The Community Edition
The Community/Family Edition Good For the Entire Family and/or Out-of-Town Guests
As the holiday season kicks into full swing, it’s the perfect time to cherish family moments and welcome visiting loved ones. LKNConnect is here to make your celebrations even brighter, offering a curated guide to community events and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re seeking festive activities, unique local experiences, or just the best ways to make memories with those you care about, we’ve got you covered!
In addition, don’t forget to check out our other Weekend Navigators – LKN Live Music Scene with Colin Furcht and Weekend Navigator – Guide to Live Music & Entertainment —available on the website every Thursday Afternoon at 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm!
Tuesday Treasures are featured Tuesday and Our Guide to Dining in Lake Norman is Featured on Fridays.
Visit Our Specialty Gift Guide for Lake Norman
Visit The Holiday Dining Guide for Lake Norman
Have a great weekend !!!
Local Events for the Family
Cornelius
- Get Ready for the 6th Annual Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Norman!
- Mark your calendars for one of Lake Norman’s most anticipated and exciting events of the year! With over 30 boats participating last year, this year promises to be even bigger and brighter.
- Date & Time- December 21 – 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Starting Point: Blythe Landing
- Grand Finale: Duke Energy Explorium
- Route:
- Blythe Landing
- Ramsey Creek Park
- The Peninsula Yacht Club
- Duke Energy Explorium
- Give Back with Little Smiles
- Bring toys and donations for Little Smiles, an incredible organization partnering with Children’s Hospitals to ensure kids have toys and smiles all year long. Let’s spread joy beyond the water this holiday season!
- Interview with Colin Furcht & Margi Kyle – Boat Parade
- Don’t Miss Out:
- Gather your family, grab a warm drink, and pick a spot along the route to enjoy this festive parade of lights on Lake Norman. From twinkling boats to the magical Grand Finale, it’s a holiday experience you won’t forget!
- Mix & Mingle: A Holiday Fundraiser – Join Andrea Ervay for an evening of spa services, food, drinks, entertainment, and giveaways to benefit the TEAM Foundation’s scholarship fund.
- The Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius, North Carolina, offers a vibrant schedule of live music and entertainment throughout the year. The venue hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, theatrical shows, and cultural events, catering to a wide audience with genres spanning from classical to contemporary and everything in between. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent acoustics, the Cain Center provides an engaging arts experience for the Lake Norman community.
- Holiday in the Tropics Procrastinators Market – Finish your holiday shopping with island vibes, tropical drinks, food trucks, live Jimmy Buffett tunes, and unique gifts from local artists and makers.
- Location: Lost Worlds Brewing
- 19700-D One Norman Blvd, Cornelius, NC
- Date: Sunday, December 22, 2024
- Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Jetton Park in Cornelius, NC, is a scenic 104-acre lakefront park with picnic areas, walking trails, tennis courts, a playground, a gazebo, and a sunning beach (no swimming). Waterfront Hall is available for event rentals.
- Location: 19000 Jetton Road, Cornelius, NC
- For more details, visit their website.
- McDowell Creek Greenway is a 3.1-mile paved trail that provides access to Birkdale Village in Huntersville, Robbins Park, the Westmoreland Athletic Complex and Magnolia Estates Drive in Cornelius
- Event: Walking, running, biking
- Access Points: Westmoreland Road, Magnolia Estates Drive
- Phone: (704) 336-8869
Davidson
- Davidson Walking Tour – Davidson Historical Society The Davidson Historical Society’s walking tour offers a self-guided journey through Davidson’s history, covering key collegiate, commercial, and residential areas marked with historical insights along the way.
- Davidson Farmers Market
- Event: Local produce and goods market
- Address: 120 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
- Phone: (704) 431-3385
- The Village Store, established in 1966, is a cherished gift shop located at 110 S Main Street in historic downtown Davidson, North Carolina. It offers a diverse selection of items, including jewelry, home décor, children’s toys, and local crafts, making it a favorite destination for both residents and visitors seeking unique gifts. The store is renowned for its friendly staff and complimentary gift wrapping services.
