Christmas County – A Holiday Extravaganza in Gaston County
- Melissa McCauley
- Oct 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 10
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 1-26, 2025
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. Visiting Christmas Town USA is like stepping back in time to experience the charm of the holidays. LEARN MORE
Holidays at the Gardens
November 28 – December 27, 2025
Experience the glow of the holidays at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. 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 or a visit with Santa select evenings, and an adults-only Speakeasy offering holiday cocktails. This year there is a new addition, glowing lights across the spectacular Prairie Castle Playground that make for magical evenings your kids will never forget! LEARN MORE
Winter at Whitewater Center
Mid November – Mid February
Whitewater’s 1,300-acre campus transforms into Winter at Whitewater this November featuring ice skating, illuminated winter trails, night activities, tree lot, winter pop up market, races, events and more. This year, there’s more to do at night with an expanded winter trail and new illuminated experiences. 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 29, 2025 Run through holiday lights at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
Channel the Holidays 5K, 1 Mile, and Kids Run December 13, 2025 Run through the channels of the Whitewater Center in Channel The Holidays 5K, 1 Mile & Kids run. LEARN MORE
Snowless Tubing
Late November – Mid February
The Chutes Winter Tubing 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 29 – December 31, 2025
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 in Kings Mountain
Opens December 6, 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 in December. On select weekends enjoy a visit with Santa, holly jolly hayrides, a living nativity and carriage rides. LEARN MORE
Toyland at Kings Mountain Historical Museum
November 28 to January 3, 2026
The Kings Mountain Historical Museum invites the community to step back into the magic of childhood with its annual holiday, Toyland: Games, Toys, & Trains, featuring an elaborate display of model trains by the Metrolina Model Railroaders.
The exhibit will run from November 3, 2025, through January 3, 2026, transforming the museum into a festive wonderland filled with vintage and classic toys, games, and model trains that will delight visitors of all ages. 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.
