Parades, Tree Lightings and Holiday Events this Christmas in Gaston County, NC
4 hours ago
6 min read
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.
Events this Christmas in Gaston County
McAdenville
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.
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec 1, 2026 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 | Dec 10, 2026 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.
Christmas at The Abbey | December 5, 2026 at Haid Theater at Belmont Abbey College.
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.
Mama's Crazy Bride Ride | November 2026
It’s Christmas, and Mama’s finally getting married! But first, she and her wonderfully dysfunctional family must race from California all the way to Alabama in time for the wedding. What could possibly go wrong? Everything — from Fruitcake Festivals and cranky elves to squabbling offspring and questionable Elvis impersonators. Buckle up for a laugh-out-loud, cross-country adventure full of holiday chaos and Southern charm.
Christmas Parade & Holiday Market | Dec, 5 2026Ring in the holidays at our Christmas Kings Mountain Parade on December 5th, 2026 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! Follwed by the Holiday Lights at patriots Park from 5 - 8 pm, a living nativity and a look back to yesteryear to experience a Christmas in 1874, the year Kings Mountain was founded.
Christmas Lights in Kings Mountain | November 20 - New Year's Experience the magic of Christmas in Kings Mountain with a dazzling display of over a million lights at Patriots Park.
North Pole Express Carriage Rides | December 5, 12, and 19, 2026
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. Tickets are first come first serve.
Holly Jolly Hayrides | December 5, 12, and 19, 2026
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas with a FREE Hayride courtesy of Councilman Scott Neisler! You will have a holly jolly time taking a scenic hayride through downtown Kings Mountain. A special guest may be on that ride. December 5th, 12th and 19th, pick-up and drop-off are at Patriots Park.
Don't forget to dress warmly.
Visit with Santa | Saturday, December 5, 12, and 19, 2026 The Jolly Old Elf from the North Pole and his misses will pay a visit to Kings Mountain this Christmas season. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be found in his workshop December 5th, 12th and 19th. The workshop is located at Patriots Park. Bring your camera and your best smile.
Christmas on Piedmont Avenue | Dec, 12 2026
A free community holiday celebration taking place Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10:00am to 2:00pm in downtown Kings Mountain. This festive street event will feature 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.
Cherryville
Cherryville’s small-town Christmas charm comes alive with Who-Ville festivities and unique markets
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, Shop with local merchants, join a holiday dance party. 6 pm - 10 pm.
Christmas Parade | Dec 12, 2026 Cherryville’s holiday spirit shines in this festive parade at 5 pm.
Stanley
Stanley brings warmth and cheer with festive lights, treats, and holiday music.
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Nov 29, 2026 Kick off the season in downtown Stanley with the annual tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 pm.
Christmas Parade | Dec 9, 2026 Kick off the holiday season with us at the Stanley Christmas Parade at 3 pm.
Mount Holly
Mount Holly brings together lights, parades, and charming events for all ages.
Ice Trail at Whitewater Center | Mid-Nov to Mid-Feb 2026 Ice skate along the winter wonderland trail.
Downtown Tree Lighting | Dec 1, 2026
Join us for a brief tree lighting ceremony in downtown Mount Holly, NC, with Mayor David Moore. Our downtown businesses will be hosting a window scavenger hunt with balloon & bubble artists.
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! Friday, 5:00 - 8:00 PM at The Grand Hall, 400 E. Central Ave, Mount Holly, NC.
Christmas Parade | Dec 5, 2026 Mount Holly is proud to present the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5, at 3:00 PM. Join us for a joyful celebration of the holiday season as this spirited parade moves down Central Avenue and Main Street in historic downtown Mount Holly. Spectators of all ages will enjoy magical and creative displays of the Christmas spirit! Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 3 pm.
Santa In The Grand Hall | Dec 9, 2026 Join us in the Grand Hall and visit with some very special guests visiting all the way from the North Pole! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for meet and greets as well as photos. December 9th (WEDNESDAY) | 2:30 - 7:30 PM
Gastonia
In Gastonia, discover festive markets, family-friendly activities, and a dinosaur-filled holiday twist.
Santa at the Lake | Dec 5, 2026 Come and take a free family picture with Santa! Bring your own camera! Santa will be at the Rankin Lake viewing pier. In the case of inclement weather, Santa will be at the Rankin lake clubhouse indoors.
Breakfast with Santa | Dec 5, 2026
Held right before Santa at the Lake, this is a ticketed event where you enjoy breakfast with Santa.
Christmas in the City | Dec 6, 2026 Join us on December 6 for an evening of holiday fun in downtown Gastonia and at the Rotary Pavilion! Free entertainment begins at the Rotary Pavilion at 4:30 PM. The Gaston County Jaycees Christmas Parade will also begin at 4:30 PM and travel east along Main Avenue. Following the parade, join us at the Rotary Pavilion for the Keep Gastonia Beautiful Tree Lighting!
Bring the family, enjoy the festivities, and help us kick off the holiday season in Gastonia!
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 5, 2026 Make your Christmas list and check it twice because the Cramerton Holiday Bazaar at CB Huss Recreation Complex 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.
Breakfast with Santa | Dec 12, 2026
Join us for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 12th at 9:00 AM. Tickets are $10 per child and must be purchased at the Allan Farris Community Center. Tickets must be presented at the door day of event. Spaces are limited, so purchase your tickets today! Call BC Parks & Recreation for more information at 704-629-5111.
Christmas in the City and Parade | Nov 22, 2026 Join us in downtown on Sunday, November 22nd at 3:30 pm for the Bessemer City Christmas in the City festival and Parade! Christmas in the City will follow the parade this year featuring music, non-profits, entertainment, food, and much more!
Dallas
Celebrate the holidays with Dallas’s festive Carols on the Square and parade.
Parade and Carols on the Square | Dec 5, 2026 Enjoy Christmas carols on the square, hot chocolate, cookies, with a parade to follow.
Ranlo
Christmas Parade | Dec 12, 2026
Join the Ranlo Experience Committee for the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at The Ranlo Lodge.
CHRISTMAS COUNTY
Whether you’re here for a day or making it a weekend, The holiday events this Christmas in Gaston County are brimming with seasonal fun! From tree lightings and holiday parades to gingerbread competitions and Christmas markets, there’s something magical for everyone. Happy holidays!
