Christmas Town USA Tree Lighting
McAdenville- Tue, Dec 1, 2026 · 5:30 PM ET
- Dynamo 31, 102 Main St
- Free
- Hosted by Town of McAdenville
Gaston County
From the famous lights of McAdenville's Christmas Town USA to Holidays at the Garden in Belmont and small-town parades — ten Gaston County towns celebrate the season.
All Gaston County events
Every verified 2026 holiday event across Gaston County, grouped by what to do — parades & tree lightings, lights & house displays, markets & shopping, shows & theater, kids & family, and food & nightlife. Prefer a single city? Jump to its page below.
McAdenville
5 eventsBelmont
7 eventsBessemer City
3 eventsCramerton
6 eventsMount Holly
6 eventsDallas
5 eventsGastonia
17 eventsStanley
3 eventsRanlo
1 eventsCherryville
4 eventsLowell
4 eventsParades & tree lightings
15 verified events for 2026.
Tree Lighting
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
McAdenville- Tue, Dec 1, 2026 · 5:30 PM
- McAdenville
- Cost: check link
McAdenville Yule Log Parade
McAdenville- Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · Singing ~5:30 PM ET
- 100 Main Street to Legacy Park
- Free
- Hosted by Town of McAdenville
Yule Log Parade & Ceremony
McAdenville- Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 5:30 PM
- McAdenville
- Cost: check link
Belmont Christmas Tree Lighting
Belmont- Sun, Nov 30, 2026 · 6:00–7:00 PM
- Old City Hall, ~37–115 N Main St
- Free
- Hosted by Downtown Belmont
Belmont Christmas Parade
Belmont- Tue, Dec 1, 2026 · 3:00 PM (~3–5 PM window)
- Starts S Main St along Catawba St
- Free spectators
- Hosted by Downtown Belmont
Bessemer City Christmas Parade & Christmas in the City
Bessemer City- Sun, Nov 22, 2026 · Christmas in the City 4:00–6:00 PM; Parade 4:30 PM; Tree Lighting 6:00 PM or after parade
- Downtown / Centennial Park area (parade N 14th → W Virginia → N 8th ending Kevin Millwood Park)
- Free spectators
- Hosted by City of Bessemer City
Cramerton Christmas Parade & Village
Cramerton- Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · Village from 3:00 PM; Parade 4:00 PM
- Downtown Cramerton / 8th Avenue
- Free spectators
- Hosted by Town of Cramerton
Christmas Parade + Downtown Eats, Treats, & Holiday Cheer!
Cramerton- Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · 3 PM
- Cramerton
- Cost: check link
Mount Holly Christmas Parade
Mount Holly- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 3:00 PM
- W Central Ave → S Main St
- Free spectators
- Hosted by Town of Mount Holly
Dallas Christmas Parade & Carols on the Square
Dallas- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · Parade 3:00 PM; Carols 5:30 PM
- Downtown Dallas
- Free spectators
- Hosted by Visit Gaston NC
- Tourism listing; confirm on the town page if updated.
Gastonia Christmas Parade & Christmas in the City
Gastonia- Sun, Dec 6, 2026 · Parade 4:30 PM; marketplace ~5–8 PM; tree lighting after parade
- Chester St & Main Ave to Broad St; Rotary Centennial Pavilion
- Free spectators
- Hosted by Visit Gaston NC
Stanley Christmas Parade
Stanley- Wed, Dec 9, 2026 · 3:00 PM
- Downtown Stanley
- Free spectators
- Hosted by Visit Gaston NC
Ranlo Christmas Parade
Ranlo- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 1:00 PM
- Town of Ranlo
- Free spectators
- Hosted by Visit Gaston NC
- Tourism listing; confirm town route when published.
Cherryville Christmas Parade
Cherryville- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 5:00 PM
- Downtown Cherryville
- Free spectators
- Hosted by Visit Gaston NC
- Tourism listing; confirm city route when published.
Lights & house displays
3 verified events for 2026.