- Contact Information:
- Address: 110 S Main Street, Davidson, NC 28036
- Phone: (704) 892-4440
- Website: thevillagestore.com
- Lake Davidson Nature Preserve
- Event: Kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking
- Address: 750 Jetton St, Davidson, NC 28036
- Phone: (704) 892-3349
- West Branch Rocky River Greenway The West Branch Rocky River Greenway in Davidson, North Carolina, can be accessed from multiple points:
- North Entrance: Parking is available near 18444-18458 Shearer Road, Davidson, NC 28036. From this lot, proceed south for approximately 0.2 miles to reach the trailhead.
- South Entrance: Limited parking is available in the Summers Walk community on Summers Walk Boulevard, with three spaces near the model house at the trail entrance.
- Davidson Community Players
- The Ghosts of Davidson: Davidson After Dark is a spooky, family-friendly walking tour through historic Davidson. Learn about the town’s haunted past as local guides share eerie tales of ghosts and paranormal events. Perfect for those looking for a thrilling evening adventure.
- Fees: $25 per adult ticket, $16 per child
- Location: Downtown Davidson
- Address: Tours start at the Davidson Town Green, 119 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
- Date: November 15 & 16
- Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Phone Number: (704) 892-7591
Denver, NC
- Beatty’s Ford Park in Denver, NC, features a boat launch, picnic shelter, disc golf, walking trails, a splash pad, playgrounds, and an amphitheater. It’s the only public lake access on the west side.
- Rock Springs Nature Preserve Rock Springs Nature Preserve is home to two looped trails totaling one mile. The segment designated as Carolina Thread Trail is 0.6 miles. This preserve includes an amphitheater, an outdoor classroom and extensive playground area
- Event: Walking trails, picnic areas
- Address: 6684 Pine Ridge Dr, Denver, NC 28037
- Phone: (704) 483-1680
- Westport Golf Club: in Denver, just 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte, offers quality golfing with well-maintained greens and friendly service. Known for its affordable daily rates and membership plans, Westport is a popular choice among local golfers.
- Location: Denver, NC
- Address: 7494 Golf Course Dr S, Denver, NC 28037
- Phone: (704) 489-8088
Huntersville
- Hugh Torance House and Store The Hugh Torance House and Store is a historic landmark and one of North Carolina’s oldest standing structures. Built in the late 18th century, it served as a family home and later as a general store, offering a glimpse into early American life and commerce.
- Location: Hugh Torance House and Store
- Address: 8231 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
- Birkdale Village: is a vibrant community hub where friends connect, neighbors meet, and memorable moments happen naturally. With diverse shopping, dining, and gathering spots, Birkdale offers more than just a visit—it’s a place to belong and enjoy every day with special events like the following:
- Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, NC, is a conservation and rehabilitation center for birds of prey. Located in Latta Nature Preserve, it features a ¾-mile Raptor Trail with over 30 raptor species, from eagles to owls. The center treats and releases hundreds of injured birds annually and offers educational programs and live demonstrations.
- Location: 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
- Contact: (704) 875-6521
- For more information, visit their website.
- Discovery Place Kids; offers a family-friendly environment with interactive exhibits and programs designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in children. The museum provides a stimulating space that promotes growth and development through hands-on learning experiences.
- Location: 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
- Contact: (704) 372-6261
- For more information, visit their website.
- Latta Nature Preserve: located in Huntersville, NC, spans 1,460 acres and offers over 16 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. It features the Carolina Raptor Center, a 6,000-gallon aquarium, and provides access to Mountain Island Lake for paddling and fishing. Amenities include picnic areas, a sand volleyball court, and an ADA-accessible boat launch
- Event: Hiking, horseback riding, nature education
- Address: 6211 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
- Phone: (980) 314-1129
- Rural Hill: Rural Hill in Huntersville, NC, is a 265-acre historic site and nature preserve that was once home to Revolutionary War officer Major John Davidson. The site features historic buildings, hiking trails, and hosts cultural events like the Scottish Festival, Amazing Maize Maze, and Sheepdog Trials.
