CITY SHARES “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” IN PREPARATION FOR THE 2024 CHRISTMAS PARADE: NEON WONDERLAND ON DECEMBER 5 AT 7 P.M.
(Charleston, W. Va.) – The City of Charleston will host the 2024 Charleston Christmas Parade: Neon Wonderland on December 5 at 7 p.m. in downtown Charleston. In preparation for the annual celebration, the City Team has compiled a robust “Know Before You Go” for attendees, participants, and visitors to Charleston.
SAFETY
The safety of all participants is the top priority.
Parade viewers are asked to help keep the parade route clear – and minimize walking across streets included on the route – so that the parade entries have a clear pathway through the route.
Parade entries (walking groups and drivers) are asked to enter at the correct locations and follow instructions provided by event staff and volunteers – during lineup and throughout the parade route. This includes maintaining forward movement throughout the parade to minimize gaps.
In anticipation of large crowds, parade viewers are asked to be mindful of proximity to parade entries – especially vehicles and trailers/floats. Additionally, drivers are asked to use caution as they drive through the parade route.
PARADE ROUTE
Kanawha Boulevard > Capitol Street > Washington Street > Summers Street > Kanawha Boulevard (exiting westbound toward Patrick Street).
STREET CLOSURES & DETOURS
Street closures and detours will be in place through the end of the parade. Streets will re-open once the parade has ended AND parade entries have cleared Kanawha Boulevard, and the parade route has been swept and cleaned.
Beginning at 2 p.m.
Kanawha Boulevard, from Greenbrier Street to Clendenin Street, will be closed.
*One lane, from Greenbrier Street to Elizabeth Street will be open for local traffic only.
**Message board will be placed at Greenbrier Street and Kanawha Boulevard to direct parade entries for lineup.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Parade Route will be closed to traffic—this includes:
- Capitol Street, Kanawha Boulevard to Washington Street
- Washington Street, Capitol Street to Summers Street
- Summers Street, Washington Street to Kanawha Boulevard
Beginning at 6:30 p.m.
No entry or exit will be permitted at:
- Capitol Street & Virginia Street
- Capitol Street & Quarrier Street
- Capitol Street & Lee Street
- Capitol Street & Washington Street
- Summers Street & Washington Street
- Summers Street & Lee Street
- Summers Street & Quarrier Street
- Summers Street & Virginia Street
Beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Detours will be in place at:
- Laidley Street & Virginia Street
- Laidley Street & Lee Street
- Laidley Street & Washington Street
- Donnally Street & Summers Street
- Donnally Street & Capitol Street
- Washington Street & Dickinson Street
- Hale Street & Quarrier Street
The following unit blocks (Kanawha Boulevard to Virginia Street) will be open to local traffic:
- Hale Street
- Dickinson Street
- Dunbar Street
- Leon Sullivan Way
- Brooks Street
- Morris Street
- Bradford Street
- Ruffner Avenue
- Elizabeth Street (except traffic routed off Kanawha Boulevard to Virginia Street)
PARKING
Beginning at 5 p.m. street parking will not be permitted along the parade route.
No exit or entry will be permitted at the Summers Street Parking Garage once the parade route has been shut down to traffic (6:30 p.m.).
Parking is available in the Cinema Parking Garage (612 Washington Street) and the City Service Center Parking Garage (915 Quarrier Street).
Questions from parkers can be directed to the Parking Operations Center at (304)-348-8158 or parkingquestions@cityofcharleston.org.
PARADE LINEUP
Parade entries that have secured a spot in the 2024 Christmas Parade will have received confirmation via email. Wait-listed entries will have also received an email noting wait-list status.
Parade lineup will be on a first come, first served basis. Parade participants are responsible for coordinating a meet-up location before and after the event. All parade entries must adhere to the official check-in, lineup, and exit procedures (provided via email) to ensure a smooth and organized event.
Beginning at 4 p.m.
Parade entries that include a vehicle (including motorcycle groups) may begin entering at Greenbrier Street and Kanawha Boulevard to check in at Kanawha Boulevard and Elizabeth Street.
Beginning at 6 p.m.
Parade entries that include walkers only (no vehicles) may begin entering at McFarland Street and check in at McFarland Street and Kanawha Boulevard.
6:30 p.m.
Parade lineup ends.
7 p.m.
Parade starts.
Questions regarding parade lineup should be directed to Miranda Dillon at SpecialEvents@cityofcharleston.org.
OTHER VIEWING/LISTENING OPTIONS
Those who cannot attend the Charleston Christmas Parade in person can still be part of the celebration via the following outlets:
• 580-WCHS (starting at 7 p.m.) / 580AM, 96.5FM, 104.5FM
• HD Media
• WCHS-TV
WHILE YOU’RE DOWNTOWN
The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center will be hosting an event at the Coliseum– with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the show beginning at 7 p.m. Drivers may experience heavier than normal traffic and possible delays as a result. Please plan your travel accordingly.
The City of Charleston Christmas Tree and more than 150 Holly Jolly Brawley trees, decorated by local businesses and organizations, will be on display till January 1. The trees are located in City Center at Slack Plaza, Brawley Walkway, and at Lee Triangle.
The City Center Capital City Sip-N-Stroll (PODA) will be active during normal hours, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. as the parade makes its way downtown. More information regarding the PODA can be viewed online at https://charlestonwv.gov/poda.
###
