The best things to do in Lake Norman | Dec. 2-8

Heidi Finley
·2 min read

Friday, Dec. 2

View a live nativity, holiday light shows, live music and more at Christmas in Davidson. You’ll encounter roaming entertainment, food vendors, shopping and other attractions. The events last in Downtown Davidson through Dec. 3. Free. 6-9 p.m.

Ooh and ahh at holiday lights during the Downtown Tree Lighting & Christmas in Huntersville. The lighting of the tree will kick off the festivities at 6:30 p.m. Afterward, Christmas in Huntersville will offer artisan vendors, food and beverages, plus visits from Santa. Children’s rides and activities will be included, plus ice sculptures, holiday performances, Christmas carolers and more. The free events in Downtown Huntersville will continue Dec. 3.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Get in the holiday spirit with high school bands, floats from community organizations and more at the North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade. The free parade will start at at Main Street in Davidson at 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Sunday, Dec. 4

Enter a best ugly sweater contest with your pooch, then sip free hot chocolate and eat cookies at Main St. Antiques & Design Gallery’s Christmas Open House. There will also be a photo scavenger hunt, stories with Santa and Mrs. Claus and gift certificate giveaways. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Merino Mill, 500 S. Main St., Mooresville.

Monday, Dec. 5

Drive through Speedway Christmas, which features 4 million lights across a 4-mile course, with hundreds of creative displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music. The show — which continues through Jan. 8 — also features synchronized lights to music on 101.3 FM. Tickets for a car pass start at $30 Monday-Wednesday and $40 Thursday-Sunday with a maximum of 14 passengers. For $70, guests can skip the line and use the Express Lane at Entrance P off of Morehead Road. Purchase online. 6-10 p.m., rain or shine Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway, Concord.

Drive through Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway and look at lights from the comfort of your car.
Drive through Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway and look at lights from the comfort of your car.

Tuesday, Dec. 6

Shop for produce, baked goods, meat, seafood and more at Josh’s Farmers Market. You can also get a Christmas tree while you’re visiting its new temporary location at 140 Raceway Drive in Mooresville. Free admission. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., but check hours before you go — they sometimes vary.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

Dine out on a heated patio in the Lake Norman area. Even when it’s chilly outside, there are restaurants with fireplaces, fire pits and patio heaters where you can grab a bite to eat — and CharlotteFive has rounded them up in a handy guide, so you can browse the options.

You can dine by the water at Eddie’s on Lake Norman year-round, thanks to its patio heaters.
You can dine by the water at Eddie’s on Lake Norman year-round, thanks to its patio heaters.

Thursday, Dec. 8

Enjoy Santa’s theatrical reading of the children’s classic “The Night Before Christmas.” After the storytime, attendees can take photographs with him. This is a limited event, and registration closes Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. Free. 5-6 p.m. 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius.