Gastonia Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Step into a prehistoric winter wonderland at Dino Nights & Holiday Lights. This unique event combines the awe of dinosaur encounters with the magic of holiday illuminations. Drive through a spectacular display where ancient creatures meet festive cheer, creating an unforgettable experience for all ages.

McAdenville, North Carolina, transforms into the enchanting Christmas Town U.S.A.® each December. This beloved tradition draws visitors from across the nation to witness over 500,000 lights illuminating the town. Experience the magic of the Christmas Light Display from December 1-26, 2025, with festivities running nightly from 5:30 PM to 10:00...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Holidays at the Garden, where millions of lights illuminate the landscape. This enchanting event features dancing fountains, festive music, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Indulge in delicious holiday bites and warm beverages, and discover unique gifts at the Big Leaf Café. Capture unforgettable...

Step into a world of holiday magic at Carowinds' WinterFest. This beloved annual event transforms the amusement park into a festive wonderland with enchanting lights and seasonal cheer. Guests can enjoy extended park hours, allowing more time to experience thrilling rides alongside the holiday festivities. It's the perfect destination for...

Experience the magic as Rock Hill "Lights the Night" at their spectacular Christmas Parade! This beloved annual event features a dazzling array of illuminated entries, from creative floats and walking groups to energetic marching bands and festive mascots, all coming together to usher in the holiday season with a vibrant...

Join the festive celebration at The Lighting of Birkdale Village for an unforgettable holiday kickoff. Experience a magical evening with live music, captivating performances, and family-friendly activities. Witness Santa's grand arrival during the festive parade, followed by the dazzling tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy ice skating, local brews, and a vibrant...

Huntersville rings in the holiday season with its beloved annual celebration! The festivities begin with the Town Tree Lighting ceremony, featuring a special lighting moment and live music. The following day, immerse yourself in a full day of holiday magic with free children's rides, stunning ice sculptures, festive performances, and...

Step into a winter wonderland at the 4th Annual Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular. This half-mile walking trail dazzles with over a million twinkling lights, interactive scenes, and enchanting snow globes. New this year, the Winter Wonderland Carnival offers thrilling rides, while Santa Claus is available for visits nightly. Explore the...

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord transforms into an underwater winter wonderland for Twinkling Tides. Guests can wander through a stunning underwater tunnel adorned with thousands of holiday lights and explore over 10 festive zones. Don't miss the special Noon Year's Eve celebration on December 31st, featuring an early countdown and ball drop...

Experience the magic of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge, an annual holiday celebration transforming the lodge into a winter wonderland. Families can enjoy festive events like dance parties, scavenger hunts, and games, along with visits from Santa Claus. The celebration also features special seasonal drinks for all ages, creating a...

Experience the magic of Speedway Christmas, the Southeast's largest drive-thru holiday light show. Journey through a four-mile course adorned with over 5 million dazzling lights, all synchronized to festive music. Step into the enchanting Christmas Village for photos with Santa, unique selfie stations, and explore charming holiday attractions.

Experience the magic of Christmas in Cramerton with a festive parade and a vibrant holiday bazaar. Enjoy delicious food trucks, sweet treats, and a special station for kids to write letters to Santa. The highlight is the Christmas Parade, featuring colorful floats and marching bands, followed by a chance to...

Experience the magic of Yule Love Mount Holly, featuring the Merry Market at The Grand Hall. This festive event offers a delightful shopping experience with artisan crafts and unique gifts. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious food trucks, and the enchanting atmosphere of the holiday season in downtown Mount Holly.

Experience the magic of the OMB Christmas Market, a festive celebration spanning four weekends at both brewery locations. Stroll through a charming biergarten transformed with twinkling lights, featuring over 50 local vendors offering unique gifts and crafts. Enjoy traditional Gluhwein, holiday beers, and delicious food while warming up by cozy...

After seven years as an authentic European Christmas market in Uptown Charlotte, they have evolved into the city's premier holiday pop-up retailer. Discover their curated shops, including Village Bakery, World of Christmas, and Hans and Heidi's Holiday Haus, featured at various local events like Light the Knights at Truist Field...

