Christmas in Davidson has lots to offer on stage and on the street for three nights, Thursday to Saturday Dec. 1-3.
Nov. 30: Here’s a look at what’s coming up in December:
Submit your entertainment and event news to corneliustoday@gmail.com.
Dec. 1-3
6-9 pm | Dec. 1-3. Highlights include: a video and light show on downtown buildings; strolling characters and other live entertainment; bubble snowflakes; an artisan village and a children’s craft area. Downtown Davidson.
5-9 pm | Dec. 1-3. This self-guided, porch-crawl-style tour lets guests stroll through the Historic Fourth Ward and check out holiday displays. There will be holiday music, carriage rides and food and cocktail tastings along the way. $30-$60. Historic Fourth Ward in Charlotte.
Dec. 1-8
Check website | Dec. 1-8. Advance Tickets: Adult – $20; Senior (65+) – $ 18; Student (under 21) – $15. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson.
Dec. 1- 23
Charlotte Christmas Village and ice skate and snow tube at Light the Knights
Through Dec. 23. Cost: $10 for admission, $25 for admission and ice skating, $25 for admission and snow tubing, $39 for an admission season pass, $99 for an all-access season pass. Truist Field, 324 South Mint St., Charlotte.
Monday through Thursday, 5-9pm, Friday and Saturday, 5-10pm | Through Dec. 23. Admission and parking are free. Reservations are required. Horse-drawn carriage rides are $11 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. Billy Graham, 4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte.
Visit McAdenville to see lots of lights
Dec. 1-26
5:30-10pm | Dec. 1-26. Also known as “Christmas Town USA,” McAdenville is known for its spectacular light displays. Visitors can drive or walk along the 1.3-mile route. The tree lighting ceremony will take place 6 pm Dec. 1 and the yule log parade will happen 5 pm Dec.15. Downtown McAdenville. Free.
Dec. 1 – Jan. 1
Through Jan. 1. Downtown Belmont will twinkle with the lights and ornaments of community-decorated Christmas trees. Free. Downtown Belmont, 24 South Main St.
Dec. 1-Jan. 1
Hours vary | Select nights through Jan. 1. Cost: $32.99. Carowinds, 300 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte.
Speedway Christmas is closed on Christmas Eve. Friday and Saturday are the busiest nights and guests may experience extended wait times for entry. Consider Sunday through Thursday nights for quicker entry, and arrive early. Photo | Charlotte Motor Speedway
Dec. 1 – Jan. 8
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
6-10 pm | Nov. 18 – Jan. 8. Experience 4 million lights along a 4-mile course synchronized to Christmas-themed music, plus a vendor village. Tickets start at $30 per car on Monday-Wednesday. On Thursday-Sunday, it’s $40 per car. 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord.
Dec. 2
6-9 pm | Dec. 2. Shop the variety of artisan vendors, local food and beverages. Santa will be onsite. The lighting of the tree will kick off the festivities at 6:30 pm. Children’s rides and activities will be open.
Downtown Mooresville Misteltoe Sip & Shop
6-8 pm | Dec. 2. Bring your favorite people and enjoy shopping small this holiday season in the heart of Mooresville along Main and Broad streets. A strolling barbershop quartet will perform.
Polar Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Check website for hours | Dec. 2-4, Dec. 8-11, Dec. 13-23. Experience the magic of the popular holiday book/movie during this Polar Express-inspired train ride with a stop at the North Pole. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to enjoy the experience. Tickets $34 and up. NC Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer.
Gather along Main Street in Davidson and Cornelius to watch the North Meck Holiday Parade Saturday, Dec. 3.
Dec. 3
North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade
1 pm | Dec. 3. The 40th annual North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade begins on the corner of Griffith and Main streets in Davidson and proceeds south on Main Street (Hwy. 115) to Old Canal Street at the entrance to Antiquity in Cornelius. For details, including detour maps, click here.
