City of Statesville & Downtown Statesville Development Corporation Announce Downtown Christmas Festivities (2025)

The City of Statesville (COS) and Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC) invite the community to celebrate the season with two festive evenings in Downtown Statesville: the Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 4, and the Downtown Shop & Stroll on Friday, December 5.

Thursday, December 4, 2025 – Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting (6–7 p.m.)

The annual Tree Lighting will be held in front of the Old County Courthouse at 300 S. Center Street. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with holiday music led by students from American Renaissance School. At 6:45 p.m., Santa – arriving courtesy of AP Vintage Motors – will join Mayor Doug Hendrix for the official lighting of the Downtown Christmas Tree.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy downtown’s festive decorations, local dining, and holiday shopping throughout the evening.

Additional Activities (6–8 p.m.):

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides – Boarding at First ARP Church, 123 E. Broad Street (tickets available beginning November 25 at www.downtownstatesville.com)

Friday, December 5, 2025 – Downtown Shop & Stroll (6–8 p.m.)

Downtown comes alive with family-friendly activities during the annual Shop & Stroll, with Santa Central at City Hall offering photos with Santa and his elves, kids’ crafts, letters to Santa, hot cocoa, popcorn, and tours of Historic City Hall. The Holly Jolly Trolley will run every 20 minutes from the depot near the Christmas Tree, providing free rides to featured stops including The Historic Sharpe House, a live Nativity at First ARP Church, Little Blue Choo train rides, and the S’mores Station. Center Stage Alliance will provide entertainment throughout the evening, and guests may board or exit the trolley at any stop.

Additional Activities on December 5:

• Historic Sharpe House Open House (6–8:30 p.m.)
• Victorian Carolers strolling downtown
• Little Blue Choo Rides at W. Broad & Meeting Streets (sponsored by Ripple Fiber)
• Live Nativity at First ARP Church (5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.)
• Free S’mores Station near W. Broad & Kelly Streets (with support from the Statesville Fire Department)
• Holiday Selfie Stations

We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors for two festive evenings celebrating the joy of the season!

For more information, visit www.statesvillenc.net or www.downtownstatesville.com.