Parades, Tree Lightings and Holiday Events this Christmas in Gaston County, NC
Updated: Dec 26, 2024
From glowing lights to festive parades and holiday markets, Gaston County has transformed into Christmas County, USA! Each town celebrates in its own magical way, making it perfect for a day trip or an extended holiday getaway. Here’s a guide to all the holiday happenings across our charming towns.
McAdenville: Christmas Town USA
Experience the magic in McAdenville, famously known as Christmas Town USA.
Christmas Town USA | Dec 2 - Dec 26, 2024 Wander or drive through dazzling displays of red, green, and white lights.
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec 2, 2024 Head to Dynamo 31 on Main Street for the big “flip of the switch” to start the season!
Yule Log Parade | Dec 12, 2024 Be part of McAdenville’s historic Yule Log Parade, a tradition since 1949.
Acoustic Evening | Dec 21, 2024 Relax with live music by Chris Wayne at River Room.
Belmont
A festive wonderland awaits in Belmont, where the holidays are full of sparkle and community spirit.
Christmas Tree Lighting | Dec 2, 2024 Gather at Old City Hall to light the town tree.
Christmas Parade | Dec 3, 2024 Watch floats and performers march through downtown.
Christmas Village | Dec 7, 2024 Walk Main Street and meet Christmas characters.
Movies in the Park | Dec 14, 2024 Bring a chair for A Christmas Story under the stars at Stowe Park.
Bavarian Holiday Fest | December 14, 2024
Inaugural Bavarian Fest, featuring over 50 artisan vendors and German ales.
Holidays at the Garden | Nov 29 - Dec 29, 2024 Visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for lights, train rides, and festive fun. Don’t miss the Speakeasy for a holiday cocktail.
Festival of Trees | Dec 2 - 30, 2024 Towering trees each uniquely adorned for the holidays.
Kings Mountain
In Kings Mountain, you’ll find vintage charm, festive parades, and unique holiday exhibits.
Tree Lighting | Nov 22, 2024
Begin the season with a tree lighting at Patriots Park.
Christmas Lights in Kings Mountain | Nov 22, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025 Experience the magic of Christmas in Kings Mountain with a dazzling display of over a million lights at Patriots Park.
Enchanted Carriage Ride Experience | December 7th, 14th and 21st, 2024
All aboard for an enchanted ride on the North Pole Express in a horse-drawn carriage. Take in the sights of twinkling Christmas lights as your enchanted golden ticket unlocks a series of magical events along the journey.
Christmas Parade & Holiday Market | Dec 7, 2024 Celebrate with 100+ floats, performances, and Santa himself.
Toyland at the Museum | Nov 29 - Jan 3, 2025 Explore vintage toys and games at the Kings Mountain Historical Museum.
Spirit of Christmas Past | Dec 7, 2024 Step into history with antique toys, games, and cooking demonstrations.
Santa Visits the Museum | Dec 14, 2024 Enjoy stories with Santa and photo opportunities by the tree.
Cherryville
Cherryville’s small-town Christmas charm comes alive with Who-Ville festivities and unique markets.
Holiday Market | Nov 30, 2024 Shop for holiday gifts in Cherryville’s downtown.
Tree Lighting | Nov 30, 2024 Enjoy the lighting of the Who-Bilation Tree at Gazebo Mini-Park.
Lights On Main Street | Nov 30 - Dec 31, 2024 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.
A Very Cherry Who-Ville Christmas | Dec 6, 2024 Snap a photo with The Grinch, try Green Eggs and Ham, and slide down Mt. Crumpit!
Christmas Parade | Dec 14, 2024 Cherryville’s holiday spirit shines in this festive parade.
Lowell
Lowell celebrates Christmas with local creativity, family activities, and a little Hogwarts magic.
Trees at the Track | Opens Dec 1, 2024 Stroll through Harold Rankin Park to see Christmas trees decorated by local groups.
Tree Lighting & Music in the Park | Dec 2, 2024 Gather at McCord Family Park for music and lights.
