Hickory’s turning up the holiday cheer, and you’re invited! From twinkling lights and festive parades to playful pop-up bars, markets, and jaw-dropping performances, we’ve got all the merry you can handle. There’s magic around every corner—come see where the season takes you!
🎄 Parades & Tree Lightings
Kick off the season with sparkling lights, festive floats, and hometown cheer!
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🌟 Lowes Foods Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting (Nov. 21) – Top Pick! Downtown Hickory sparkles to life with a festive parade, live performances, and Santa’s grand arrival to light the tree in Union Square— the night the city officially turns merry and bright!
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32nd Annual Christmas in the Park (Dec. 2) – Conover’s bringing the holiday magic! Enjoy Christmas carols, letters to Santa, festive activities, and warm drinks before the park lights up for the season — with a special visit from Santa himself!
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Downtown Newton's Light Up The Town (Dec. 5) – Gather around the 1924 Courthouse Square as Newton glows with festive lights, live music, and holiday fun for all ages. From s’mores and kettle corn to dancing and carols, it’s a cheerful night that brings the whole community together.
🎅 Community Celebrations
Family-friendly events and local festivities that bring the community together for holiday fun!
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Christmas Comes to Conover (Nov. 22) – Celebrate the magic of the season in Downtown Conover with live music, local shopping, and plenty of family fun! Visit Santa’s Workshop, meet festive characters, browse the Winter Market, and enjoy tasty bites from the Yule Fuel Food Fest.
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Holidaypalooza (Nov. 22) – It’s a holiday mash-up you won’t want to miss! Santa and the Thanksgiving Turkey team up on Union Square for a morning of story time, family fun, and a cheerful holiday market from the Hickory Farmers Market.
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6th Annual Downtown Hickory Cookie Crawl (Dec. 6) – Follow the crumbs through Downtown Hickory for a sweet afternoon of cookie tasting and local shopping! Collect holiday-inspired cookies from participating businesses and leave with a bag full of festive treats.
🍸 Christmas-Themed Pop-Up Bars
Cozy lights, creative cocktails, and a splash of Christmas magic in every glass.
Photo Credit: Miracle Pop-Up, via Facebook
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Miracle on City Walk (Nov. 13–Dec. 31) – Raise a glass at Miracle on City Walk, a Christmas pop-up filled with kitschy décor, nostalgic holiday vibes, and cocktails crafted to get everyone in the festive spirit — located inside No Entry Cocktail Lounge at City Walk Brewing & Distilling.
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The Dive Before Christmas (Nov. 19–Until the New Year) – Unwrap the season at The Dive Before Christmas at Dive Bar where festive lights, seasonal cocktails, and arcade games make for a playful holiday hangout.
🕯️ Historic Experiences
Step back in time with charming traditions, candlelit tours, and old-fashioned holiday magic!
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🌟 Christmas in the Village (Dec. 6) – Top Pick! Wander through Hart Square Village, the nation’s largest log cabin village, beautifully lit by lanterns. With over 200 costumed docents, live demonstrations, and candlelit chapel services, it’s an unforgettable evening of history and holiday spirit.
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Choo Choo & Snowman, Too! (Nov. 15) – All aboard for festive fun in Downtown Newton and the Depot District! Enjoy carriage rides, festive train rides, live entertainment, historic tours, and a free showing of Frosty the Snowman—a cheerful kickoff to the season.
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A Very Murray Christmas Festival (Nov. 29) – Historic Murray’s Mill comes alive with holiday spirit—wagon rides, live music, local vendors, and plenty of festive fun. Sip warm cider, visit with Santa, and pick out a Christmas tree during this charming annual event.
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Deck the Harper Halls (Dec. 6) – Step inside the beautifully restored Harper House for a holiday showcase of themed Christmas trees and festive décor in every room. Tour the historic home, vote for your favorite display, and enjoy the elegant charm of this 1887 Queen Anne treasure dressed for the season.
🛍️ Markets and Local Shopping
Explore local markets, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats for everyone on your list!
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🌟 Hickory Christmas Show (Dec. 5–7) – Top Pick! Shop, sip, and celebrate at the third 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, the Festival of Trees, Santa’s Workshop, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus—all under one festive roof.
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Mud Mama Christmas Market (Nov. 8) – Handmade pottery, art, and local goods fill Mud Mama’s Studio with cheer. Enjoy live music, sweet treats, and gifts that make shopping local merry.
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Conover Farmers Market: Holiday Market (Nov. 22) – Shop seasonal goods, handmade gifts, and local favorites at the Conover Farmers Market! With food trucks, farm-fresh finds, and festive vendors, it’s the perfect stop before joining the fun at Christmas Comes to Conover.
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5th Annual Sip & Shop Holiday Market (Nov. 29) – Pair your holiday shopping with good food and great drinks at Warehouse Distillery’s annual market. Browse unique gifts from local makers, sip seasonal cocktails, and grab a slice from Wildflour Pizza.
🎭 Performances & Concerts
Enjoy live music, theater, and festive performances that celebrate the season for all ages!
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🌟 Foothills Pops: The Magic of Christmas (Dec. 5) – Top Pick! Enjoy a family-friendly evening with the Western Piedmont Symphony, featuring beloved holiday classics from A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frozen, Sleigh Ride, and more. A festive concert perfect for music lovers of all ages!
At the Hickory Community Theatre:
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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Dec. 5–20) – Follow Rudolph, Hermey, and friends in this joyful stage adaptation of the classic TV special. Packed with holiday songs and fun for the whole family, this is a must-see festive show!
At The Green Room Community Theatre:
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A Very Merry Christmas Variety Show (Dec. 5–6) – A holiday extravaganza of music, laughter, and dazzling performances for all.
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Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts' The Nutcracker Ballet (Dec. 11–14) – 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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Puddingstone (Dec. 19) – Puddingstone blends Celtic, Folk, Americana, and more, combining ancient and modern instruments for a one-of-a-kind musical experience.
At the Newton Performing Arts Center:
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Celtic Angels Christmas (Nov. 29) – Feel the joy of the holidays with the Celtic Angels! Irish step dancers, soaring vocals, and festive tunes make for an unforgettable night of music and cheer.
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Nashville Country Christmas (Dec. 6) – Kick up your heels with country holiday classics! Nashville musicians bring legendary songs and festive favorites to life in a toe-tapping, hand-clapping celebration.
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A Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 19–21) – Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang as they discover the true meaning of Christmas. Heartwarming music and beloved carols make this a show the whole family will love.
With Hickory Choral Society:
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Cookies & Carols (Dec. 6) – A free sing-along for kids! Enjoy holiday favorites with the Hickory Choral Society, orchestra, and surprise guests—plus a cookie to take home.
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Christmas Concerts (Dec. 12–14) – Over 100 voices and a full orchestra bring beloved holiday classics and choral gems to life at Corinth Reformed Church. These free festive performances are not to be missed!
Think that’s all the holiday cheer Hickory has to offer? Not even close! Browse our events calendar for even more festive fun, seasonal surprises, and merry moments waiting for you.
