My Catawba County
That Holiday Spirit
Holiday season is upon us in Catawba County – and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than to attend a local Christmas parade or tree lighting? Here’s a round-up of some of the festive events our local cities and towns have planned in the coming weeks:
Friday, November 18: Lowes Foods Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, City of Hickory
The City of Hickory traditionally hosts its annual holiday season kick-off event, the Lowes Foods Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, the Friday before Thanksgiving. This year's event begins at 5:45 p.m. Lowes Foods has been the sponsor of this festive event since its first year. Immediately following the parade through downtown, Santa will light the tree on Union Square.
Saturday, November 26: Light the Night Christmas Parade, Town of Maiden
Each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Maiden’s Main Street is lined with spectators for this town’s first of many holiday events. Featuring floats, bands, and a host of other special appearances to help ring in the holiday season, the parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at East Maiden Baptist Church and runs along Main Street to Maiden Middle School. Also, don’t miss the Maiden Business Association’s Merry Maiden Downtown Christmas Festival on Thursday, December 15.
Friday, December 2: Light Up The Town, City of Newton
The Downtown Newton Development Association is hosting Light Up The Town from 7-8 p.m. This festive celebration in the heart of downtown Newton features Christmas lights on the square, reserved photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, food and hot cocoa, a bouncy house, a train display, and the Catawba County Library to Go.
Saturday, December 3: 38th Annual Christmas Parade, City of Claremont
The City of Claremont is presenting its 38th annual Christmas Parade on Main Street. The parade starts at 4:00 p.m. and will be followed by a tree lighting, a meet and greet with Santa, and a pop-up holiday market at City Hall Pavilion. Letters to Santa can also be dropped off at City Hall.
Sunday, December 4: A Small Town Tree Lighting, Town of Catawba
This festive holiday event on Main Street offers free horse drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, cider and cookies, and local businesses offering sweet treats and fun for kids and families. The event takes place from 6-8 p.m. and kicks off with the annual Evening of Carols at Peoples Bank. Bring a blanket and chair to enjoy the carols before heading toward town center for the tree lighting at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 6: Christmas in the Park, City of Conover
Kicking off at 6:00 p.m. in Conover’s Downtown Park, this celebration features Christmas music by the Newton Conover Middle School Chorus, Concordia Christian Day School, and Hickory High School. The festivities culminate with the Lighting of the Tree and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Photo provided by the City of Hickory.
