Aquatic Adventures Hall of Dinosaurs FIND IT The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium 1500 E Garrison Blvd. Gastonia Visit one of the largest dinosaur exhibits in the Carolinas, with 4,200 square feet of real fossils, interactive learning experiences, and full-bodied cast specimens of T. rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and more. Exhibit Highlights Include: Full-bodied prehistoric skeleton casts Authentic dinosaur fossils, including an Edmontosaurus that displays healed wounds from a T. rex attack Stegasaurus, Triceratops, Apatosaurus , and MANY MORE of your favorite dinosaurs Specimens unique to the Southeast, including Appalachiosaurus , the East Coast T. rex The return of The Schiele’s iconic T. rex in a whole new display LEARN MORE For more information, click the LEARN MORE button above (if provided) or reach out to the venue/host directly. FIND IT Also Worth Seeing Hall of Dinosaurs The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium LEARN MORE The Turnings A Cycle of American Time Gaston County Museum LEARN MORE When Are We US Gaston County Museum LEARN MORE Hoffman's Farm to Friends Gaston County Museum LEARN MORE

October 19, 2026 Haunted Stories & Tales of Kings Mountain Learn More Venue Info Mauney Memorial Library 100 S Piedmont Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA 10:00 AM Time: - 11:00 AM 704-739-2371 Kings Mountain Historical Museum presents haunted tales of Kings Mountain's past. Registration Required: https://mauneylibrary.libcal.com/event/17681512 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Christmas Vacation Best For: Couples, Friends & Families Best Enjoyed: December Stay: 2 Nights | 3 Days ITINERARY FAQS STAY GALLERY MAP Gaston County transforms into a holiday haven from Thanksgiving through the end of the Christmas holiday, offering a perfect setting for a festive vacation or getaway. Here are compelling reasons to experience the magic of Christmas in Gaston County: Christmas Town USA in McAdenville Witness the enchantment of one of the nation's top public light displays in McAdenville, known as Christmas Town USA. The entire town comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that captures the true spirit of the season. COST: Free TIME: 2 hrs Christmas Town USA Holiday Lights at the Garden Immerse yourself in the dazzling displays at Holiday Lights at the Garden in Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Stroll through illuminated gardens, marvel at themed light exhibits, and experience the joyous ambiance of this magical holiday tradition. COST: TIME: 2 hrs Holiday Lights at the Garden Snowless Sledding Embrace the thrill of snowless sledding at the Chutes at Crowders Ridge. Perfect for families, this outdoor activity provides a festive and exhilarating experience that captures the joy of sledding without the need for snow. COST: TIME: 1 hr Chutes at Crowders Ridge Ice Skating Glide into the holiday spirit with ice skating at the Whitewater Center. The outdoor ice skating rink offers a picturesque setting for winter fun, creating a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. COST: TIME: Whitewater Center Holiday Canyon Tour Embark on a magical nighttime adventure at the Whitewater Center. The lit-up canyon tour features suspension bridges, outdoor rope courses, and a captivating atmosphere that transforms the center into a winter wonderland after dark. COST: TIME: Whitewater Center Festive Events Explore the festive events in Gaston County's towns, such as the whimsical Whoville in Cherryville. Visit Santa, take a carriage ride in Kings Mountain, and enjoy parades and other community gatherings that exemplify the warmth and joy of the season. COST: Varies TIME: Varies festive events Celebrate the holidays in Gaston County, where the streets glow with lights, and the air is filled with the joy of the season. From enchanting light displays to thrilling outdoor activities, your Christmas Getaway promises to be filled with warmth, wonder, and cherished memories. Experience Gaston County Through Our Lens From scenic adventures to local flavors and unique experiences, explore our gallery to get a taste of what your weekend in Gaston County could look like. Know Before You Go Gaston County offers the perfect mix of scenic beauty, small-town charm, and outdoor adventure. Wander along the Catawba River, explore colorful trails, or stroll through charming downtown streets — all while enjoying the warm, welcoming spirit of the locals. Whether you’re after a relaxing escape or an action-packed weekend, Gaston County makes every visit feel effortless, memorable, and uniquely yours. Getting Here Gaston County is just 20 minutes west of Charlotte, making it an easy drive for a weekend escape. If you’re flying, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the closest major hub. Once you arrive, our towns and attractions are easy to navigate — most are within 15–20 minutes of each other. Atlanta, GA 4 hrs Washington, DC 7 hrs Nashville, TN 6 hrs Charleston, SC 3 hrs Raleigh, NC 3 hrs Pigeon Forge, TN 4 hrs Myrtle Beach, SC 4 hrs Richmond, VA 5 hrs Getting Around While Gaston County is compact and easy to navigate, having a car is essential to fully explore the area. Most attractions, trails, and restaurants are spread out, so having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to see everything at your own pace. Where To Eat Fuel your adventures with flavors of Gaston County. From cozy cafés to hearty Southern fare, here are a few favorites to satisfy every craving Annual Events Make your getaway even more special by checking out our signature events. From seasonal festivals to celebrations, there’s always something fun to capture the spirit of the season. Night Life Whether you’re looking for live music, a craft brew, or a relaxed evening stroll, there’s something for every night owl there's always a little something extra. Reserve Your Stay Today! Book direct for a simple, stress-free way to reserve your stay. Choose your dates, secure your lodging, and start planning your Gaston County weekend with confidence.” Map Out Your Perfect Weekend in Gaston County Plan your perfect weekend at your own pace! Explore all the top stops—attractions, outdoor adventures, dining, shopping, and more—then mix and match to create your ideal weekend. Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How Can We Help? GETAWAY GUIDE Download your free Weekend Getaway Guide Downloadable Getaway Flyer SAVE & SHARE Share this getaway with a friend or save it for later! Copy link ASK US Got a quick question? Ask us here. Ask Us Email About Getaway Explore More Trip Ideas? Spring Blossom Getaway Available: March - May Fall Foliage Getaway Available: Sept - Nov Christmas Vacation Available: December