Step into the enchanting world of ChristmasVille 2025 in Old Town Rock Hill, a festival celebrating two decades of holiday magic. Experience nearly 70 events, from creative contests and festive food to horse-drawn carriage rides and live entertainment. Inspired by artist Vernon Grant, the town transforms into a whimsical village...

Discover the festive spirit at the Foothills Farmers' Market Holiday Market. This vibrant event brings together local farmers and artisans to offer a delightful selection of fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and specialty food items. It's the perfect place to find unique gifts and enjoy the bounty of the...

Discover unique, handmade treasures at the Winter Holiday Market hosted by Anne Springs Close Greenway. This festive event brings together regional artisans offering a delightful selection of holiday gifts, crafts, and decorations. Enjoy a day of shopping in a beautiful outdoor setting, with food and beverage options available from the...

The Southern Christmas Show is North America's largest holiday shopping event, offering a one-stop destination for all your festive needs. Discover unique gifts, apparel, home décor, gourmet foods, and more from over 400 vendors. Be inspired by beautifully decorated Christmas trees, designer rooms, and a lively entertainment stage. It's the...

Discover WinterFest in Downtown Matthews, a vibrant holiday market set to take place at The Hangar. This event brings together over 50 small businesses, offering a fantastic opportunity to find unique gifts and complete your holiday shopping. Attendees can also enjoy a selection of craft brews and delicious local food,...

Embark on an enchanting adventure this holiday season with Charlotte Ballet's spectacular production of The Nutcracker. Follow young Clara as her Christmas Eve transforms into a magical journey through swirling winter landscapes and into the dazzling Land of Sweets. Accompanied by the Nutcracker Prince, she encounters dancing snowflakes and waltzing...

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical brings the classic holiday tale to life with enchanting sets, vibrant costumes, and beloved songs. Follow the Grinch's journey from stealing Christmas to discovering its true meaning, all within the whimsical world of Whoville. This heartwarming production is a perfect festive...

Immerse yourself in a magical holiday evening with smooth jazz and dazzling lights. Acclaimed guitarist Adam Hawley and his band will perform live, offering a preview of the spectacular 'Holidays at the Garden' light display. Enjoy festive beverages and snacks from on-site bars and food trucks.

Lace up for the third annual Bright Lights 5K and Fun Run, a festive race through the illuminated Daniel Stowe Conservancy. This unique event offers a chance to experience the 'Holidays at the Garden' light display during a special sneak peek party before it officially opens. It's the perfect way...

Lace up your skates and glide into the holiday spirit at Birkdale on Ice! This popular outdoor ice skating rink returns to Birkdale Village for the season, offering 75-minute sessions for all to enjoy. Advance booking is highly recommended to secure your spot on the ice.

Join the community for the annual Light Up Cornelius tree lighting ceremony. Thousands gather for an evening of festive fun, featuring live performances, a thrilling sledding hill, and enchanting trackless train rides. Children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, while everyone can enjoy delicious food, warm s'mores, and a...

Light up the night at the ChristmasVille Classic, an exciting glow-in-the-dark disc golf tournament winding through Old Town Rock Hill. This unique 18-hole adventure features glowing baskets and neon discs, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere. Players can snag exclusive deals from local businesses at various holes, while spectators are welcome...

Join the festive kickoff to ChristmasVille as Santa Claus makes his grand arrival in Old Town. This magical ceremony at Fountain Park features dazzling performances by the Rock Hill Rockhettes and Showtime Theatre, setting a joyful tone for the holiday season with skits, singing, and dancing.

Get ready for a day of holiday magic at the Indian Land Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting! This beloved annual event kicks off with a 5K run and fun walk, followed by a charming Christmas Village. As dusk settles, the highlight is the spectacular parade, bringing Santa's workshop to life...

Join the Town of Waxhaw and the Ballantyne Jewish Center for a heartwarming Menorah lighting ceremony. This special event celebrates the Festival of Lights and brings the community together under the glow of the Big Oak Tree bandstand.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Mint Hill Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. Watch as the festive parade makes its way through downtown, culminating in a heartwarming tree lighting ceremony at Town Hall. Children can share their wishes with Santa Claus at his special mailbox, making it...