The parade starts this Saturday at Blythe Landing in Cornelius.

Dec. 16.  The parade starts Saturday, Dec. 17 at  5:30 pm at Blythe Landing in Cornelius.

The lighted boat parade route.

Cornelius Police Chief Kevin Black will kick things off as master of ceremonies. Parking is available; find your way to the shore to get a better view.

Volunteers will be onsite to help guide you and collect unwrapped toys for Little Smiles.

3 viewing spots in all

The second viewing area is  Ramsey Creek at the beach. Parking is a short walk from the viewing area. The parade should arrive about 6:15 pm.

The final viewing area is the Energy Explorium in Huntersville, for the grand finale. There will be plenty of parking, food trucks and Santa. The parade should arrive a little before 7 pm.

Remember the toys

Unwrapped toys will be collected at every location for Little Smiles. The organization partners with the Levine Children’s Cancer Center to provide toys for children there. If you don’t have time to purchase a toy, monetary donations will be accepted. A QR code will be at each site for this.

After party

After the parade is over, boaters and parade watcher can head over to Boatyard Lake Norman in Cornelius for music and fun. Attendees may bring a toy there as well.

and enjoy the night with other Boaters and Friends! — in Lake Norman.