Christmas Parade and Artisan Market | Dec 7, 2024 Enjoy the parade, browse the artisan market, and snap a photo with Santa.
Nightmare Before Christmas Escape Room | Dec 13, 2024 Test your skills at the Lowell Library’s holiday escape room.
Holidays at Hogwarts | Dec 19, 2024 Celebrate Christmas with Harry Potter-themed fun at the Lowell Library
Stanley
Stanley brings warmth and cheer with festive lights, treats, and holiday music.
Tree Lighting | Dec 1, 2024 Kick off the season in downtown Stanley with Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and music.
Parade | December 11, 2024 Kick off the holiday season with us at the Stanley Christmas Parade.
Mount Holly
Mount Holly brings together lights, parades, and charming events for all ages.
Ice Trail at Whitewater Center | Mid-Nov to Mid-Feb 2025 Ice skate along the winter wonderland trail.
Miracle on Main Street | Dec 6, 2024 Join for the tree lighting, shop with local vendors, and enjoy visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
We Believe Santa 5K & Dog Jog | Dec 7, 2024 Dress up as Santa and compete for prizes at the Whitewater Center.
Christmas Parade | Dec 14, 2024 Celebrate with lights and a variety of dining options downtown.
Carriage Rides | Multiple Dates Ride through the historic downtown in a Christmas carriage.
Gastonia
In Gastonia, discover festive markets, family-friendly activities, and a dinosaur-filled holiday twist.
Christmas in the City | Dec 1, 2024 Watch the parade, browse the marketplace, and see the tree lighting at Rotary Pavilion.
Breakfast with Santa | Dec 7, 2024 Join Santa for breakfast at Rankin Lake Park.
Dino Safari: Holiday Havoc | Nov 29 - Jan 5, 2025 Santa meets dinosaurs in this holiday exhibit at Schiele Museum.
Dino Nights & Holiday Lights | Dec 27, 2024
Enjoy holiday lights and dino-themed fun at at Schiele Museum.
Dinos & Donuts | Dec 14, 2024
Donuts, a prehistoric holiday story, and festive make-and-take activities at Schiele Museum.
Holiday Laser Shows | Multiple Dates
Donuts, a prehistoric holiday story, and festive make-and-take activities at Schiele Museum.
Nutcracker | December 5 - 8, 2024
Gaston Dance Theater presents the Nutcracker at Gaston Day School.
Cramerton
With parades, movie nights, and a gingerbread competition, Cramerton has holiday cheer for the whole family.
Christmas Parade and Village | Dec 5, 2024 Shop for unique gifts, visit Santa, and enjoy the parade in Centennial Center.
Movie Night - Holiday Style | Dec 7, 2024 Cozy up for holiday movies at Confluence.
Gingerbread Competition | Dec 15, 2024 Show off your gingerbread decorating skills at Confluence.
Bessemer City
The holiday season starts early in Bessemer City with a festival and parade full of holiday cheer.
Christmas in the City and Parade | Nov 24, 2024 Enjoy music, entertainment, and a festive parade.
Dallas
Celebrate the holidays with Dallas’s festive Carols on the Square and historic carriage rides.
Carols on the Square | Dec 6, 2024 Enjoy Christmas carols, carriage rides, hot chocolate, cookies, and crafts at the Gaston County Museum.
Christmas at Linebergers Farm | Dec 7, 2024 This year, celebrate the holidays with us here on the farm. Gather around the fire to roast s'mores and sip hot cocoa on our wagon ride, enjoying Christmas lights and carols all the way!
Historic Christmas Village Market | Dec 14, 2024 Celebrate Christmas as it was in the early 1900's with time period related crafts, letters to Santa, old fashion candy in the General Store, Christmas music, snacks, pictures with Father Christmas "Santa", and kid's games! In addition, there will also be fellow county departments with their educational interactive stations. Admission, parking and kid's activities are free.
CHRISTMAS COUNTY
Whether you’re here for a day or making it a weekend, Christmas County in Gaston County is brimming with seasonal fun! From tree lightings and holiday parades to gingerbread competitions and Christmas markets, there’s something magical for everyone. Happy holidays!
