Christmas County – A Holiday Extravaganza in Gaston County
Christmas County is the place to be this holiday season, with festive events and dazzling displays across Gaston County. Here's a guide to the best ways to celebrate this magical time of year.
Christmas Town USA
December 2-26, 2024
Each December, McAdenville transforms into a winter wonderland as "Christmas Town USA." Walk or drive through glowing displays of green, red, and white lights that shine from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM each night. Arrive early to enjoy dinner, cocktails, ice cream and do a little holiday shopping. Visiting Christmas Town USA is like stepping back in time to experience the charm of the holidays. LEARN MORE
Holidays at the Gardens
November 29 – December 29, 2024
Experience the glow of the holidays at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Wander through sparkling lights and festive displays, gather with family around outdoor fires for s'mores, or grab a snack and a warm drink from the food trucks. New for 2024: rides on a holiday trackless train every Friday in December, Santa visits on weekends, and an adults-only Speakeasy offering holiday cocktails. LEARN MORE
Dino Safari: Holiday Havoc
November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
In this unique twist, Santa's visit to Dino Safari is interrupted by dinosaurs! In this playful, fossil-fueled exhibit, familiar holiday traditions collide with Jurassic creatures. Holiday Havoc is included with museum admission and offers plenty of photo opportunities for the whole family. LEARN MORE
Ice Skating at Whitewater Center
Mid November – Mid February
The Whitewater Center's ice trail is a winter wonderland with an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages. Tickets include skate rentals, making it easy to spend a cozy, memorable winter day. LEARN MORE
HOLIDAY RACES
The Christmas Town 5K is a beloved annual highlight that sells out months in advance! Be sure to check back early for next year’s race details to secure your spot.
In the meantime, consider these other festive runs:
Bright Lights 5K November 27, 2024 Run through holiday lights at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden the night before Thanksgiving. LEARN MORE
We Believe Santa 5K & Dog Jog December 7, 2024 Suit up in your Santa best for this mid-December race at the Whitewater Center. Prizes are awarded for the best Santa look-alike, making it a jolly good time for everyone. LEARN MORE
Snowless Tubing
Late November – Mid February
The Chutes offers a thrilling, high-adrenaline tubing experience without the snow! Three 200-foot lanes, winter lights, and family fun make this event a memorable way to spend winter weekends while supporting local youth programs. LEARN MORE
Lights on Main Street in Cherryville
November 30 – December 31, 2024
Cherryville’s Main Street is transformed into a dazzling Christmas wonderland, perfect for holiday visits. Stroll through and take photos by the stunning 15-foot Christmas ornament, 12-foot wreath, and the whimsical Who-Ville tree in Mini Park. Local shops add to the charm with festive window displays, while 42 decorated light poles, the adorned bridge, and nearly a mile of festive bump-outs bring even more holiday cheer. Heritage Park glows with natural wreaths handcrafted by the Cherryville Garden Club. This year, new lights illuminate all the trees along Main Street, creating an even more magical experience.
Christmas Lights in Kings Mountain
November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Experience the magic of Christmas in Kings Mountain with a dazzling display of over a million lights at Patriots Park. This beloved annual event invites families and friends to stroll through a storybook wonderland aglow with festive color and light, evoking the spirit of Christmases past. Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday experience that lights up the night each evening through New Year’s!
Toyland at Kings Mountain Historical Museum
November 29 to January 3, 2025
The museum transforms into a holiday showcase of vintage toys and games, offering families a nostalgic holiday experience. LEARN MORE
Parades and Festivals
The holiday season in Gaston County is filled with vibrant parades and festive events across our charming downtowns. From tree lightings and holiday villages to themed parades and winter markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Each town brings its unique twist to the celebrations, making it the perfect time to explore and embrace the spirit of the season in every corner of the county. LEARN MORE
Holiday Shopping
After Thanksgiving, kick off the holiday season by supporting local businesses. Small-town shops and holiday markets across Gaston County offer unique gifts from local makers, bringing back the joy of in-person holiday shopping.
CHRISTMAS COUNTY
Christmas is a magical time in Gaston County, from holiday lights to festivals, parades, skating, snowless sledding and more.Don’t miss the splendor of the season in Gaston County, NC.
