With the annual North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade unable to take its traditional route down Main Street and into downtown Cornelius this year because of road construction, Old Town Cornelius Inc. has worked with the town to organize the Cornelius Christmas Parade.

The one-year change will bring a parade to downtown Cornelius on Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at Mount Zion Church and travel north on Highway 115, ending near Pecan Street in Old Town Cornelius.

Festivities will continue at Cornelius Town Hall from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with live music and entertainment, local vendors, food trucks, family activities and photos with Santa Claus.

Businesses, nonprofits, schools, churches, neighborhood groups and other community organizations can participate in the parade at no cost. Participation is limited to 50 entries, and the registration deadline is Nov. 20.

Organizers said there are no plans to make the parade an annual event. The North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade is expected to return in 2027, when it can resume its traditional route on Highway 115 from Davidson into Cornelius.

Organizations can register at oldtowncornelius.org/christmas-parade.