It’s the first weekend of December, which means the Lake is all-in on holiday cheer. From weekend-long events to pop-up shops, there’s plenty to fill your schedules. Here’s our round-up of what to do and where to go this weekend in Lake Norman:
ALL WEEKEND
Christmas in Davidson
November 29 – December 1 | Downtown Davidson
The 30th annual Christmas in Davidson festival has something for everyone – horse-drawn carriage rides, an ugly sweater contest, tree village, live music, visits with Santa and even a festive doggie fashion show. Nightly from 6 – 9 p.m.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Through December 16 | Armour Street Theatre, Davidson
Perfect for the whole family, this hilarious show follows a couple tasked with pulling off a Christmas Pageant with the most challenging of actors. View all dates and times here.
Santa’s Mailbox
Through December 14 | Cornelius Arts Center
Write a letter to Santa, drop it off at the Center’s mailbox and get a response from St. Nick himself. All letters must include a self-addressed and stamped envelope in order to receive a response.
FRIDAY
Town Center Tree Lighting
105 Gilead Rd, Huntersville | 6 – 9 p.m.
In Huntersville, the lighting of the tree is just the beginning of the holiday fun. Free activities include pictures with Santa, s’mores, ice sculptures, snacks for purchase and more.
Mistletoe Sip & Shop
Downtown Mooresville | 6 – 8 p.m.
Downtown Mooresville’s first Mistletoe Sip & Shop will feature over 17 small businesses offering specials, sips, appetizers and more, plus a life-size snow globe and entertainment by the award-winning Technically Sound barbershop quartet.
An Acoustic Evening with “On The Border”
Boatyard Eats, Cornelius | 8 p.m.
Hear all of your favorite Eagles hits as tribute band On The Border takes the stage at Boatyard Eats. $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
Sierra Nevada Christmas Jam
Cork and Cask, Cornelius | 7 – 9 p.m.
As a warm-up to the 30th Christmas Jam in Asheville, Cork and Cask will host an evening of music by previous and this year’s headliners and a tap takeover by Sierra Nevada. Attendees can enjoy sample, giveaways and a chance to win two tickets to the Christmas Jam.
Music Bingo and Boricua Kitchen
King Canary Brewing Company, Mooresville | 7 p.m.
Put your music knowledge to the test as King Canary Brewing hosts music bingo and the traditional Puerto Rican Caribbean food truck My Boricua Kitchen.
WDAV 40th Birthday Party
423 N. Main St., Davidson | 6 – 8 p.m.
Help WDAV Classical Public Radio celebrate their 40th anniversary with performances by local musicians, door prizes, appearances by WDAV announcers and staff, hot apple cider and desserts (including birthday cake).
SATURDAY
A Huntersville Christmas
Downtown Huntersville | 2 – 8 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit with an afternoon of festive celebrations at A Huntersville Christmas. Free activities include rides, inflatables, ice sculptures, carolers, carriage rides, a live nativity and visits with Santa. Plus, complete your shopping with the help of local vendors, and enjoy food trucks onsite.
8th Annual Christmas Flotilla and Parade
Lake Norman Yacht Club, Mooresville | 6 – 8 p.m.
The 8th Annual Christmas Flotilla and Parade will be a sight to see, as lighted boats set sail on Lake Norman. Bring a new and unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots. Preview the route here.
North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade
Downtown Davidson | 1 p.m.
The 36th Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade will include high school bands, horses, school groups, civic organizations and more. The parade route stretches from the intersection of Griffith Street and Highway 115 to the intersection of Highway 115 and Catawba Avenue.
Candlelight Christmas Tour
Historic Latta Plantation, Huntersville | 6 p.m.
Experience the holidays by candlelight at Historic Latta Plantation. For two nights only (the second date is December 8), enjoy tours throughout the historic home followed by hot cider and cookies by the fire. $15 per person.
Brunch with Santa
Hunter House & Gardens, Huntersville | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Visit Hunter House & Gardens for brunch served with a side of holiday cheer. Kids will enjoy festive pancakes, visits with Santa and other treats while adults sip on bottomless mimosas. $15 per child, $20 per adult. Call 704.891.1913 for reservations.
Christmas at Primal
Primal Brewery, Huntersville | 3 – 10 p.m.
Holiday festivities at Primal Brewery include an ugly sweater contest, tree lighting, food, live music and a lighted Christmas parade.
Pop Up Holiday House
Trump National Golf Club Charlotte, Mooresville | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Meet local interior designers and retailers who are in the midst of decorating a luxury home for the holidays. In addition to getting design ideas, enjoy giveaways and food and wine. Admission is one new unwrapped toy, gift card or check made payable to charity, benefitting The Children’s Home of Iredell County.
SUNDAY
Christmas in Cornelius
Oak Street Mill, Cornelius | Noon – 6 p.m.
This fun-filled afternoon in Cornelius includes live bands, entertainment by carolers and choirs, food trucks, breweries, kids activities and a visit with Santa. You can also check off items from your holiday shopping list with the help of over 80 artists and craftsmen.
Mac and Cheese Cook-Off
The Kilted Buffalo, Huntersville | 2 p.m.
Was your Mac and Cheese the talk of the Thanksgiving spread? Prove it in this bake-off at The Kilted Buffalo. Enjoy tasting all of the entries alongside B’s Grill hotdogs.
1st Night Menorah Lighting, Donut Truck and More
Temple Kol Tikvah of Lake Norman, Davidson | 4 p.m.
Join the Jewish community and Temple Kol Tikvah as the welcome the holiday of Chanukah with a communal Menorah Lighting, music, face painting, donut truck and more.
Santa Paws Pictures
Three Dog Bakery Lake Norman, Cornelius | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bring your pup to pose with Santa at Three Dog Bakery Lake Norman for no charge with any donation to Lucky Labs Rescue.
