Thanksgiving weekend is here, and we’re excited to help you make the most of this special time with family and friends. Our community guide is packed with activities to enjoy over the holiday, from festive markets and seasonal dining spots to local shops brimming with unique finds for your holiday shopping. This week, we’re highlighting must-visit destinations, engaging Thanksgiving-themed events, and cozy spots perfect for unwinding after a big meal. Whether you’re looking for family crafts, outdoor adventures, or just a warm place to share laughter and gratitude, our guide has everything you need for a memorable Thanksgiving weekend. And don’t forget Small Business Saturday—shop local and support the wonderful businesses that make our community special!
In addition, don’t forget to check out Weekend Navigator – 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 !!!
Cornelius
- Light Up Cornelius is an annual holiday event that brings the community together to celebrate the festive season with a tree lighting ceremony, live performances, children’s activities, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Tree Lighting Ceremony: Approximately 5:45 PM
Location: Downtown Cornelius, NC
Address: 21336 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031
- 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.
- Christmas in Cornelius: The holiday magic is almost here—Christmas in Cornelius is right around the corner! Join us at Oak Street Mill on Sunday, December 1st, from 1 PM to 6 PM for a festive afternoon filled with cheer and excitement.
- Enjoy shopping from over 60 local artisans and small businesses, Christmas-themed inflatables and activities, local craft brews, ciders, and food trucks, a Candy Cane Quest scavenger hunt, a Letters to Santa station, live Christmas music and performances, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself.
- Mark your calendars, gather your shopping lists, and bring the whole family to Old Town Cornelius for a celebration that will make your holiday season truly magical!
- Lost Worlds Brewing’s 5th-Anniversary Holiday Market is a festive event featuring over 50 vendors, photos with Santa Claus, and live music by Heidi Sindelinker.
- Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
- Time: 12:00 PM
- Location: Lost Worlds Brewing
- Address: 19700-D One Norman Blvd, Cornelius, NC 28031
- This family-friendly market offers a variety of holiday shopping opportunities and entertainment. Admission is free.
- 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
- 12th Annual AmeriCarna LIVE Car Show is a premier annual event showcasing classic and unique cars, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Proceeds benefit young adults with autism through the Evernham Family – Racing for a Reason Foundation.
- Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
- Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Gates open at 7:00 AM for car entrants)
- Location: Trane Technologies’ North American Corporate Headquarters
Address: 800 Beaty Street, Davidson, NC 28036
- Admission:
- Spectator admission: $5
- Free for children aged 6 and under
- Car registration: $30 per vehicle
- Activities: Classic car showcase, live music, and family-friendly entertainment
- Beneficiary: Proceeds benefit the Evernham Family – Racing for a Reason Foundation, supporting IGNITE community centers for young adults with autism in Davidson, Raleigh, and Greensboro.
- More Info & Registration: Visit the official Eventbrite page.
- 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. AllTrails
- 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
- Step Back in Time: Hanging of the Greens at Hugh Torance House and Store
- Experience the charm of 18th-century Christmas traditions! Join us for the annual “Hanging of the Greens” and learn to craft beautiful holiday decorations while helping to adorn the historic Hugh Torance House and Store.
- What to Expect:
- Learn about traditional 18th-century Christmas decorations.
- Create your own festive evergreens using cedar, pine, mistletoe, ivy, and holly.
- Discover the historical significance of these customs, from Roman traditions to modern practices.
- Hear the story of mistletoe and its ties to winter luck, love, and the beloved kissing tradition.
- Date: December 1st –
- Time: 1:00pm – 4:00 pm
- Location: Hugh Torance House and Store
- Address: 8231 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
- Celebrate the season with history, creativity, and community spirit!
- 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:
- The Nomadic Jeweler Pop-Up
- Dates: March 1 – November 30
- Details: Experience unique permanent jewelry every Friday. Birkdale Village
- Birkdale on Ice
- Dates: November 23 – January 26
- Details: Lace up your skates and glide around a Rockefeller-inspired rink. Birkdale Village
- S anta at Birkdale Village
- Dates: November 24 – December 24
- Details: Visit Jolly Old Saint Nick at his cozy cottage in the Village this holiday season. Birkdale Village
- Black Friday at Birkdale Village
- Date: November 29
- Details: Shop great deals during Black Friday in the Village. Birkdale Village
- Breakfast with Santa
- Date: December 7
- Details: Enjoy the most important meal of the day with the most important man of the season! Birkdale Village
- The Menorah Lighting at Birkdale Village
- Date: December 29
- Details: Celebrate Chanukah along the Parkway. Birkdale Village
- Fashion Row Features
- Dates: January 1 – December 31
- Details: Shop at select retailers and receive a special perk. Birkdale Village
- Azure Waves Holiday Shop
- Dates: November 16 – December 23
- Details: Find one-of-a-kind items that bring warmth and artistry into every home.
- Location: at 15803 Northstone Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