Bike Nite Hall of Dinosaurs FIND IT The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium 1500 E Garrison Blvd. Gastonia Visit one of the largest dinosaur exhibits in the Carolinas, with 4,200 square feet of real fossils, interactive learning experiences, and full-bodied cast specimens of T. rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and more. Exhibit Highlights Include: Full-bodied prehistoric skeleton casts Authentic dinosaur fossils, including an Edmontosaurus that displays healed wounds from a T. rex attack Stegasaurus, Triceratops, Apatosaurus , and MANY MORE of your favorite dinosaurs Specimens unique to the Southeast, including Appalachiosaurus , the East Coast T. rex The return of The Schiele’s iconic T. rex in a whole new display LEARN MORE For more information, click the LEARN MORE button above (if provided) or reach out to the venue/host directly. FIND IT Also Worth Seeing Hall of Dinosaurs The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium LEARN MORE The Turnings A Cycle of American Time Gaston County Museum LEARN MORE When Are We US Gaston County Museum LEARN MORE Hoffman's Farm to Friends Gaston County Museum LEARN MORE

December 3, 2026 LEGO® Jr. @ Main Learn More Venue Info Gaston County Library Main Branch 1555 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 5:50 AM Time: - 6:10 AM 704-868-2164 Join us for LEGO® Jr. @ Main! Little builders can explore creativity, teamwork, and imagination through fun LEGO® activities designed for young learners. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 28, 2026 KQ Teacher Workday GS Learn More Venue Info The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 2:30 AM Time: - 1:00 PM 704-866-6900 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 16, 2026 Friday Night Live Music - David Childers & The Serpents Learn More Venue Info Confluence South Fork 117 Center St, Cramerton, NC 28032, USA 2:00 PM Time: - 4:00 PM 704-879-4175 Kick off the weekend with Friday Night Live at Confluence! Enjoy live music, great company, and a lively atmosphere for a fun night out. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

December 20, 2026 Coffee + Crafts: Door Mat Painting Learn More Venue Info Daniel Stowe Conservancy 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 4:00 AM Time: - 5:00 AM 704-825-4490 Start your morning with creativity and connection at Coffee + Crafts, held at Daniel Stowe Conservancy every third Sunday of the month. Each session features a hands-on craft project, guided by instructors, with materials provided—no prior experience needed. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, latte, or tea from our coffee shop as you craft, relax, and mingle with fellow participants in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to spark your creativity and begin your day on a bright, inspired note. Class locations will vary by season and we encourage you to arrive a bit early to get your coffee order in! December 20 - Door Mat Painting - Big Leaf Cafe in Garden Pavilion Design and paint a personalized door mat using stencils and durable outdoor paint. Participants can choose patterns, phrases, or designs to create a welcoming and functional home accent. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

November 7, 2026 Open Gallery Learn More Venue Info Arts on the Greenway 500 E Central Ave, Mt Holly, NC 28120, USA 6:00 AM Time: - 11:00 AM 704-951-7474 Join us at Arts on the Greenway every Saturday for open gallery hours! Drop in to meet our talented local artists, chat about their work, and browse our unique collection of art and handcrafted gifts. Support local art and find something special! < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

January 21, 2027 Karaoke Night Learn More Venue Info The Rooster 344 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA 3:00 PM Time: - 6:45 PM 704-616-0291 Karaoke every Thursday Night at 8pm. No Cover, All Ages$1 off Domestics$4 Applesauce Shots$5 Orange CreamsiclesNO COVERDoors open at 6pm < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

November 10, 2026 Library Storytime Learn More Venue Info Mauney Memorial Library 100 S Piedmont Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA 5:30 AM Time: - 6:30 AM 704-739-2371 Join us in the library Community Room for stories, songs, and crafts! The program begins with 30 minutes of play, followed by 20 minutes of storytime and songs, and ends with craft time. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

December 4, 2026 Sensory-Friendly Movies@Main! Learn More Venue Info Gaston County Library Main Branch 1555 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 5:30 AM Time: - 7:00 AM 704-868-2164 Our sensory-friendly movies are designed for families, children, and guests with sensory sensitivities. Specific movie title information is in the Details section. https://gastonlibrary.org/calendar.aspx?EID=8937 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >