Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

Only 27 days until Christmas! That number either excites you or makes you panic a little. With Thanksgiving falling late this year, we’re packing five weeks of Christmas into just four. Don’t worry—we’re here every week to help you keep up with all the holiday happenings.

Over the years, Black Friday has lost some of its magic. It feels like it lasts all November now, and Cyber Monday has already come and gone. But one day that still holds meaning is Small Business Saturday.

This Saturday, many Gaston County towns (Mount Holly, Stanley, Belmont, Cherryville) are participating, giving you the chance to shop small and make a big impact. Supporting local businesses strengthens our community and keeps Gaston County unique.

Shoutout to Leilani Rabourn for making it even more fun with her Small Business Bingo! She’s offering a prize to one lucky winner, but let’s be real—the real winners are the small business owners we’re supporting.

Speaking of gratitude, I’m so thankful for you! This little newsletter is three months old and growing every week. Thanks for carving out three minutes to read it—it means a lot.

Here’s to a great holiday season!

Ben

P.S. If you enjoy this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone else!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

MCADENVILLE LIGHTS UP AS CHRISTMAS TOWN USA

McAdenville’s famous Christmas lights return December 2–26, shining nightly from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. Known as Christmas Town USA, this magical wonderland features glowing green, red, and white displays. Stroll or drive through the festive sights, and enjoy dining, cocktails, ice cream, and shopping. Arrive early to capture the charm of the season!

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: BLACK BEAR FAMILY ON THE MOVE

A mama black bear and her three cubs made the news in the local Facebook group last weekend! Spotted near Jenkins Dairy Road in Gastonia on Saturday night, the family was later filmed strolling through Bessemer City. The adorable sight highlights nature’s unexpected presence in our community—keep an eye out but maintain a safe distance!

HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING AT CONFLUENCE

Wrap your gifts in peace while enjoying a cocktail at Confluence! Bring your wrap and presents; we’ll provide scissors, tape, and a workspace away from prying eyes. Select dates: Nov. 29–30, Dec. 1, 7–8, 15, 22. Make holiday prep magical and stress-free!

WHATABURGER WATCH: GASTONIA'S NEW BURGER SPOT IN PROGRESS

Excitement is building as Whataburger prepares to open in Gastonia at the former Backyard Burgers site. A time-lapse website has been uploaded to track the restaurant’s construction—check it out here. Founded in 1950, Whataburger has grown into a Texas icon with over 1,000 locations nationwide —and soon, one more! Gastonia can’t wait!

GASTON COUNTY BACKS BELMONT TROLLEY WITH $100K  

Gaston County approved $100,000 in tourism funds for the Belmont Trolley Project, securing nearly $2 million in total funding. The project’s first phase, the downtown trolley station, will house three historic trolleys and a rail museum, boosting Belmont’s economy and revitalizing its growing downtown. [WCNC]

GASTON COLLEGE LAUNCHES STUFF-A-BUS TOY DRIVE

Gaston College is kicking off a new holiday tradition with its Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive for Toys for Tots. Donate new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 0-12 from Dec. 2 - 5 at various locations. Early drop-offs are also accepted at WSGE Radio and the Senior Center.

CRAMERTON: THE TOWN THAT WOVE HISTORY

Did you know the khaki uniforms worn by millions of American soldiers in three wars were developed in Cramerton? In this Our State Magazine article by Brad Campbell, explore how this small Gaston County town revolutionized the textile industry and military history with a fabric that served for over 50 years.

NEW IN DALLAS: DALLAS TAVERN & TAPHOUSE

The former Sammy’s Restaurant & Pub is now the Dallas Tavern & Taphouse. And along with it comes new owners, a fresh menu, and community buzz! Get ready to tackle the Taphouse Burger—Angus beef piled high with bacon, egg, jalapeños, and more. Stay tuned - the grand opening is coming soon!

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Bright Lights 5K and Fun Run
📍Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
⏰6 p.m.
Light up your Thanksgiving with a festive evening race through dazzling holiday lights! Enjoy multi-surface courses, post-race garden access, custom awards, and unforgettable family fun. Space is limited—register early and start a glowing holiday tradition! More Details.                

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Holidays at the Garden
📍Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
📆 Now through 12/28
⏰5 - 10 p.m.
Celebrate the season with twinkling lights, cozy fireside s’mores, festive treats, and unique gifts. Don’t miss new highlights: train rides, Santa visits, and an adults-only speakeasy. Capture the magic at the dazzling Orchid Tree! More Details. 

Friday Night Football: Ashbrook (10-2) vs. North Lincoln (11-1)
📍North Lincoln High School in Lincolnton
⏰7 p.m.
15-seed Ashbrook will hit the road to face 10-seed North Lincoln in the third round of the NCHSAA 3A state playoffs. More Details.           

Friday Night Fires at Windy Hill Farm
📍 Windy Hill Farm (in York, SC)
⏰ 5 – 9 p.m.
Warm up by the fire and enjoy an evening of relaxation, live music, and seasonal fun at Windy Hill Farm. More Details 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 (Small Business Saturday 💵)

The Cherryville Main Street Holiday Market
📍Downtown Cherryville
⏰10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Explore downtown Cherryville with shopping, local vendors, and unique finds you can’t resist. Support small businesses and shop local! More Details.      

Cherryville's Christmas Tree Lighting
📍Downtown Cherryville        
⏰6 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the unique Who-Biliation Tree and downtown decorations. Bring your family and celebrate the start of Christmas cheer! More Details.

Small Business Saturday Market
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
⏰ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shop local and support small businesses in Mount Holly! Discover unique gifts, handmade goods, and enjoy the festive atmosphere on South Main Street. More Details

Main Street Market - Small Business Saturday
📍 Downtown Stanley
⏰ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Support local vendors, find unique gifts, and enjoy a festive atmosphere as downtown shops showcase their best offerings. Don't miss out on this fun-filled day of shopping and community spirit! More Details.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

Christmas In The City (Parade, Tree Lighting and Market)
📍Rotary Centennial Pavilion in Downtown Gastonia
⏰5 - 8 p.m.
Kick off the holidays at the Gaston County Jaycees Christmas Parade, starting at 5 p.m. on Main Avenue. Afterward, enjoy the Keep Gastonia Beautiful Tree Lighting and shop the Christmas Market at Rotary Pavilion from 5 – 8 p.m. More Details.            

Carolina Panthers (3-8) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)
 📍Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte
 ⏰4:05 p.m. (FOX)
Fresh off a dominant win over the Giants, the Buccaneers visit the Panthers in a crucial NFC South matchup. Tampa aims to keep playoff hopes alive, while Carolina, led by Bryce Young and breakout star Chuba Hubbard, looks to play spoiler.

Chicken Hill Buckin' Bulls - Bull Riding
📍Chicken Hill in Cherryville
⏰6 p.m.
The last one of the season! Enjoy Sheep Riding, Calf Riding, Steer Riding, Amateur and Open Bulls! Every Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your chair! More Details.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2

ChristmasTown USA Tree Lighting Ceremony
📍Downtown McAdenville
⏰5:30 p.m.
One lucky McAdenville Elementary student will kick-off the Christmas season by lighting up the town. Even Santa will join the fun. This magical family event marks the start of the holidays in ChristmasTown! More Details.       

Music in the Park & Tree Lighting Ceremony
📍McCord Family Park in Lowell
⏰5 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy live music by Garrett Huffman, a tree lighting countdown at 6 p.m., kids' activities, letters to Santa, and festive giveaways. There'll be music, lights, food and holiday cheer  for all. More Details.                            

Belmont Christmas Tree Lighting
📍 37 N. Main Street in Belmont
⏰ 6 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season in Belmont with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! Enjoy twinkling lights, festive cheer, caroling, seasonal treats, and community spirit. Gather with family and friends to create memories and celebrate the magic of the season. More Details

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3

Belmont Christmas Parade
📍Downtown Belmont
⏰3 p.m.
Join us on South Main Street, featuring festive floats, vintage cars, school marching bands, and Santa Claus! The parade ends at Dwight Frady Fields, offering a joyful afternoon of holiday cheer and lasting memories with family and friends. More Details.       

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication.

#GASTONGRAM

Check out the #GastonGram honorable mentions this week here and here.

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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