- Event: Historic farm, cultural events, Highland Games
- Address: 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
- Phone: (704) 875-3113
- Torrence Creek Greenway The Torrence Creek Greenway is a 2.5-mile paved trail, part of the Carolina Thread Trail, that follows Torrence Creek and its Tributary 2. Rated as easy, it features asphalt, concrete, and boardwalk surfaces. A well-lit tunnel under I-77 connects the CATS park-and-ride on US 21 to Rosedale and neighborhoods near Gilead Road.
- Access Points:
- Gilead Road Parking: 8200 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
- Rosedale Nature Park Parking: 9519 Rosewood Meadow Ln, Huntersville, NC 28078
- CATS Park-and-Ride Parking: Huntersville Gateway, Huntersville, NC 28078
- Contact Information:
- Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department
- Phone: (980) 314-1000
- Website: Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
- For more details, visit the Carolina Thread Trail website
- The Chronicles of Yarnia Discussion Group meets at the North County Regional Library every Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This group is for yarn and textile enthusiasts who want to share ideas, stories, and projects with fellow knitters and crocheters. You can bring your own project, though no supplies are provided.
- Location: North County Regional Library 16500 Holly Crest Ln., Huntersville, NC 28078
- Dates Every Wednesday from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- For more information, you can contact the library at (704) 416-6000.
- The event typically has a capacity of 20 people and follows COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Mooresville
Holly Jolly Festival – Liberty Park Shop, celebrate, and support local businesses at Liberty Park’s 8-day Holiday Market! Explore 30+ vendors nightly and find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Don’t miss this festive shopping experience!
- Location: Liberty Park,
- The Nutcracker: The Academy of Dance & Fine Arts’ production of The Nutcracker. This annual performance brings Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet to life, featuring talented local dancers and captivating choreography. Proceeds from the event support children’s charities, including the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont.
- Adfa Studio
- Location: Mooresville High School Performing Arts Center
- Address: 161 S Magnolia Street, Mooresville, NC 28115
- Friday, December 13, 2024: 6:00 PM
- Saturday, December 14, 2024: 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM (Benefit Show and Ballet)
- Sunday, December 15, 2024: 2:00 PM
- Contact Information:
- Website: adfastudio.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 704-663-3169
- Holiday MEGA Market in Downtown Mooresville! Shop 75+ vendors, enjoy music, food trucks, crafts, and Santa meet-and-greets for a festive day perfect for all ages.
- Location: Charles Mack Citizen Center
- Address: 215 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115
- Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Contact Information: Visit megamarketnc.com for details, vendor profiles, and workshop registration. Follow on Instagram: @locallifemagazine & @megamarket_nc.
- Downtown Mooresville Mistletoe Sip & Shops Get ready to experience the magic of the season! The Downtown Mooresville Mistletoe Sip & Shops are here to make your holidays extra special. December 20, this is your chance to shop, sip, and savor all the festive feels in the heart of Mooresville.
- Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- Open Houses & Store Specials – Find one-of-a-kind gifts and exclusive deals.
- Sumptuous Sips & Yummy Appetizers – Enjoy seasonal flavors while you shop.
- Live Music by the Harmony Grits Quartet – Add some harmony to your holiday.
- Treats, Surprises & Holiday Cheer – Sweeten your season with unexpected delights.
- Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, this event is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Bring your favorite people and join us in Downtown Mooresville for a holiday shopping experience like no other.
- Our Town Stage Entertainment Series is a vibrant showcase of high-quality entertainment that brings the community together through a diverse array of performances. Enjoy a variety of acts in Downtown Mooresville that ensure an engaging experience for audiences of all ages. Join us in this intimate theater to celebrate the arts and foster a sense of community through the excitement of live performances. The Our Town Stage Entertainment Series is hosted in the Joe V. Knox Auditorium at the Charles Mack Citizen Center and is brought to you by Mooresville Parks & Recreation.
- The Mooresville Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is a state-of-the-art venue located in Mooresville, NC, offering a premier space for live events, including lectures, concerts, musicals, and plays.