Christmas Town USA Lights Season
McAdenville- Dec 1–26, 2026 · Nightly 5:30–10:00 PM ET
- Downtown McAdenville (drive-through or on foot)
- Free
- Hosted by Town of McAdenville
Holidays at the Garden (Daniel Stowe Conservancy)
Belmont- Nov 28–Dec 30, 2026 · 5:00–10:00 PM ET (last entry 9 PM); select nights
- 6500 S New Hope rd
- Adult $28 / Child 2–12 $25; value Mon–Thu $24/$18; Any Night $33; under 2 free
- Hosted by Daniel Stowe Conservancy
- Holiday Speakeasy nightly; Santa select weekends.
Bradleys Wonderland
Mount Holly- 2026 season
- Mount Holly
- Cost: check link
- Hosted by Tacky Light Tour
- Verify hours on Facebook before driving (2026 Tacky Light map).
Markets & shopping
22 verified events for 2026.
Coffee + Crafts: Sequin Tree Decor
Belmont- Sun, Nov 15, 2026 · 9 AM
- Belmont
- Cost: check link
Merry Market
Belmont- Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · 5 PM
- Daniel Stowe
- Cost: check link
4th Annual Christmas Market
Bessemer City- Sun, Nov 29, 2026 · 12 PM
- Bessemer City
- Cost: check link
Crafternoon: Lighted Christmas Balls
Cramerton- Sat, Nov 14, 2026 · 1 PM
- Confluence Brewing
- Cost: check link
Cramerton Holiday Bazaar
Cramerton- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 9 AM
- Cramerton
- Cost: check link
Mt Holly-Days Market @ Traust Brewing
Mount Holly- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 11 AM
- Mount Holly
- Cost: check link
- Hosted by Traust Brewing
Ornament D.I.Y
Mount Holly- Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 4:00 PM ET
- Mount Holly Branch
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
Christmas Sale
Dallas- Sat, Nov 7, 2026 · 10 AM
- Dallas
- Cost: check link
Christmas Missions Marketplace
Gastonia- Sat, Nov 21, 2026 · 9 AM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Christmas Market at Gastonia Farmers Market
Gastonia- Fri, Dec 4, 2026
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
CG Christmas Market
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 5, 2026
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Crackasmyle's 'Coustic Christmas Part II
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 7 PM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Holiday Vendor Craft Fair
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 19, 2026 · 9 AM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Teen Kindness Project: Holiday Cards @ Main
Gastonia- Tue, Nov 17, 2026 · 4:00 PM ET
- Carol K. Reinhardt Auditorium
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
DIY Gifts for Teens @ Main
Gastonia- Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 4:30 PM ET
- Main Branch
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
Stitch-By-Stitch: Macrame Ornaments @ Main
Gastonia- Tue, Dec 22, 2026 · 4:00 PM ET
- Multi-Purpose Room
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
Keepsake Ornament @ Stanley
Stanley- Thu, Dec 17, 2026 · 4:00 PM ET
- Stanley Branch
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
Stamp and Sparkle Christmas Class
Cherryville- Sat, Nov 14, 2026 · 2 PM
- Cherryville
- Cost: check link
Christmas Market
Lowell- Fri, Nov 27, 2026
- Lowell
- Cost: check link
Holiday Greetings @ TECH@Lowell
Lowell- Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · 4:00 PM ET
- TECH@Lowell Branch (Makerspace)
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
Holiday Escapes @ TECH@Lowell
Lowell- Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 4:00 PM ET
- TECH@Lowell Branch (Makerspace)
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
Christmas Cross Stitch @ TECH@Lowell
Lowell- Mon, Dec 14, 2026 · 5:30 PM ET
- TECH@Lowell Branch (Makerspace)
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
Shows & theater
11 verified events for 2026.
Movies in the Park - The Muppet Christmas Carol
Belmont- Sat, Nov 21, 2026 · 6 PM
- Belmont
- Cost: check link
Teen Holiday Movie Matinee @ Mt. Holly
Mount Holly- Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · 3:45 PM ET
- Mount Holly Branch
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
Miss Dallas Southern Christmas Pageant
Dallas- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 10 AM
- Dallas
- Cost: check link
The Nutcracker presented by Gaston Dance Theatre
Gastonia- Fri, Dec 4, 2026
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
VKC Christmas Concert: A Gashouse Christmas
Gastonia- Sun, Dec 6, 2026 · 7 PM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
It's a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Show
Gastonia- Fri, Dec 11, 2026 · 7:30 PM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
55th Annual Christmas Gospel Praise
Gastonia- Sun, Dec 20, 2026 · 5 PM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Sensory-Friendly Movie: The Muppet Christmas Carol @ Main
Gastonia- Fri, Dec 4, 2026 · 10:30 AM–12:00 PM ET
- Carol K. Reinhardt Auditorium (Main Branch)
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- No registration noted.
