Special to IFN
The Christmas season in Downtown Statesville officially begins with the lighting of the Christmas tree on Thursday, December 5, followed by the Holiday Shop & Stroll Spectacular on Friday, December 6.
Here’s a rundown of all the opportunities to celebrate the season in Downtown Statesville:
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
December 5, 12, 19
Experience the holiday season with the timeless charm of horse drawn carriage rides in Downtown Statesville. Picture yourself wrapped in a cozy blanket, the clip-clop of hooves echoing through the festive streets, and the magical glow of holiday lights illuminating the path ahead. Whether it’s a romantic date night or a family adventure, these carriage rides add a touch of whimsy and elegance to your holiday celebrations. More information can be found at www.downtownstatesville.com/tis-the-season.
Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting
December 5
The official Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will be held in front of the Iredell County Government Building located at 200 S. Center Street. Enjoy classic holiday songs performed by the Boys & Girls Club Chorus from 6 to 7 p.m. and watch in delight as Santa arrives in style, thanks to AP Vintage Motors. Santa and Mayor Pro Tem David Jones will begin the countdown to light the tree at 6:45 p.m. This year’s Christmas tree, which is sponsored by Farm Bureau of Iredell County, came from the Cartner Tree Farm, which also placed a tree in The White House this year.
♦ Train Rides at Griffin Insurance – Train enthusiasts of all ages will love a ride on the Little Blue Choo. Adults and children alike are welcome to take a free ride in the Griffin Insurance parking lot located at 139 East Broad Street from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
♦ Downtown Shopping & Dining Downtown – Retailers are donning their holiday best, welcoming shoppers with decked-out stores stocked with this season’s finest gifts for everyone on your list. Discover great deals and special in-store events as you explore the vibrant Downtown scene. Don’t forget to check out the festive window displays that add an extra touch of holiday magic. Downtown restaurants are ready to treat you to a feast of menu choices prepared by our talented chefs. Find a complete list of Downtown shops, restaurants and more at www.downtownstatesville.com.
Holiday Shop & Stroll Spectacular
December 6, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Bring the entire family Downtown for the Holiday Shop & Stroll Spectacular! Venture into merchant open houses, with many extending their hours until 8:30 p.m. Take a leisurely stroll along the festive sidewalks, immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with a live nativity and carolers, and be dazzled by the twinkle of holiday lights. Plus, don’t miss the chance to hop on a festive trolley ride and maybe even catch a snowflake or two!
Check the list below for details and join us to make lasting holiday memories with your loved ones!
♦ Visit Santa Central at City Hall (6 to 8 p.m.) – Santa Central will be filled with fun for the little ones! Visit with Santa Claus and his elves, write a letter and send it straight to the North Pole with the magic mailbox, and make a craft with Santa’s elves! There will even be popcorn and hot cocoa for warming up!
♦ Victorian Carolers and Music – Let the festive melodies surround you at the Shop & Stroll! Victorian Carolers will be roaming the streets throughout the night to bring cheer to everyone around. But that’s not all – catch live music in a variety of locations throughout downtown.
♦ Live Nativity at First ARP Church — The Nativity Story will be presented live outside the front of First ARP Church, located at 123 East Broad Street, with presentations from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and 7 to 7:30 p.m. Special music will be provided prior to and between performances by the First ARP Choir and Organist. They will provide cookies and hot chocolate. In the event of bad weather, the presentations will take place in the sanctuary.
♦ Holiday Selfie Stations located throughout Downtown — Take a pic to post with your friends and family!
♦ Holly Jolly Trolley Rides Sponsored by Griffin Insurance – Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of the holidays on an old-fashioned festive trolley ride through Downtown Statesville. Be entertained by Center Stage Alliance presenting fun excerpts from Polar Express as you and your family see the beautifully decorated streets of Downtown Statesville aboard the festive Holly Jolly Trolley! The Holly Jolly Depot will be located at the Downtown Christmas Tree located at the Iredell County Government Center at 200 S. Center Street with stops throughout Downtown.
♦ Open House at the Historic Sharpe House – From 6 to 8:30 p.m., visit the home of Statesville’s first mayor beautifully decorated for the Holidays. Take a stroll down to The Sharpe House Historic Players’ Pasture Stage and see the festive light display at the Christmas Park.
♦ Winter in the ‘Ville Festival Area – Located in front of Broad Street United Methodist Church (315 W. Broad Street), the streets will be closed down to make room for more Holiday fun!
♦ Train Rides – Train enthusiasts of all ages will love a ride on the Little Blue Choo. Adults and children alike are welcome to take a free ride on this shop and stroll favorite from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Statesville Civic Center.
♦ S’mores Station – Warm up by the fire, roast a marshmallow, and enjoy a warm gooey S’more. Statesville Fire Department will be there to make sure everyone safely enjoys the evening! The S’mores Station will be located at the new Winter in the ‘Ville in front of Broad Street United Methodist Church. S’more kits will be available for free!
♦ Snow Foam Party – Imagine diving into four-foot “snow drifts” – but without the chill! Join us for an exciting Snow Foam Party on Broad Street United Methodist Lawn from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s going to be a blast for kids and adults alike, with bubbly “snow” that’s perfect for playing, jumping, and making memories.
♦ Downtown Shopping & Dining Downtown – Many of the shops will provide great deals and special in-store events. To go with the holiday shopping season, downtown restaurants are ready to treat you to the holiday feasting season. The menu choices are as delightful and enjoyable as the chefs who prepare them! Don’t forget about the Downtown Social District, which allows you to purchase adult beverages from participating locations and bring them along into shops that allow them. For more information about the Social District and a complete list of Downtown shops, restaurants and more, visit www.downtownstatesville.com.
Additional December Events
♦ December 6 – Nutcracker Ballet, 6 p.m. at Mac Gray Auditorium. Presented by Betty’s School of Dance.
♦ December 7 – “Tis the Season,” 2 p.m. at Mac Gray Auditorium. Presented by Statesville Dance and Performing Arts.
♦ December 8 – Statesville Christmas Parade, 3 p.m. – Sponsored by the 30th Masonic District of North Carolina.
♦ December 11 – Leading Ladies Mistletoe Market, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Statesville Woman’s Club
♦ December 12 – Holiday Pops with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, 6:30 p.m. at the Statesville Civic Center.
♦ December 14 – Second Saturday Sidewalk Stroll – Downtown Statesville
♦ December 14 – Gingerbread Workshop for Kids, 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 12 noon – Looking for a fun activity for the kids? Bring them to The Watering Hole located at 226 West Broad Street to make their very own Gingerbread House! Sponsored by Downtown Statesville, The Watering Hole and The Vanilla Bean Bakery & Coffee Shop. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot at www.downtownstatesville.com/tis-the-season.
♦ December 17 – Full Bloom Film Festival Series presents Gremlins, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Iredell Arts Council
♦ December 31 – New Year’s Eve & 25th Anniversary Celebration 8 p.m. to Midnight at the Statesville Civic Center.
LEARN MORE
For a complete list of holiday events visit www.downtownstatesville.com/tis-the-season or call Downtown Statesville at 704-878-3436.
Yeah, nothing makes me think of Christmas like fresh horse dung.