- Location:: Situated on the campus of Mooresville High School in historic downtown Mooresville.
- Address:: 161 S. Magnolia Street, Mooresville, NC 28115
- For more details, visit the Mooresville Performing Arts Center website.
- Memory Lane Museum in Mooresville, NC, showcases over 100 vehicles, including vintage automobiles and retired NASCAR race cars. The collection also features antique toys, pedal cars, motorcycles, tractors, and racing memorabilia. The museum is open for self-guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with group visits available by appointment on other days.
- Location: 769 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117
- Contact: (704) 662-3673
- For more information, visit their official website.
- The Pit Indoor Kart Racing features a 70,000-square-foot indoor go-kart track with karts reaching speeds over 40 mph. The facility also includes laser tag, mini-golf, bumper cars, escape rooms, and an arcade, making it ideal for events and group fun.
- Location: 346 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC 28115
- Contact: (704) 799-3470
- Lazy 5 Ranch Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC, is a 3.5-mile safari park where visitors can drive or take a wagon ride to view and feed over 750 exotic animals, including giraffes and zebras. The ranch also offers a petting zoo and picnic areas.
- The Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St., downtown Mooresville.
- Location: 15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville, NC 28115
- Contact: (704) 663-5100
- Mooresville Golf Course
- Event: Golfing
- Address: 800 Golf Course Dr, Mooresville, NC 28115
- Phone: (704) 663-2539
- Mazeppa Park Greenway: Spanning 163 acres, this is the largest park in Mooresville’s system. Located about five miles from downtown, near the Go-Pro Motorplex, the park attracts regional visitors for athletic tournaments and offers over six miles of mountain biking trails.
- Mooresville Parks & Recreation – Details: Enjoy an evening of free live music featuring local bands. Attendees can bring blankets and chairs for seating. Outside food and beverages are allowed, except for alcohol. Small coolers are permitted and subject to inspection.
- Location: Mooresville Arts Gallery
- Address: 103 W Center Ave, Mooresville, NC 28115
- Date: Check with Mooresville Arts for specific dates; typically held on a weekend in the fall.
- Time: Typically runs during gallery hours (confirm with the venue)
- Contact Information: (704) 663-6661
- Josh’s Farmers Market:Description: Josh’s Farmers Market is a beloved local market that offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and other farm-fresh products. Known for its quality and friendly service, it’s a go-to destination for residents looking to support local farmers and enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Address: 630 Brawley School Road, Mooresville
- Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Phone Number: 980-721-631
Troutman
- Zootastic Park Holiday Lights Enjoy a magical drive-through holiday light display, a safari trail adventure, festive surprises, and photo ops with Santa and a baby kangaroo!
- Location: Zootastic Park, 448 Pilch Rd, Troutman, NC
- Dates: November 25 – December 31, 2024
- Times: Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM; Friday–Saturday: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Contact: 704-245-6446
- Event Details
- Gingerbread House Competition Create, Compete, and Celebrate the Holidays!Join the Lake Norman State Park Gingerbread House Competition!
- Register & Drop Off: Submit your gingerbread creation and registration form at the Visitor Center by December 1, 2023.
- Vote: Park visitors vote for their favorite house December 1-8.
- Winner: Earn a Lake Norman State Park prize pack, with the winning house displayed until December 20.
- Instead of a fee, kindly donate to the Friends of Lake Norman State Park. For more information, contact the park at [Phone/Email/Website].
- Spread the cheer and cast your vote!
- Lake Norman State Park
- Address: 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166
- Zootastic Park
- Event: Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating
- Address: 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166
- Phone: (704) 528-6350
Thank you for exploring the LKNConnect Weekend Navigator – Community Event Edition. We’re thrilled to help you discover the best local events, activities, and experiences around Lake Norman. Stay connected, keep exploring, and enjoy all our vibrant community has to offer. See you out there!
Be sure to check the Weekend Navigator – Live Music & Entertainment Edition & Colin Furcht’s LKN Live Music Scene – all published on Thursdays on LKNConnect.com
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