Parades, Tree Lightings and Holiday Events this Christmas in Gaston County, NC
- Melissa McCauley
- Nov 26, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 30
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 1 - Dec 26, 2026 Wander or drive through dazzling displays of green, red and white lights from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM each night.
Coffee and Food Trucks
Enjoy the lights on the lake in McAdenville from the patio at the River Room at Dynamo 31. Or head inside to cozy up with a cup of coffee and select food trucks.
Tree Lighting Ceremony Head to Dynamo 31 on Main Street at 5:30 pm for the big “flip of the switch” to start the season!
Yule Log Parade Be part of McAdenville’s historic Yule Log Parade, a tradition since 1949 starting at 5:30 PM.
Belmont
A festive wonderland awaits in Belmont, where the holidays are full of sparkle and community spirit.
Haid Theater | November and December Watch holiday theatre performances.
Christmas Tree Lighting | Nov 30, 2026
Gather at Old City Hall to light the town tree.
Christmas Parade | Dec 1, 2026 Watch floats and performers march through downtown.
Bavarian Holiday Fest | December 12, 2026
Featuring over 50 artisan vendors and German ales.
Holidays at the Garden | Dec 2026 Visit the gardens at Daniel Stowe Conservancy for lights, train rides, and festive fun. Don’t miss the Speakeasy for a holiday cocktail and the new Prairie Castle.
Festival of Trees | Dec 1 - 30, 2026 Towering trees each uniquely adorned for the holidays.
Kings Mountain
In Kings Mountain, you’ll find vintage charm, festive parades, and unique holiday exhibits.
Joy Performance Center | November and December
Watch holiday theatre performances.
Tree Lighting |
Begin the season with a tree lighting at Patriots Park.
Christmas Lights in Kings Mountain | Experience the magic of Christmas in Kings Mountain with a dazzling display of over a million lights at Patriots Park.
Enchanted Carriage Ride Experience |
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 on Piedmont Avenue | This festive street event will feature live music, local arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, and living history demonstrations, offering a fun and family-friendly holiday experience for visitors of all ages and leads up to the Christmas Parade.
Christmas Parade & Holiday Market | Ring in the holidays at our Christmas Kings Mountain Parade on December 6th, 2025 at 3pm, with over 75 entries, live performances, food vendors, crafts and activities for the entire family, and the grand arrival of Santa Claus himself!
Toyland Games Trains and Toys | Explore vintage trains, toys and games at the Kings Mountain Historical Museum.
Living History Experience | Take a look back to yesteryear and experience a Christmas in 1874, the year Kings Mountain was founded.
Santa Visits the Museum | 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 Shop for holiday gifts in Cherryville’s downtown.
Tree Lighting | Nov 28, 2026 Enjoy the lighting of the Who-Bilation Tree at Gazebo Mini-Park.
Lights On Main Street | Nov 28 - Dec 31, 2026 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 4, 2026 Snap a photo with The Grinch, try Green Eggs and Ham, and slide down Mt. Crumpit!
Christmas Parade | Dec 12, 2026 Cherryville’s holiday spirit shines in this festive parade.
Lowell
Lowell celebrates Christmas with local creativity, family activities, and a little Hogwarts magic.
Christmas Parade and Artisan Market | Enjoy the parade, browse the artisan market, and snap a photo with Santa.
Stanley
Stanley brings warmth and cheer with festive lights, treats, and holiday music.
Tree Lighting Kick off the season in downtown Stanley with Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and music.
Parade 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.
Deck the Hall | Dec 4, 2026 Deck the Hall will be a magical indoor/outdoor event, celebrating the annual lighting of the Mount Holly Christmas Tree! Join us for shopping, music, Santa Visits, and all of the Holiday Cheer you can imagine!
Christmas Parade | Dec 5, 2026 Celebrate with lights and a variety of dining options downtown.
Carriage Rides | Select Dates Dec 2026 November 30th - December 2nd & December 7th - December 9th. Ride through the historic downtown in a Christmas carriage. Get your tickets!
Channel the Holidays 5K, 1 Mile, and Kids Run | Dec 12, 2026 Tackle new terrain as runners trek through the Whitewater channel at the Whitewater Center.
Gastonia
In Gastonia, discover festive markets, family-friendly activities, and a dinosaur-filled holiday twist.
The Little Theater | November and December
Watch holiday theatre performances.
Christmas in the City | Dec 6, 2026 Watch the parade, browse the marketplace, and see the tree lighting at Rotary Pavilion.
Breakfast with Santa | Dec 5, 2026 Join Santa for breakfast at Rankin Lake Park.
Cramerton
With parades, movie nights, and a gingerbread competition, Cramerton has holiday cheer for the whole family.
Christmas Parade and Village | Dec 3, 2026 Shop for delicious bites, visit Santa at Confluence, and enjoy the parade in Centennial Center down 8th Avenue.
Holiday Bazaar | Dec 12, 2026 Make your Christmas list and check it twice because the Cramerton Holiday Bazaar is just around the corner! 40+ vendors inside and outside, you'll find something for everyone on your list! Free gift wrapping by the Cramerton Community Committee.
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 22, 2026 Enjoy music, entertainment, and a festive parade visit with Santa and special characters, a variety of food and non-profit vendors.
Dallas
Celebrate the holidays with Dallas’s festive Carols on the Square and historic carriage rides.
Carols on the Square | Enjoy Christmas carols, carriage rides, hot chocolate, cookies, and crafts at the Gaston County Museum.
Historic Christmas Village Market | Celebrate Christmas as it was in the early 1900's at Dallas Park 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.
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!
