Get into the Christmas spirit with a festive event in Gastonia that includes fun for all ages. The annual Christmas in the City parade, marketplace, and tree lighting ceremony are scheduled for Sunday, December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Downtown Gastonia and CaroMont Health Park, with a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Parade details:
- Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Gaston County Jaycees, will begin at S. Oakland Street and Main Avenue and will end at Main Avenue and Trenton Street and will start at approximately 5 p.m.
- Christmas Marketplace at CaroMont Health Park, hosted by the City of Gastonia, will start at approximately 5 p.m.
- Tree lighting and holiday concert at the Rotary Pavilion, hosted by Keep Gastonia Beautiful, will start at approximately 6 p.m.
- Santa will arrive at CaroMont Health Park after the parade ends.
A special note to attendees:
- Street closures:
- Main Avenue from Trenton St. to S. Avon St. will close at 2 p.m.
(Traffic can still travel on US-321 and MLK Jr. Way until 4:30 p.m.) - Broad St. from Long Ave. to W. Franklin Blvd. will close at 2 p.m.
- Oakland St. between Main Ave. and W. Franklin Blvd. will close at 2 p.m.
- CaroMont Health Park parking lot, S. Hill St. to W. Franklin Blvd, Trenton St. from W. Airline Ave. to W. Franklin Blvd. will close at 3 p.m.
- Chester Street, York Street, and MLK Jr. Way from Long Avenue to W. Franklin Blvd. will close at 4:30 p.m.
- Main Avenue from Trenton St. to S. Avon St. will close at 2 p.m.
- After the parade, attendees can walk to CaroMont Health Park to enjoy the marketplace, and wait for Santa and the tree lighting ceremony.
The Christmas Marketplace will feature craft and business vendors, and food trucks will sell meals and treats in the stadium parking lot. Food and drinks will also be available at the concession stands inside the stadium. Some of the free activities at the Marketplace will include face painting, inflatables, a trackless train, letters to Santa and coloring booth, and juggling elves.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., Santa Claus will flip the switch to light the Christmas tree at the Rotary Pavilion. Afterwards, children can visit with Santa, telling him what they would like for Christmas. The Gaston Symphonic Band will perform during the event.
