Last week I shared that a special Giving Tuesday edition of Hello, Gaston! was on the way, thanks to the nominations some of you sent in. Today, we’re shining a light on those local nonprofits you care about.

Even if you give elsewhere, I hope you’ll take a moment to pause, look around, and lend a little kindness close to where we all live.

And stick around after that! The full Christmas calendar is below, packed with all the big local events happening across our area over the next twenty-three days.

DO GOOD GASTON

🧦 SOCKS CRISIS MINISTRY

Socks Crisis Ministry provides essential clothing and support to neighbors experiencing homelessness and poverty. Their mission is to meet urgent needs through donations and outreach, helping local families stay warm, safe, and cared for. Community support keeps these services going. [Nominated by Scott Wilson]

🐾 GASTON LOW-COST SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC

The Gaston Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic provides high-quality, low-cost spay and neuter surgeries for all pet owners with no residency or income requirements. As an ASPCA-mentored clinic, their trained team offers efficient, affordable veterinary care that keeps pets healthy and out of shelters. [Nominated by Sarah Ramberg]

⭐ STRONG LIKE AK

Strong Like AK supports families facing childhood cancer by easing financial burdens, providing housing, granting wishes, and creating comforting places to rest. Inspired by Adam Kincaid, the organization offers compassion, stability, and hope through scholarships, community support, and meaningful experiences. [Nominated by Leah Wilson and Julie Galloway]

🐰 BUNNY BLESSINGS

Bunny Blessings spreads kindness by sharing therapy rabbits with schools, nursing homes, students, teachers, and anyone who needs a lift. Their motto is “Love One Another,” and they live it out through joyful visits that bring comfort, connection, and smiles. [Nominated by Pennie Thrower]

👶 CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER OF GASTON COUNTY

This Crisis Pregnancy Center of Gaston County supports single parents with baby supplies, emotional encouragement, and guidance during challenging seasons. Their staff walks alongside women facing difficult decisions, offering practical resources that strengthen families and help them move forward with confidence. [Nominated by Valerie Licausi]

🛒 BELMONT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

The Belmont Community Organization supports local families by providing food, clothing, furniture, and essential household items. They distribute more than 100,000 pounds of food each year and offer limited financial help for medication, rent, and utilities. Your support helps neighbors facing hardship. [Nominated by Amy Bossard]

GO-SEE-DO CHRISTMAS

ALL SEASON LONG

Holidays at the Garden
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
📅 Now through Saturday, December 27
⏰ 5–10 p.m.
Step into a sparkling wonderland with millions of lights, festive fountains, and cozy fireside treats. Enjoy Santa visits, train rides, live music, and an adults-only speakeasy. More Details.

The Chutes: Winter Tubing
📍 Crowders Springs, 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain
📅 Now through Saturday, February 28
⏰ times vary
Snowless tubing lanes, campfire treats, and family fun supporting Crowders Camps near Crowders Mountain. Recommended for ages five and up. More Details.

Christmas Town USA
📍 Downtown McAdenville
📅 Now through Friday, December 26
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
Walk or drive through dazzling green, red and white lights during McAdenville’s world famous holiday display. More Details.

Belmont’s Festival of Trees
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
📅 Now through Tuesday, December 30
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
Belmont’s Festival of Trees transforms downtown into a glowing holiday walk, with decorated evergreens, twinkling lights, and themed ornaments created by local groups. More Details.

Holidays on The Farm
📍 The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
📅 Every Friday through December 19
⏰ 5–8:30 p.m.
After-hours holiday fun with lights, bonfires, cocoa, animal encounters, and festive crafts at The Schiele’s Farm. More Details.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Belmont Christmas Parade
📍 Downtown Belmont, Belmont
⏰ 3 p.m.
Floats, performers and community groups march through downtown to celebrate the season. More Details.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

Cramerton Christmas Parade and Village
📍 Centennial Center to 8th Avenue, Cramerton
⏰ 6 p.m.
Browse food vendors, shop the village, visit Santa at Confluence and enjoy Cramerton’s festive parade. More Details.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

Deck the (Grand) Hall
📍 Downtown Mount Holly, Mount Holly
⏰ 5 p.m.
Celebrate the annual Mount Holly tree lighting with music, shopping, Santa visits and indoor and outdoor activities .More Details.

A Very Cherry Who-Ville Christmas
📍 Downtown Cherryville, Cherryville
⏰ 5 p.m.
Snap a photo with The Grinch, try Green Eggs and Ham and slide down Mt. Crumpit during this Seuss inspired celebration. More Details.

Carols on the Square
📍 Gaston County Museum, Dallas
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy Christmas carols, carriage rides, hot chocolate, cookies and crafts with festive activities for families. More Details.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

Kings Mountain Christmas Parade and Holiday Market
📍 Downtown Kings Mountain, Kings Mountain
⏰ 3 p.m.
Enjoy over 75 parade entries, food, crafts, performances and Santa’s arrival in this full scale holiday celebration. More Details.

Lowell Christmas Parade and Artisan Market
📍 Downtown Lowell, Lowell
⏰ 3 p.m.
See the parade, browse artisan vendors and take photos with Santa in this festive Lowell tradition. More Details.

Historic Christmas Village Market
📍 Dallas Park, Dallas
⏰ 10 a.m.
Experience Christmas like the early 1900s with crafts, Father Christmas photos, candy, music, letters to Santa and kids games. More Details.

Gastonia Breakfast with Santa
📍 Rankin Lake Park, Gastonia
⏰ 9 a.m.
Enjoy breakfast with Santa, holiday cheer and festive family activities at Rankin Lake Park. More Details.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Christmas in the City
📍 Downtown Gastonia
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
Parade, marketplace, tree lighting, and free kid activities fill Downtown Gastonia with holiday cheer. Santa visits the Rotary Pavilion after the ceremony. More Details.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8

Mount Holly Carriage Rides
📍 Downtown Mount Holly, Mount Holly
⏰ 5 p.m.
Ride through historic downtown in a Christmas carriage during this three night holiday tradition. More Details.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10

Stanley Christmas Parade
📍 Downtown Stanley
⏰ 3 p.m.
Enjoy festive floats, music, holiday treats and community spirit as Stanley hosts its annual parade. More Details.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11

McAdenville Yule Log Parade
📍 Downtown McAdenville, McAdenville
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
Join this cherished tradition dating back to 1949 as the Yule Log is pulled through town. More Details.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

Bavarian Holiday Fest
📍 Downtown Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.
Shop over 50 artisan vendors, enjoy German inspired ales and celebrate Belmont’s festive Bavarian style market. More Details.

Santa Visits the Museum
📍 Kings Mountain Historical Museum, Kings Mountain
⏰ 10 a.m.
Meet Santa, hear stories and take photos by the tree during this family friendly museum event. More Details.

Cherryville Christmas Parade
📍 Downtown Cherryville, Cherryville
⏰ 10:30 a.m.
Cherryville’s festive parade features local groups, floats and plenty of holiday cheer. More Details.

Cramerton Holiday Bazaar
📍 Cramerton Community Center, Cramerton
⏰ 10 a.m.
Shop 40 plus vendors inside and outside with free gift wrapping provided by the Community Committee. More Details.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

Movies in the Park: Elf
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 6 p.m.
Bring a chair and watch Elf under the stars in Belmont’s scenic central park. 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. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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