Noon-4 pm | Dec. 3. Put your pup in an ugly Christmas sweater. Big Hearts Big Barks will benefit from your donations when your pet poses for pictures with Santa or the Grinch. Lost Worlds Brewery, 19700-D One Norman Blvd., Cornelius.
2-8 pm | Dec. 3. Free activities include children’s rides, holiday performances on stage, Carolers of Christmas Past, airbrush tattoos, balloon twisters, roaming holiday characters, letters and pictures with Santa. Shop with local vendors who have the perfect holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Food and beverages will be onsite for purchase as well.
3 pm | Dec. 3. Come watch four-person trike teams sponsored by Davidson businesses race through an obstacle course down Main Street in Davidson.
11 am. | Dec. 3. The parade steps off at Career Academy and Technical School, 350 Old Murdock Road, and ends at Troutman Baptist Church, 305 Perry Rd.
11 am-3 pm | Dec. 3. Full Throttle Stangs & Powercurve Motorsports Presents Carolina Christmas car show to benefit Carolina Christmas Angels, a non-profit charity that helps to provide children and families in need with Christmas gifts and so much more. Powerrcurve Motorsports, 1185 Gateway Drive, Mooresville.
7:30-10 am | Dec. 3. Free biscuits, donuts, drinks and Santa Claus. All are invited, no RSVP needed. Mooresville Police Department, 2847 Charlotte Highway.
Dec. 4
7-9 pm | Dec. 4. Davidson College Presbyterian Church’s annual Vespers service of lessons and carols will be held at the Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 South Main St. Free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.
Noon-5 pm | Dec. 4. Artisan and small business market; inflatables and activities. Cornelius Town Hall lawn.
Dec. 5
Connecting Cornelius: State of the Region
8:30 – 9:30 am | Dec. 5. Mayors Woody Washam of Cornelius, Melinda Bales of Huntersville and Rusty Knox of Huntersville to discuss the progress the region has made in 2022, and plans for collaboration in 2023. H2 Public House, 19906 North Cove Rd., Cornelius. If you’re unable to attend the Coffee Chat in person, watch the event live on Facebook.
Advent Contemplative Practice
7-7:45 pm | Dec. 5. Come for a time of sacred practice. You may bring a candle/s to light. Zoom link; meeting ID: 775 653 882.
Dec. 6-25
Winterlights Alive
Dusk – 9 pm | Dec. 6 – 25. A fully animated projected light show that turns the corner of Broad Street and Center Avenue, Mooresville, into a holiday lightscape. The entire building façade is the backdrop for this projected light show that parades holiday scenes and wintery wonderlands across the bricks.
Dec. 7
6 pm| dec. 7. Free-will Offering Soup Supper in the Fellowship Hall. 7 pm | Holden Evening Prayer Worship. Community in Church Lutheran Church, 7621 Norman Island Drive, Cornelius.
Dec. 8-11
Polar Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Check website for hours |Dec. 8-11, Dec. 13-23. Experience the magic of the popular holiday book/movie during this Polar Express-inspired train ride with a stop at the North Pole. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to enjoy the experience. Tickets $34 and up. NC Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer.
Dec. 9
7 pm | Dec. 9. Start at Fleet Feet Sports,16620 Cranlyn Road, Huntersville, in Birldale Village. Registration open.
A Classic Christmas in downtown Mooresville
6-9 pm | Dec. 9. Santa visits, carolers, ice skating, shopping and dining, hot cocoa and treats, life-sized snow globe, live musical performances, gingerbread house competition winners announced and more. Downtown Mooresville.
Highlighters Dance
7 – 10:30 pm | Dec. 9. Dance lesson will be at 7:10 pm. Crimson Rose Band. You may bring drinks and snacks. Belmont Moose Lodge, 100 Robert Russell Rd., Belmont.
Dec. 9-23
Showtimes vary | Dec. 9-23. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra accompanies the Charlotte Ballet. $30-$131. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte.
Dec. 10
2-5 pm | Dec. 10. HEARTwarming stories and traditions from yesteryear. Cedar Groove live music – folk. Hugh Torance House & Store, 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville. Free.