The History of McAdenville and the McAdenville Christmas Lights
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 11:00 AM ET
- Main Branch
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
2026 Holiday Movie: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever @ Main
Gastonia- Mon, Dec 14, 2026 · 6:00 PM ET
- Carol K. Reinhardt Auditorium
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
Christmas Movie Jeopardy @ Stanley
Stanley- Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 4:00 PM ET
- Stanley Branch
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
Kids & family
17 verified events for 2026.
Morning with Santa
Belmont- Sat, Dec 19, 2026 · 10 AM
- Daniel Stowe
- Cost: check link
Christmas Tour at New Life Baptist Church
Bessemer City- Sun, Dec 13, 2026 · 6 PM
- Bessemer City
- Cost: check link
Mount Holly Deck The Hall
Mount Holly- Fri, Dec 4, 2026 · 5:00–8:00 PM
- The Grand Hall, 400 E Central Ave
- Free (verify)
- Hosted by Town of Mount Holly
Santa Portraits
Mount Holly- Sun, Dec 20, 2026 · 3 PM
- Mount Holly
- Cost: check link
Christmas Tour
Dallas- Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 7 PM
- Dallas
- Cost: check link
CHRISTmas at Maranatha
Dallas- Sun, Dec 13, 2026 · 11 AM
- Dallas
- Cost: check link
SEASON OF GIVING KICKOFF!
Gastonia- Sat, Nov 7, 2026 · 10 AM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Cars & Coffee in the Park / 4th Annual Toys for Tots Collection
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 8 AM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Tindol's Annual Toys for Tots Run!
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 8:30 AM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Community Family Christmas Movie Night
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 6 PM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Breakfast with Mr. & Mrs. Claus
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 9 AM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Santa's Coming to Magic Wand
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 2 PM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link
Tweens & Teens (ages 10 & up): Holiday Games @Union Road Branch Library
Gastonia- Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · 4:00 PM ET
- Union Road Branch
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
'Tis the Season Crafts @Union Road Branch Library
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 19, 2026 · 10:30 AM ET
- Union Road Branch
- Free
- Hosted by Gaston County Public Library
- Check event page / often free drop-in.
The Chutes at Crowders Camps
Gastonia- Nov 27, 28; Dec 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 26, 2026; Jan 1, 2027 · Fridays 7:00–8:30 PM; Saturdays 6:00–7:30 PM ET
- Crowders Springs / Crowders Camps, Kings Mountain / Gastonia area (confirm campus on tickets page)
- $25/person
- Hosted by Crowders Camps
- Snow-free tubing fundraiser. Nine selected sessions only (not a continuous Nov 27–Jan 1 run). Limited to 80 guests per session. Tickets are non-refundable; reschedules need 48 hours' written notice. Camp addresses include Lower Crowders Springs, 4914 Linwood Rd, Kings Mountain; Crowders Ridge, 130 Camp Rotary Rd, Gastonia; Upper Crowders Springs, 413 Misty Lane, Gastonia. Confirm which campus on the tickets page.
A Night of a Thousand Wishes - Holiday Season Kickoff
Cherryville- Thu, Nov 26, 2026 · 6 PM
- Cherryville
- Cost: check link
A Very Cherry Who-Ville Christmas on Main Street 2026
Cherryville- Fri, Dec 4, 2026 · 6 PM
- Cherryville
- Cost: check link
Food & nightlife
3 verified events for 2026.
Christmas Cookie & Craft Beer Pairing
Cramerton- Wed, Dec 2, 2026 · 6:30 PM
- Cramerton
- Cost: check link
12 Brews of Christmas
Cramerton- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 6:30 PM
- Cramerton
- Cost: check link
52Hikes Ugly Sweater Hike
Gastonia- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 11 AM
- Gastonia
- Cost: check link