When is the Gastonia Christmas Parade in 2026?
Sunday, December 6, 2026 at 4:30 PM on Main Avenue, with Christmas in the City and the tree lighting afterward.
What is the deadline to enter?
November 30, 2026. No registrations are accepted after that.
Can I drive a golf cart to the Gastonia parade?
On public streets you need a titled, registered and insured LSV on roads posted 35 mph or less.