Statesville, NC – On Friday, November 30, bring the whole family to Downtown Statesville for the Holiday Shop & Stroll Spectacular! We are bringing the feeling of an old-fashioned, small town Christmas season to the streets of Downtown, with a dash of excitement and a sprinkle of magic! From 5:30 – 9:00 pm, enjoy a fun evening of merchant open houses, stroll the sidewalks, listen to carolers, and enjoy the sparkle of holiday lights. Enjoy a live nativity, make a s’more by the fire, and experience a little snowfall magic!
Check the list below for details and join us to make lasting holiday memories with your loved ones!
Santa’s Arrival – Be ready around 6pm for Santa and his entourage to make their grand entrance! He and his team will be coming in “Santa style” from West Broad Street to the square, then right onto South Center Street. He will make a quick stop at the Old County Courthouse to light the Downtown Statesville Christmas Tree and then head to Santa Central at City Hall. Be ready to wave as he passes by!
Tree Lighting – Start the evening off with the official lighting of the Downtown Statesville Christmas Tree by the Old County Courthouse, at the corner of S. Center Street and Court Street, shortly after 6pm.
Visit Santa Central at City Hall – 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!
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides from 6pm–9pm, sponsored by Downtown Statesville Development Corporation
Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of the holidays in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage ride through Downtown Statesville. Snuggle close to family and friends as you take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season. Tickets are $5 per person, however all ticket holders will receive $5 “Downtown Dollars” to be redeemed with a purchase at participating downtown businesses. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning at 5 pm on November 30 near the “Square” (in front of Merrill Lynch). Children 4 and under are free, but they must sit on your lap.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, sponsored by R. Gregory Jewelers
R. Gregory Jewelers will also be hosting carriage rides in front of their store beginning November 30 and each Friday in December until Christmas with donations accepted for Purple Heart Homes.
Live Nativity at First ARP Church at 6:30pm & 7:30pm
The Nativity Story will be presented live outside the front of First ARP Church, located at 123 East Broad Street, with presentations at 6:30-7pm and 7:30-8pm. Special music will be provided prior to and between performances by the brass group, Five ‘til Five. In the event of bad weather, the presentations will take place in the sanctuary.
S’mores Station from 6pm–8:30pm
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 next to Sub Express from 6pm to 8:30pm. S’more kits will be sold for $1 each.
Train Rides at the Statesville Civic Center from 6pm-9pm
Train enthusiasts of all ages will love a ride on the Little Blue Choo, provided by the Statesville Civic Center. Adults and children alike are welcome to take a FREE ride and warm up with hot chocolate under the Civic Center bell tower!
Victorian Carolers and Music
There will be no shortage of holiday music during the Holiday Shop & Stroll Spectacular! Victorian Carolers will be roaming the streets throughout the night to bring cheer to everyone around. There are also many other locations that will be hosting live music during the evening. Be sure to check the Downtown Statesville calendar (www.downtownstatesvillenc.org) for details that night and throughout the year!
Downtown Shopping & Dining
Downtown retailers are putting on their holiday best and opening their doors to shoppers. Stores will be decked out and stocked with this season’s best gifts for everyone on your list. 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!
Open House at the Historic Sharpe House from 5:30pm–9pm
Stroll down to the beautiful Sharpe House and take in the seasonal décor, great food, and live entertainment. Festive holiday goodies and hot apple cider, seasonal music by Stewart and Karla Kincaid. Free carriage rides will be provided by Nash Farm to and from Walnut Street and the Sharpe House. Visit the Statesville Friends Meeting House on Walnut Street, originally Trinity Episcopal Church. There, enjoy the decorations and the music of Celtic Echoes.
The spirit of the season comes alive in Downtown Statesville on Friday, November 30 from 5:30 pm to 9 pm where you will find unique shops, restaurants and wonderful holiday events guaranteed to put you in the spirit.
For a complete list of holiday events visit www.downtownstatesvillenc.org, or call Downtown Statesville at 704-878-3436.
