Christmas is coming to Davie County — and the calendar is filling up fast!
From racing beds and hometown parades to Christmas tree farms, holiday markets, Santa visits, live theater, carriage rides, and even a little snow, there are plenty of ways to celebrate close to home this November and December.
Some longtime favorites are returning, along with plenty of opportunities to shop small, support local businesses, and spend time with family and friends.
So grab your calendar. Here’s a look at what’s happening around Davie County this holiday season.
Kick Off Christmas with Pink Friday
Friday, November 20 | Throughout Davie County
Why wait until Black Friday to start your Christmas shopping?
The Davie County Chamber of Commerce is bringing Pink Friday back to Davie County on November 20.
The nationwide movement encourages shoppers to shop small first, giving locally owned businesses a head start before the Black Friday rush.
Grab your friends or family, get a jump on your Christmas list, and explore local shops and boutiques. There’s a little extra fun this year, too.
Pick up a Pink Friday Bingo Card at participating businesses and collect stamps as you shop. Get Bingo, turn your completed card in to the Chamber, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win cash!
Participating businesses and specials will be announced as the event gets closer. Follow the Davie County Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for updates.
Then, when you’re finished shopping, head to downtown Mocksville because the day isn’t over yet!
Beds Really Do Race Down Main Street!
Friday, November 20 | Historic Downtown Mocksville
Parade of Beds: 6 p.m. | Racing begins: 6:30 p.m.
Rain Date: Saturday, November 21
One of Mocksville’s quirkiest — and most entertaining — Christmas traditions returns November 20.
During the ’Twas the Night Before Bed Race, teams of five — four pushers and one rider — transform ordinary beds into racing machines with wheels, decorations, costumes, themes, and plenty of imagination.
And then they race them down Main Street!
Speed counts, but so does creativity. Teams compete for several awards, including the coveted “Total Package.”
Come early and claim a good viewing spot for the Parade of Beds at 6 p.m., when the teams show off their creations. Racing begins at 6:30 p.m.
Bring a chair, bundle up, pick a team to cheer for, and prepare to laugh.
Small Business Saturday: Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, November 28 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Kennedy Family Farms and Country Market
Christmas trees, Santa, local makers, a wreath workshop, and good food are all part of Small Business Saturday at Kennedy Family Farms and Country Market.
Browse local vendors and shop for Christmas gifts, then check out the farm’s Christmas tree lot filled with North Carolina-grown Fraser firs.
Visitors can also participate in a Holiday Wreath Workshop, take Christmas photos with Santa, and grab something to eat from Fonz’s Firehouse Grill.
Christmas in Cooleemee
Saturday, November 28 | 4 p.m.
Christmas in Cooleemee combines a hometown parade with an old-fashioned celebration at the historic Zachary House.
The Cooleemee Christmas Parade and Old-Time Christmas begins at 4 p.m. at Cooleemee Elementary School and makes its way through town to the Zachary House.
When the parade ends, the celebration continues.
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, listen to readings of the Christmas Story and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and warm up with homemade desserts, hot chocolate, and cider.
And don’t forget the fudge!
The Cooleemee Fudge Contest, started by retired Cooleemee Mayor John Chandler in the early 2000s, returns as part of Old-Time Christmas. All types of fudge are welcome, and the entries become part of the dessert table for everyone to enjoy.
The winner gets bragging rights — and a place on the official fudge contest trophy.
Christmas at Koren Farms
Koren Farms has several ways to celebrate this year, beginning with Christmas tree sales on November 20. Choose from premium pre-cut Fraser firs, sip hot cocoa, roast s’mores beside the fire, take a festive hayride, and visit the alpacas.
Want to make something for Christmas?
On Saturday, November 21, the Alpaca Fiber Christmas Garland Class gives participants the chance to felt alpaca fiber into festive balls and create their own Christmas garland.
Then, on Thursday, December 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., gather some friends for a Christmas Wreath Workshop.
Space is limited for both, so advance registration is recommended.
Koren Farms Christmas Market
Saturday, December 5 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Koren Farms’ Annual Christmas Market will feature local vendors, handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and plenty of opportunities to visit the alpacas.
All Aboard the Polar Express!
Friday, December 4 | COGNITION | Downtown Mocksville
Put on your pajamas and get ready for a trip to the North Pole!
COGNITION’s Polar Express Experience returns December 4 with three sessions:
Sensory-Friendly Session | 2-3:30 p.m.
4-5:30 p.m.
6-7:30 p.m.
Children can climb aboard a special Polar Express train and enjoy an experience inspired by the beloved Christmas story.
Regular sessions include the train ride, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa and treats, an ornament activity, holiday STEAM activities, and playtime throughout the museum.
Each participating child receives a special Christmas bell, and each family takes home a copy of The Polar Express.
Tickets are required, and space is limited.
