Go ahead and clear a little space on your holiday calendar. Hickory is bringing the festive fun with Christmas parades, holiday markets, live performances, twinkling lights, and even a few pop-up bars ready to get you in the spirit. From longtime traditions to new seasonal favorites, there's plenty happening across Catawba County. It's the perfect excuse to plan a visit, gather your favorite people, and make a little holiday magic of your own!
Parades & Tree Lightings
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Lowes Foods Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting (Nov. 20) – Hickory gets the holiday festivities started before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade even hits the screen! Downtown comes alive with a festive parade, live performances, and Santa’s grand arrival to light the tree in Union Square. It's a holiday tradition that officially kicks off the season!
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Conover's Christmas in the Park (Dec. 1) – Celebrate the season in Conover with Christmas carols, letters to Santa, festive activities, warm drinks, and a special visit from Santa!
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Downtown Newton's Light Up the Town (Dec. 4) – The 1924 Courthouse Square glows with holiday lights, live music, s'mores, kettle corn, and plenty of festive fun for the whole family!
Community Celebrations
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Christmas Comes to Conover (Nov. 21) – Celebrate the season in Downtown Conover with a festive Holiday Market, photos with Santa, holiday crafts, hot cocoa, live student performances, and plenty of local shopping!
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Holidaypalooza (Nov. 21) – Santa and the Thanksgiving Turkey are teaming up on Union Square for a morning of story time, family fun, and holiday shopping at the Hickory Farmers Market!
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6th Annual Downtown Hickory Cookie Crawl (Dec. 5) – Follow the cookie trail through Downtown Hickory! Sample holiday-inspired treats from local businesses, browse the shops, and take home a bag full of sweet finds.
Christmas-Themed Pop-Up Bars
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Miracle on City Walk (Nov. 14–Jan. 3) – Christmas has officially taken over No Entry Cocktail Lounge at City Walk Brewing & Distilling! Expect over-the-top holiday décor, nostalgic Christmas touches, and festive cocktails that'll have even the Grinch feeling merry.
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The Dive Before Christmas (Nov. 18–Dec. 31) – Unwrap the season at Dive Bar, where festive lights, seasonal cocktails, and arcade games make for a playful holiday hangout.
Historic Experiences
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Choo Choo & Snowman, Too! (Nov. 14) – Head to the North Newton Depot District for a day of family fun! Explore the train museum and model railroad center, take a ride on the trackless train, enjoy hands-on activities, and snap a photo with a snowman and other special characters.
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A Very Murray Christmas Festival (Nov. 21) – Historic Murray's Mill celebrates the season with wagon rides, live music, local vendors, warm cider, visits with Santa, and Christmas trees for sale.
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Deck the Harper Halls (Dec. 4) – Step inside the historic Harper House for a holiday showcase featuring themed Christmas trees and festive décor throughout the beautifully restored 1887 home. Tour the rooms and vote for your favorite display!
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Christmas in the Village (Dec. 5) – Step back in time at Hart Square Village, the nation's largest log cabin village, beautifully illuminated by lanterns. Meet costumed docents, watch live demonstrations, and take in the sights and traditions of the village after dark.
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Landmarks Christmas at Maple Grove & Propst House (Dec. 5) – Step inside two historic homes dressed up for the holidays! Enjoy the festive Christmas decorations at Maple Grove, then visit Propst House for a photo with Victorian Santa.
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Christmas Tea at Maple Grove (Dec. 12) – Enjoy tea, festive treats, and holiday cheer at Maple Grove, a beautifully detailed Italianate farmhouse built in 1883 and decorated for the season.
Markets & Holiday Shopping
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Hickory Christmas Show (Dec. 4–6) – Shop, sip, and celebrate at the annual Hickory Christmas Show at the Hickory Metro Convention Center! Browse hundreds of vendors featuring home décor, apparel, art, candles, specialty foods, and more. Enjoy main stage performances, Santa's Workshop, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, all under one festive roof!
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Hickory for the Holidays: Your Guide to Local Gifting – Looking for a gift with a little local flavor? Our holiday gifting guide is packed with ideas from Catawba County shops and businesses, making it easy to find something special for everyone on your list. Check out the guide here.
Performances & Concerts
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Foothills Pops: Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 4) – Enjoy a family-friendly evening of festive favorites, heartwarming classics, and joyful musical surprises with the Western Piedmont Symphony. It's a holiday concert the whole family can enjoy!
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Frozen (Nov. 27–Dec. 12) – Travel to the kingdom of Arendelle in this beloved musical adventure! Follow Anna, Elsa, and their friends through a magical story filled with humor, memorable music, and a heartwarming message about sisterhood and true love.
The Green Room Community Theatre
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Nov. 20–Dec. 6) – When the mischievous Herdman kids take over the annual Christmas pageant, chaos follows! This holiday favorite delivers plenty of laughs and an unexpectedly heartwarming take on the Christmas story.
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Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts' The Nutcracker Ballet (Dec. 11–13) – Follow Clara’s magical journey to the Land of Sweets in this stunning ballet, featuring over 80 local performers, dazzling costumes, and enchanting choreography.
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A Christmas Carol (Dec. 18–20) – Experience a fresh take on the holiday classic as one actor brings all your favorite characters to life in this heartwarming tale of redemption, magic, and the spirit of Christmas.
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Cookies & Carols (Dec. 5) – Bring the kids for a free holiday sing-along featuring festive favorites with the Hickory Choral Society, orchestra, and special guests. Everyone gets a cookie to take home!
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Christmas Concerts (Dec. 11–13) – More than 100 voices and a full orchestra fill Corinth Reformed Church with beloved holiday classics and beautiful choral music during these free seasonal performances.
Louis Nunnery School of Ballet
- The Nutcracker (Dec. 12–13) – Celebrate a holiday tradition with Hickory's oldest ballet school as its dancers bring the beloved Nutcracker ballet to the stage at the Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.
Still making your holiday plans? There's plenty more happening around Hickory! From festive community gatherings and holiday shopping to live entertainment and seasonal celebrations, the fun doesn't stop here. Head to our events calendar to find even more holiday happenings!
