TRAFFIC: Thanksgiving week events, road closures around Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thanksgiving is one of the most wonderful and busy times of the year with festivals, parades, 5Ks, and other fun, festive events.

But, this also means road closures.

You can count on Traffic Team 9's Mark Taylor to keep you updated on area events, closures, and traffic that may have an impact on your travel time.

November 20 -- Carolina Panthers' Tree Lighting 

The lighting of the tree will take place on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m outside the Bank of America Stadium on the corner of Mint Street and Graham Street.

Event organizers said they expect 5,000 attendees.

Graham Street from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Mint Street and Mint Street from 1st Street to Morehead Street will close Monday at 6:30 p.m. and reopen Tuesday at 10 p.m.

November 22 -- 2018 Charlotte Turkey Trot (SouthPark) 

The event begins on Thursday at 8 a.m. on Morrison Boulevard and event organizers expect 8,000 participants.

The 1-mile run begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 8K and the 5K. The 8K route includes Morrison Boulevard, Barclay Downs Drive, Fairview Road, Assembly Street, Carnegie Boulevard, Runnymede Lane, Colony Road, Ferncliff Road, Sharon Road and Roxborough Road.

The 5K route includes Morrison Boulevard, Barclay Downs Drive, Carnegie Boulevard, Runnymede Lane, Colony Road and Roxborough Road.

November 22 -- University City Turkey Trot 5K

The event begins at 8 a.m. on Thursday at 3024 Prosperity Church. Organizer said they expect around 300 attendees.

The route begins and ends at the Mallard Creek Shopping Plaza and uses Prosperity Church Road.

November 22 -- Turkey Dash Charlotte 

The turkey dash begins at 8:30 a.m. at Village at Robinson Farms on Williams Pond Road between Elm Lane and Rea Road.

Organizers anticipate around 500 attendees.

The route starts and finishes at Village at Robinson Farm. The 4-mile run uses Rea Road, Ardrey Kell Road, Blakeney Heath Road, and Parks Farm Lane. The 1-mile run uses Rea Road, Williams Pond Lane, Elm Lane, Blakeney Heath Road, and Windsor Ridge Road.

November 22 -- Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade 

The Thanksgiving Day Parade begins Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Stonewall Street and South Tryon Street.

The parade will continue north on Tryon Street to 9th Street, where it will disperse.

Event organizers expect around 40,000 attendees.

Thanksgiving Weeks Street Closures

Tuesday, November 20 

Tryon Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Stonewall Street: Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. until Thursday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.

Levine Avenue of the Arts between Church and Tryon streets: Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. until Thursday, Nov. 22 at 8 pm.

Wednesday, November 21 

Tryon Street between 9th and 11th streets, including side streets: Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. until Thursday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, November 22 

Tryon Street between Morehead and 11th streets, including side streets: Thursday, Nov. 22 at 8 a.m. until Thursday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• Man cornered, arrested after attempting to kidnap 10-year-old Gaston County girl
• Police arrest 2 suspects in robbery, chase in south Charlotte; search for third suspect
• Possible killer of 90 helps South Carolina sheriff solve cold case
• WATCH: Jaclyn Shearer's Thanksgiving forecast outlook 
• Police: Speed, alcohol suspected as car smashes into east Charlotte restaurant

Cox Media Group