Is your holiday season calendar filling up faster than you can grab another glass of eggnog? Don’t fret – our weekly guide helps you plan time for friends, kids and even out-of-town guests. Here’s where to go and what to do this weekend around Lake Norman:
ALL WEEKEND:
Christmas in Davidson
216 South Main Street, Davidson | Thursday – Saturday | 6-9 p.m.
Join in this annual tradition since 1988 with three nights of holiday family fun. Stroll down Main Street, hop aboard the trolley or a horse-drawn carriage ride, shop with vendors on the Village Green and enjoy live entertainment on the Library Stage. With endless options for food, fun and holiday cheer, you may find yourself visiting more than just one night.
Mom’s Gift by Davidson Community Players
Armour Street Theatre, Davidson | Various times through December 17
A comedy with heart, Mom’s Gift is the story of a ghost on a mission to earn her wings. Over the holiday season, a mother returns to visit with her living daughter and one by one, family secrets are revealed and her task becomes clear. Adult tickets are $20 in advance with an additional $3 charge at the door.
A Huntersville Christmas and Town Center Tree Lighting
Downtown Huntersville | Friday: 6-9 p.m., Saturday: 2-8 p.m.
Kick off a weekend of holiday fun with ice skating, kids activities, s’mores, music and visits with Santa as Huntersville prepares to light its Christmas tree. The lights turn on at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the fun continues with free activities for kids and kids at heart: ice carving, carolers, a live nativity, carriage rides, food vendors and a performance by the Lake Norman Orchestra.
13th Annual Festival of Trees
City Club at Gibson Mill, Concord | December 1-3
The 13th Annual Festival of Trees includes the Deck the Halls Gala on Friday evening, a children’s craft and activity party on Saturday, an opportunity to view the trees on Saturday afternoon and a buffet style lunch for the family on Sunday – all supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County.
FRIDAY:
Ugly Sweater Cruise
Lady of the Lake, Mooresville | 10 p.m.
Don your best ugly sweater and cruise the lake aboard the Lady of the Lake. Guests will celebrate with a DJ, dancing, appetizers and more. $35 per person, 21 and up. Call 704.663.2628 or visit online to book.
Cocoa with Santa
Cornelius Arts Center, Cornelius | 10 a.m. – Noon
Get ready to snap your Christmas card photo at this year’s Cocoa with Santa event. The free annual event features visits with Santa, holiday crafts, cocoa and cookies.
Standup Comedy at the Mill
Studio 13, Cornelius | 8-10 p.m.
Get ready for a laugh as some of the area’s best comics take the stage for Studio 13’s Open Mic Contest. Winner receives a $100 cash prize and featured acts will be showcased over the next few months. $5 cover.
NoDa Hoppy Holidays Release
Cork and Cask, Cornelius | 7-9 p.m.
Cork and Cask is making it easy for you to stock up on the perfect holiday beer for your family gatherings and stick around for a draft as they release NoDa Brewing Company’s Hppy Holidays beer. Available in cans and draft.
SATURDAY:
Holiday Happenings
Downtown Concord | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Festivities abound in Downtown Concord as part of the town’s Holiday Happenings. Enjoy free horse drawn carriage rides and a Gingerbread Candy Hunt for kids, where they visit participating visits along Union Street to collect the materials they’ll need to build and decorate their very own gingerbread house. Gingerbread Candy Hunt is $10 per child.
Christmas At Cabarrus Holiday Market
Cabarrus Brewing Company, Concord | Noon – 5 p.m.
Over 40 local vendors will be ready to help you with your holiday shopping at the inaugural Christmas at Cabarrus holiday market. Shop handmade crafts, jewelry, art and more. In addition, the brewery will be releasing their annual WishList Spiced Winter Ale, which benefits Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina.
Yule Be Laughing – The Foxes Holiday Show
Warehouse PAC, Cornelius | 8 p.m.
Watch as local legends Now Are the Foxes make the audience howl with laughter in a special holiday improv show. Expect lots of audience interaction, musical songs made up on the spot, improv games and more.
35th Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade
NC-115 & Griffith St., Davidson | 1:30 p.m.
The 35th Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade will feature high school bands, school groups, horses, local organizations and more welcoming the holiday season through the streets of Davidson and Cornelius.
The Little Baker’s Grand Opening
20052 Zion Ave, Cornelius | 2- 8 p.m.
Help welcome The Little Baker to the Cornelius area with a grand opening celebration this Saturday. In addition to the tasty treats, they’ll be accepting donations for local animal shelters and Urban Ministries. Bring a donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle. View requested donation items and raffle prizes here.
North Pole Fun
Afton Ridge Shopping Center | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Afton Ridge is transforming into a snowy winter wonderland, where guests can enjoy carriage rides, crafts, refreshments and a visit with Santa himself.
Jingle All the Way 5k
Bellingham Park, Mooresville | 10 a.m.
The 2nd Annual Jingle All the Way 5k will feature plenty of festive families walking and running through the route and plenty of holiday spirit. $20 per person in advance, $25 the day of. Kids 12 and under are $10 in advance, $15 the day of.
Main Street Antique Open HouseÂ
Main St. Antiques & Design Gallery, Mooresville | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
If you’ve yet to pay a visit to Main Street Antiques, this weekend is the perfect chance. Stop by their open house to browse and enjoy music and a visit from Santa.
SUNDAY:
Hello, Sailor Soft Opening
20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius | 5 p.m. – closeThe long-anticipated venture from Kindred owners Joe and Katy Kindred will hold a soft opening for dinner this Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. Stay tuned for information on an official grand opening.
Sushi at the Lake Too’s 3 Year Anniversary Party
Sushi at The Lake Too, Mooresville | 1-6 p.m.
Sushi at The Lake Too is taking a break from normal operations to host a special three-year anniversary party. Expect raffles, a bake sale, complimentary food, drink specials, kids activities and kareoke from 5-6 p.m.
Santa Paws Pictures
Three Dog Bakery Lake Norman, Cornelius | Noon – 3 p.m.
DOn’t let your pup miss out on the chance to snap a picture with the big man himself! Santa is making an appearance at Three Dog Bakery to visit with pups on the nice list. Photos are free with any donation to Lucky Labs Rescue.
Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt
Latta Plantation Nature Center & Preserve, Huntersville | 1-4 p.m.
Take the family on a self-guided tour of the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. Work together to find hidden treasures on a scavenger hunt before returning to the nature center to claim your prize.
Annual Children’s Holiday Party
Charles Mack Citizen Center, Mooresville | 12:30 – 2:20 p.m.
Continue a favorite tradition with the Annual Children’s Holiday Party at The Charles Mack Citizen Center. ENjoy snacks, activities and visits with Santa.