Doors open 6:30 pm; show at 8 pm | Dec. 10. Ana Egge. Tickets $45. Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak St.
Huntersville Half Marathon and 10K Hustle
8 am | Dec. 10. The 10k course is embedded into the half marathon course. Start at Fleet Feet Sports,16620 Cranlyn Road, Huntersville, in Birldale Village. Registration open.
Northern Lights of Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade
5-7 pm | Dec. 10. For those interested in viewing the parade, the parade will take off from Apps & Taps and go past Stumpy Creek Boat Ramps. Check with the contacting the Iredell County parks to confirm Stumpy Creek will be open for public viewing.
1-5 pm | Dec. 10. Local vendors and Pawsitively Pampered Pets Rescue will have some available pups. Eleven Lakes Brewing, 10228 Bailey Rd. Suite 201, Cornelius.
Dec. 11
6-7 pm | Dec. 11. Families should bring flashlights to find candy canes hidden in decorations on the Cornelius Town Hall lawn. Free, but advance registration required. Ages 2-12.
An Evening of Holiday Classics with the Charlotte Symphony
Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts 7:30 pm | Dec. 11. Tickets required. Mooresville Performing Arts Center, 659 E. Center Ave., Mooresville.
1 – 4 pm | Dec. 11. Tour gardens and see holiday decor at Wing Haven’s two historic houses of Eddie and Elizabeth Clarkson at 248 Ridgewood Avenue and Elizabeth Lawrence at 348 Ridgewood Avenue. Free, but reservations suggested; 704-331-0664. Wing Haven, 248 Ridgewood Ave & 348 Ridgewood Ave., Charlotte
10:15 am | Dec. 11. Inclusion Community, The Hut (Cornelius Presbyterian Church), parking lot, 21209 Catawba Ave.
8:30, 9:45 and 11am | Dec. 11. Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Main St., Davidson.
Dec. 12
7-7:45 pm | Dec. 12. Come for a time of sacred practice. You may bring a candle/s to light. Zoom link; meeting ID: 775 653 882.
7:30 pm | Dec. 12. Charles Frost, long-time Presbyterian organist, presents a night of Advent and Christmas music on organ. All are invited. Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Main St., Davidson.
7 pm | Dec. 12. Community in Christ Lutheran Church, Community In Christ Lutheran Church, 7621 Norman Island Drive, Cornelius.
Dec. 13
7 pm | Dec. 13. Inclusion Community, The Hut (Cornelius Presbyterian Church), parking lot, 21209 Catawba Ave.
Dec. 13-23
Polar Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum
Check website for hours | Dec. 13-23. Experience the magic of the popular holiday book/movie during this Polar Express-inspired train ride with a stop at the North Pole. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to enjoy the experience. Tickets $34 and up. NC Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer.
Dec. 14
6 pm | Dec. 14. Free-will Offering Soup Supper in the Fellowship Hall. 7 pm Holden Evening Prayer Worship | Dec 14. Community in Church Lutheran Church, 7621 Norman Island Drive, Cornelius.
Dec. 15
10 am – noon | Dec. 15. the Mecklenburg County Health Department is offering free, private and confidential HIV/STI testing. Condoms and education will be available. No insurance, no photo ID and no appointments needed. Ada Jenkins, 212 Gamble St., Davidson.
Downtown Mooresville Misteltoe Sip & Shop
6-8 pm | Dec. 16. Independently owned shops in downtown Mooresville will be featuring treats, appetizers, cocoa, cocktails, holiday deals and discounts, open houses, giveaways and more.
Dec. 17
4th Annual Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
5:30-7 pm | Dec. 17. From Blythe Landing to Ramsey Creek to the Duke Explorium. All three viewing areas are public. Food trucks will be at the Explorium and toys will be collected for Little Smiles.
5:30-8:30 pm | Dec. 17. A labyrinth is a tool for walking meditation. Cocoa and cider will be served. Inclusion Community, The Hut (Cornelius Presbyterian Church), parking lot, 21209 Catawba Ave.
