'Tis the Season in Downtown Statesville

The official Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting is set for Thursday, November 30, in front of the Iredell County Government Building located at 200 S. Center Street. Enjoy classic holiday songs performed by the Boys and Girls Club Chorus from 6-7 pm and watch in delight as Santa arrives in style, thanks to AP Vintage Motors.  Santa and Mayor Kutteh will begin the countdown to light the tree at 6:45 pm.

·         Train Rides at Griffin Insurance - Train enthusiasts of all ages will love a ride on the Little Blue Choo. Adults and children alike are welcome to take a FREE ride in the Griffin Insurance parking lot located at 139 East Broad St. from 6-8pm!

·         Horse Drawn Carriage Rides Sponsored by Griffin Insurance - The wonderful tradition of surrounding yourself with the sights and sounds of the holidays in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage ride through Downtown Statesville will continue this year. Carriage rides will be available for purchase beginning November 21 at www.downtownstatesville.com/tis-the-season.

·         Downtown Shopping & Dining Downtown - Retailers are donning their holiday best, welcoming shoppers with decked-out stores stocked with this season's finest gifts for everyone on your list. Discover great deals and special in-store events as you explore the vibrant Downtown scene. Don't forget to check out the enchanting festive window displays that add an extra touch of holiday magic. Plus, when you've worked up an appetite, our downtown restaurants are ready to treat you to a feast of delightful menu choices prepared by our talented chefs.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on Friday, December 8, as we invite you and the entire family to join us in the heart of Downtown for the Holiday Shop & Stroll Spectacular! Venture into merchant open houses, with many extending their hours until 8:30pm. Take a leisurely stroll along the festive sidewalks, immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with a live nativity and carolers, and be dazzled by the twinkle of holiday lights. Plus, don't miss the chance to hop on a festive trolley ride and maybe even catch a snowflake or two!

Check the list below for details and join us to make lasting holiday memories with your loved ones!

Victorian Carolers and Music - Let the festive melodies surround you at the Shop & Stroll! Victorian Carolers will be roaming the streets throughout the night to bring cheer to everyone around. But that's not all – catch live music in a variety of locations throughout downtown.

Train Rides at Griffin Insurance sponsored by the Statesville Civic Center - 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 in the Statesville Civic Center parking lot (located at 300 S. Center St.) from 5:30pm – 8:30pm!

Holly Jolly Trolley Rides Sponsored by Griffin Insurance from 6pm – 8pm - Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of the holidays on an old-fashioned festive trolley ride through Downtown Statesville. Be entertained with magical holiday fun provided by Center Stage Alliance as you and your family see the beautifully decorated streets of Downtown Statesville aboard the festive Holly Jolly Trolley! The Holly Jolly Depot will be located at the Downtown Christmas Tree located at the Iredell County Government Center at 200 S. Center Street with stops throughout Downtown.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, sponsored by R. Gregory Jewelers - R. Gregory Jewelers will be hosting carriage rides in front of their store with donations accepted for Purple Heart Homes.

Open House at the Historic Sharpe House from 6pm – 8:30pm - Visit the home of Statesville’s first mayor beautifully decorated for the Holidays. Take a stroll down to The Sharpe House Historic Players’ Pasture Stage and see the festive light display at the Christmas Park. Live entertainment with Mr. Marvel the Magician from 5:30 – 8:30pm.

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!