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RECENT STORIES

Holiday Markets Make the Best Christmas Shopping in Gaston County

  • Writer: Kayla Adams
    Kayla Adams
  • Oct 28
  • 4 min read

Updated: Oct 30

The holidays are just around the corner, and Gaston County is brimming with festive markets, events, and magical Christmas adventures! From unique handcrafted gifts to delicious holiday treats, our local markets make it easy to shop small, support local artisans, and embrace the holiday spirit. While you’re here, immerse yourself in the full Gaston County Christmas experience by visiting Christmas Town USA, holiday lights at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, and the thrilling DinoSafari Holiday Havoc at Schiele Museum.


Here’s a roundup of our holiday markets, each offering a unique selection of goods and seasonal experiences perfect for locals and visitors alike!



Holiday Market Christmas Shopping Highlights


Misfit Market poster with black skull design. Sponsored by The Rooster. Features local vinyl, vintage, collectibles. Gastonia, NC, first Saturdays.

Misfit Market

November 1 & December 6, 2025

11 AM - 4 PM

The Rooster, Gastonia

Step into a world of curiosities and oddities crafted by local artists and makers. Perfect for those searching for one-of-a-kind gifts with a quirky twist!


Indoor market scene with people browsing stalls. A "Merry Market" sign hangs above. Warm brick walls, colorful decor, lively atmosphere.

November 8, 2025

10AM - 4PM

Mount Holly Municipal Complex, Mount Holly

The best way to kick off your holiday shopping is at the area's largest indoor artisan market! Shop with over 60 local handmade artisans and small businesses. Snag everything from snacks to jewelry, children's toys to skincare, hot sauce to the latest trends. You're sure to find something for everyone on your list.


Festive invite with red gift; "Holiday on the Greenway: Sip and Shop Nov 7-9 & Nov 15-16.” Red banner reads “Shop handmade this holiday."

Holiday on the Greenway: Sip and Shop

November 7-9 & 15-16, 2025

Times Vary

Sip on complimentary hot beverages as you browse the handmade wares of our holiday vendors inside Arts on the Greenway! View the winter gallery exhibit, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and engage with local artists and creators.


Whimsical forest scene with purple trees and a logo reading "CRAFTASTROPHE Artisan Collective presents the Faelight Festival."

November 8, 2025

11 AM - 8 PM

Dallas Park, Dallas

Step into a world of whimsy at this enchanting market, where artisan creations, magical eats, and mythical mischief await around every corner. From the Parade of the Pixies (pets in costume!) to forest-inspired treats and handmade treasures, it’s a spellbinding celebration of creativity and community.


Black text on gradient background: HOLIDAY MARKET. Green bar reads WELLNESS WONDERLAND. Below: SHOP | CONNECT | RENEW. Free community event.

November 15, 2025

12 PM - 5 PM

Primal Brewery, Belmont

A free community event for the whole family! You can expect a mindful, heart-centered alternative to traditional holiday shopping.


ree

November 12, 2025

12 PM - 2 PM

Martha Rivers Park, Gastonia

Join Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement at Martha Rivers Park and celebrate the holidays by adding a new member to your pack!


November 23, 2025

4 PM - 6 PM

Centennial Park, Bessemer City

Celebrate the season at Bessemer City’s Christmas in the City and Parade in Downtown Bessemer City. Enjoy festive vendors, live entertainment, a parade, Santa visits, and the annual Christmas tree lighting to close the evening with holiday cheer.


Crafted Moonlight and Traust Brewing present Vetrnǽtr Festival (Winter Night Festival) over frosted pine branches.

November 29, 2025

12 PM - 6 PM

Traust Brewing, Mount Holly

Come warm up with candles, local handmade art, metaphysical wares. Find everything you need for the coming Yule. Talk to our Tarot, oracle and palm readers while you warm your toes.


Red banner in snow with "Cherryville, Where Life Blossoms." Text on white reads "The Cherryville Main Street Holiday Market," with festive holly.

November 29, 2025

10 AM - 2 PM

Downtown Cherryville

Visit downtown Cherryville and enjoy a day of shopping on our main street for Small Business Saturday. Stores will be open and local vendors will be selling as well, you are sure to find something you can not live without.


Goat wearing Santa hat and sunglasses, chewing a candy cane. Text: "Christmas in Cramerton" on white background with red borders.

December 4, 2025

3 PM - 6 PM

Centennial Center, Cramerton

Join us as we celebrate Christmas in Cramerton with our annual Christmas Parade and Christmas Village in Centennial Center. Find unique gifts and kick off your holiday shopping and children can write and send their letters to Santa at our special letter-writing station in the Christmas Village. Enjoy the parade through town and Visit Santa at Confluence for free professional photos, courtesy of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.


Red Christmas ornament with yellow bow, Grinch-like green hand holding it. Text: Cherryville, NC, A Very Cherry Who-Ville Christmas on Main Street.

December 5, 2025

6 PM - 10 PM

Downtown Cherryville

Experience holiday fun with The Grinch and Santa, shop local vendors, and enjoy festive treats like Green Eggs and Ham at Home Folks Café. Slide down Mt. Crumpit, explore the snow maze, and dance the night away at the Holiday Dance Party and more!


Holiday event promo in a decorated hall with a lit Christmas tree and people. Text: "Deck the Hall, December 5th, 6-9 PM, The Grand Hall."

December 5, 2025

6 PM - 9PM

The Grand Hall, Mount Holly

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 poster with penguins, snowman, red car carrying tree. Text: City of Lowell Christmas Parade & Artisan Market, Dec 6, 2025.

December 6, 2025

1 PM - 5 PM

Downtown Lowell

Shop and watch the Christmas parade in McCord Family Park.


Festive wreath design with text: "Create In Us Art Studio Christmas Bazaar, Sunday December 7, 1:00-5:00, 104 S. Main Street, Mount Holly NC."

December 7, 2025

1 PM - 5 PM

Create In Us Art Studio, Mount Holly

Shop local and support over 20 makers all in one place.


Festive Christmas tree lit with multicolored lights in downtown Gastonia. Text: "Christmas in the City, Downtown Gastonia."

December 7, 2025

5 PM - 8 PM

Rotary Pavilion, Gastonia

Christmas in the City returns to downtown Gastonia on December 7, featuring a festive marketplace and live entertainment at the Rotary Pavilion beginning at 5 PM. The Gaston County Jaycees Parade will march down Main Avenue, followed by the Keep Gastonia Beautiful Tree Lighting to close out the evening in holiday style.


Pinecones and evergreen branches on the left, with text "Catawba Riverkeeper's Christmas Market" on December 13th, in Christmas Town, USA.

December 13, 2025

1 PM - 5 PM

River Room, McAdenville

Give your loved ones the perfect handmade gift from local artisan vendors, and support clean water when you visit The River Room! We can't wait to see you there.



Plan Your Holiday Market Shopping in Gaston County

Gaston County is your ultimate holiday destination this year, with events like Christmas Town USA and holiday lights at Daniel Stowe Conservancy adding extra sparkle to your visit. Make a full day or weekend out of your holiday shopping adventure and support our incredible local artists, artisans, and small businesses. Gather your friends and family, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and make unforgettable holiday memories in Gaston County!


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