Davidson Farmers Market
9 am-noon | Dec. 17. Holiday market. Rain or shine. No pets. Downtown Davidson.
2-6 pm | Dec. 17. At D9 Brewing Co., 11138 Treynorth Drive, Cornelius.
2022 North Carolina Christmas Festival
1-5pm | Dec. 17. Vendors, Santa pictures, candy cane hunt, performances and more. Free. Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC 49, Gold Hall, Concord.
Dec. 18
2 pm, 6 pm | Dec. 18. $12-$24. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College.
Gathering, Paper Bag Christmas Pageant
10:15 am | Dec. 18. Inclusion Community, The Hut (Cornelius Presbyterian Church), parking lot, 21209 Catawba Ave.
11 am – 4 pm | Dec. 18. Craft, vendor market. Lost Worlds Brewing,19700-D One Norman Blvd., Cornelius.
8:30, 9:45 and 11am | Dec. 18. In the Sanctuary, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Main St., Davidson.
3 pm | Dec. 18. Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Main St., Davidson.
Christmas Program ‘The ABCs of Christmas Worship’
10 am | Dec. 18. Featuring spoken and vocal parts proclaiming God’s love for the world in Jesus’ birth in a manger. Community in Christ Lutheran Church, 7621 Norman Island Drive, Cornelius.
Dec. 19
7-7:45 pm | Dec. 19. Come for a time of sacred practice. You may bring a candle/s to light. Zoom link; meeting ID: 775 653 882. Inclusion Community.
7:30-8:15 pm | Dec. 19. Meditation, reflection, renewal, scripture, candles and silence. All are welcome and invited. In the Chapel, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Main St., Davidson.
Dec. 20
The Menorah Lighting at Birkdale Village
5:30 pm | Dec. 20. Chabad of Lake Norman will help Birkdale Village celebrate Chanukah with a traditional Menorah lighting ceremony, children’s crafts, donuts, latkes gelt and more on the Parkway.
Noon – 8 pm | Dec. 20. Polar Express experience for kids ages 3-12 (children 4 and under must be accompanied by a parent). Tickets are $49/child. Seats are limited, and a ticket must be purchased in advance. Each session lasts about 90 minutes. All parents must wait in the grown up area. Pinspiration Lake Norman, 10110 Northcross Center Court Suite 140, Huntersville.
Dec. 21
6 pm Free-will Offering Soup Supper in the Fellowship Hall. 7 pm Holden Evening Prayer Worship | Dec 21. Community in Church Lutheran Church, 7621 Norman Island Drive, Cornelius.
Dec. 23
Christmas Eve Eve under the stars
7 pm | Dec. 23. Fireside lessons and carols featuring Karla Kincaid. An outdoor gathering with candles, cocoa and s’mores. Inclusion Community, at The Hut (Cornelius Presbyterian Church), 21209 Catawba Ave.
Live Music Friday the Sippin’ Santa Way
7:30-10:30pm | Dec. 23. Thigs Cocktails LKN, 21234 Catawba Ave., Cornelius.
Dec. 24
3-6 pm | Dec. 24. Petting zoo, carriage ride, photo booth, ornament decorating, story time, fire pit, crafts, music and three identical Christmas Eve services. Love LKN, 19725 Oak St. Everyone is invited.
7 pm | Dec. 24. First Baptist Church of Cornelius, 21007 Catawba Ave.
7 pm | Dec. 24. Zoom ID 775 653 882. Bring your own candle(s) to the light to welcome the God-with-us. Inclusion Community, Cornelius.
3-4 pm and 5-6 pm | Dec. 24. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius.
Christmas Eve candlelight and communion service
7-8 pm and 9-10 pm | Dec 24. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius.
Live DJ – Sippin’ Santa Saturdays
7:30 – 10:30 pm | Dec. 24. DJ will be playing the Christmas hits. Thigs Cocktails LKN, 21234 Catawba Ave., Cornelius.
3-5 pm | 24. Create three easy Christmas cocktails that can be made for any holiday party. $40; must buy ticket in advance. Thigs Cocktails LKN, 21234 Catawba Ave., Cornelius.