Mocksville’s Hometown Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 5 | 2-4 p.m. | Historic Downtown Mocksville
Floats, performers, horses, classic cars, fire trucks, community groups, and plenty of Christmas spirit return to Main Street for Mocksville’s Hometown Christmas Parade.
And, of course, keep an eye out for Santa Claus!
Christmas at Cherry Hill Farm
Sunday, December 6 | 1-4 p.m.
Cherry Hill Farm’s 6th Annual Christmas at the Farm brings together local small businesses, handmade gifts, fresh-baked goodies, food trucks, and live music.
The farm stand will also be stocked with fresh fruits and nuts, local cheeses and meats, jams, honey, milk, eggnog, and more.
Still need a tree or some fresh greenery? Look for fresh-cut North Carolina Christmas trees, handmade wreaths, and bows.
Christmas in the Town of Bermuda Run
Sunday, December 6 | 2-5 p.m. | Town Square at the Bermuda Run Town Hall Gazebo
Now in its fifth year, Christmas in the Town of Bermuda Run offers an afternoon filled with old-fashioned family Christmas fun.
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, take Christmas photos, write Letters to Santa, enjoy children’s activities and holiday treats, listen to music, watch a Christmas magic show, and check out the balloon creations.
And don’t miss one of the highlights — Christmas carriage rides! There’s something about climbing aboard a carriage during the holidays that makes the season feel a little more magical.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Comes to the Brock
December 11-12 | Brock Performing Arts Center | Mocksville
The Herdmans are coming!
The Davie County Arts Council presents the holiday favorite The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, following the unruly Herdman children as they unexpectedly take over a church Christmas pageant — with plenty of chaos along the way.
Performances are scheduled for:
Friday, December 11 | 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 | 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Advance Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 12 | 10 a.m. | Advance
Sponsored by the Advance Fire Department, the Advance Christmas Parade begins at Shady Grove Elementary School before traveling along Cornatzer Road, Highway 801, and Peoples Creek Road.
The parade is held rain or shine, so bundle up and find your spot along the route.
Santa, Mrs. Claus — and Snow!
Saturday, December 12 | 1-4 p.m. | Main Street Park | Downtown Mocksville
Christmas in Mocksville brings Santa and Mrs. Claus to Main Street Park from 1-4 p.m.
Kids can visit the petting zoo, bounce in the Santa bounce house, write their Christmas wishes at the Letters for Santa station, and snap photos with Santa’s sled.
And yes — there will be snow!
The “Let It Snow” experience brings a little wintertime magic to downtown Mocksville, whether Mother Nature cooperates or not.
Christmas Market at DC Market at the Barn
Saturday, December 12 | DC Market at the Barn | 3604 Hwy 158, Mocksville
DC Market at the Barn is one of those places where you never quite know what you might find. Vendors offer a changing mix of antiques and vintage treasures, repurposed finds, handmade crafts, custom products, baked goods, sweet treats, and other specialty items.
Expect holiday shopping, craft vendors, antiques, and plenty of small-town Christmas charm — plus a visit from Santa.
It’s a fun place to hunt for an unusual Christmas gift or a vintage treasure you weren’t expecting to find.
Ugly Sweater Party at The Station
Saturday, December 12 | 6-10 p.m. | The Station Pizzeria & Taproom | Downtown Mocksville
Dig out the ugliest Christmas sweater you own and head to The Station Pizzeria & Taproom for its Ugly Sweater Party.
The Ugly Sweater Contest begins at 7 p.m., with prizes for the Ugliest Sweater, Funniest Sweater, Most Creative Sweater, and Best Group Christmas Outfits. Homemade, thrifted, covered in tinsel, or just plain awful — it all works!
One Last Saturday Before Christmas
Saturday, December 19 | 1-4 p.m. | Downtown Mocksville
Still have a few names left on your Christmas list? Head downtown for the Christmas DJ on the Town Square, featuring an afternoon of favorite holiday tunes.
Do a little last-minute shopping, grab lunch or a sweet treat, and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere while checking off those final gifts. Stay until the Christmas lights begin to glow and enjoy one more relaxed Saturday before Christmas arrives.
Shop Small, Eat Local & Enjoy the Season
Holiday events may get you out of the house, but don’t forget about the locally owned businesses that help make Davie County special all year long.
Christmas is a great time to discover a shop you’ve never visited, find a locally made gift, try a new restaurant, or meet friends for coffee or something sweet.
The Discover Davie Shopping Guide is a good place to start if you’re looking for local shopping ideas, while the Discover Davie Dining Guide can help you find restaurants, cafés, bakeries, wineries, and other places to eat and drink throughout the county.
Whether your favorite tradition is a parade, picking out the Christmas tree, visiting Santa, shopping for the perfect gift, or simply driving around to see the lights, there are plenty of ways to celebrate close to home this year.
Grab your family and friends, mark your favorites on the calendar, and make a few new Christmas memories right here in Davie County.
Follow the Davie County Blog on Facebook for additional holiday events as they are announced.