Gastonia Christmas in the City & Tree Lighting

About this adventure

Christmas in the City is Gaston County's premier downtown holiday celebration, held at the covered open-air Rotary Centennial Pavilion. The festive afternoon features a holiday artisan marketplace, free trackless train rides through the streets for children, a holiday bounce village, Victorian carolers, and free photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Families line Main Avenue to watch the Gastonia Christmas Parade featuring high school marching bands, festive floats, and youth dance teams, followed by the official lighting of the towering city Christmas tree at the pavilion. The Rotary Pavilion and surrounding downtown streetscapes feature flat, concrete pedestrian surfaces that are fully accessible for strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs. The open-air pavilion provides covered seating to protect against chilly breezes. Heated public restrooms with diaper changing stations are located directly inside the pavilion complex, and free parking is available in adjacent downtown parking decks.