3 pm family service, 5 and 7:30 candlelit lessons and carols | Dec. 24. Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Main St., Davidson.
Christmas Eve Masses at St. Mark
4 pm and 6 pm | Dec. 24. All slots filled.
8 pm | Dec. 24. The Left Transept will be a 100 percent masking section for this Mass. 11:15 pm | Dec. 24: Adoration and Carols.
12 am | Dec. 25. Midnight Mass.
St. Mark Catholic Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville.
4 or 7 pm | Dec. 24. Community in Christ Lutheran Church, 7621 Norman Island Drive, Cornelius. Livestream time TDB.
Dec. 25
11 am | Dec. 25. First Baptist Church of Cornelius, 21007 Catawba Ave.
11 am| Dec. 25. In the Sanctuary, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Main St., Davidson. Includes a Christmas carol hymn sing.
9 am, 11 am (Spanish) | Dec. 25. St. Mark Catholic Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville.
10 am| Dec. 25. Service is casual and children are welcome to bring a new quiet toy, book or teddy. Attendees are also invited to wear Christmas pajamas if they so choose. Community in Christ Lutheran Church, 7621 Norman Island Drive, Cornelius.
11 am | Dec. 25. Come celebrate Christmas. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius.
Dec. 31
3-5 pm | Dec. 31. Create three easy Christmas cocktails that can be made for any holiday party. $40; must buy ticket in advance. Thigs Cocktails LKN, 21234 Catawba Ave., Cornelius.
Through Dec. 19
Check website | Through. Dec. 19. Advance Tickets: Adult – $20; Senior (65+) – $ 18; Student (under 21) – $15. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson.
Through Dec. 31
5-9 pm Wednesdays – Sunday |Nov. 25 -Dec. 31. $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 60+, $10 for children 2-12, free for children under 2. Daniel Stowe Gardens, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont.
Through Jan. 1
Zootastic Park Christmas Wonderland of Lights
6 pm | Through Jan. 1. Drive through more than 4 million lights while listening to Christmas music, and when you’re finished be sure to stop inside and meet Santa and his baby kangaroos. S’mores, hot chocolate, carousel rides, train rides. $10 per person age 2 and older. Zootastic Park, 448 Pilch Rd., Troutman.
Frederick Graff, AWS, D.F., Salem, SC, “Heritage Hill” winner of AWS Gold Medal of Honor will be part of the watercolor exhibit in Mooresville through Jan. 4.
Through Jan. 4
International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society
Noon-4pm | Tuesday-Friday; 10am-2pm | Saturday. Forty watercolor paintings from today’s nationally known and internationally known masters will be on display in Mooresville Arts’ Center Gallery, 103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville. Many of the paintings will be for sale.
Through Jan. 13
Through Our Lens: Digital Art and Photography
A small group of digital artists and photographers from North Carolina display their love for their art. Cornelius Art Gallery, 19725 Oak St.
Through Jan.16
General admission tickets for the 75-minute skate sessions, are $18 for adults and $14 per child 12 and younger. Birkdale Village, Huntersville.
Through mid-February
6-10 pm | Daily. Explore a half-mile, self-guided walking trail showcasing illuminated installations representing the Whitewater story and mission. The elements populate the entire Ridge and Canyon of the Whitewater Center and culminate with a compelling view above the forest floor on an all new suspension bridge complex. Free; pay to park. Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte 28214.
Through March 12
Alfred Conteh, [Ryan Coogler] Home Team, 2018 | Courtesy of the artist and Amath Gomis via Museum of the New South
Check websites for gallery schedules. | B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture and Levine Museum of the New South to bring Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. The Gantt will display Storytellers, Fathering, and Imagining; Levine Museum will display Catalysts, Myth-Breakers, and Community; both museums in Charlotte will display Loving. Admission is free.
• Send your event information to corneliustoday@gmail.com. Deadline is the 15th of the month for the print calendar; one week in advance for online/newsletter calendars
