Pizza Hot and Christmas Bright

Last night was pizza night at the Dungan house. Around 5:45 p.m., Jillian and I did that familiar look at each other, the one that says, well, what are we doing for dinner?

One word. Pizza. Or, if you ask Finnley, my twenty-one-month-old son, it’s two words: “pizza hot.” He can’t help himself. We’ve told him a thousand times to blow on his slice because underneath that cheese sometimes sits lava. You only get fooled by that once.

Either way, whether it’s one word or two, pizza tends to solve a lot of life’s problems. Quick. Reliable. Doesn’t break the bank. Hard to beat.

We decided on Papa’s Pizza, the longtime spot in downtown Dallas. It’s been around since 2002 and under “Papa” Dale Blythe’s care since 2009. If you know him, you know he’s one of the good ones. 

When I drove into town to pick up our calzone and the extra-large cheese, I couldn’t help but slow down and take in the Christmas lights. Dallas really went all out this year.

Folks who have lived here their whole lives might feel like things have changed too much. But for someone who’s only been here twenty years, it’s nice to see a little pulse running through our downtown.

And with the weather staying warmer than it should be, it hit me that this is a great time to grab dinner from a local spot and stroll around the town.

Any town. Doesn’t have to be Dallas, pick your own city or town. 

No winter coats, no wrestling kids into three layers, just lights and a quiet walk in a small town trying to shine a little.

Some nights you need a plan. Other nights, all it takes is a good pizza, a warm evening, and a reminder that even the simplest things, like Christmas lights in downtown Dallas, can make a regular Wednesday feel a little special.

Enjoy these next 35 days.

Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SIMPLY AMERICAN DOG TREAT COMPANY

✨WATCH YOUR FURRY FRIENDS GO CRAZY FOR THESE TREATS ✨

Simply American Dog Treat Company – North Carolina's only mobile dog treat truck from Belmont!

• Pure Single Ingredients – Local meat, fish, or sweet potatoes with absolutely no fillers or additives

• Ultimate Convenience – Track our mobile truck @simplyamericandog or enjoy free local delivery service

• Local Quality Promise – Handcrafted treats your pets will love, made by a company that understands what dogs deserve

Ready to spoil your pups with premium local treats? ORDER AT SIMPLYAMERICANDOG.COM →

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🦃 THANKSGIVING MEALS AND DONATION OPTIONS IN GASTON COUNTY

The Gaston Gazette has compiled a list of local churches and community groups offering turkey giveaways, food bags, hot meals, and volunteer opportunities for families who could use some support this Thanksgiving. It’s a good look at neighbors stepping up when it matters most.

❄️ WARMING CENTER OPENS FOR GASTON COUNTY THIS WINTER

Gaston County, the City of Gastonia, HealthNet Gaston, and Unity Baptist Church will operate a Warming Center on nights at or below 32 degrees. Volunteers are needed to support guests, and training sessions are taking place now through December 4 for anyone who wants to get involved.

🎄 SMALL TOWN HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN GASTON COUNTY

Gaston County’s downtowns feel extra inviting this season, filled with festive lights, unique shops, cozy spots to grab a bite, and plenty of small town charm. With help from Gaston County Tourism, Melissa McCauley pulled together the highlights to make your holiday shopping easier.

💙 SHARE YOUR FAVORITE GASTON COUNTY CHARITY FOR GIVING TUESDAY

Giving Tuesday returns Dec. 2, and Hello, Gaston! wants to spotlight local nonprofits making a difference. Briefly tell us which Gaston County charity you love and why by today (11/20), and help spread the spirit of giving.

🎁 ‘HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS’ RETURNS TO HELP LOCAL FAMILIES

The Lighthouse Children’s Advocacy Center is relaunching its annual holiday drive, boosted by a returning $50,000 Secret Santa. Residents can donate, shop from the wish list, or volunteer. Community shopping days are set for December 16 in Gastonia and December 19 in Mount Holly.

📰  QUICK BITES

Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARMHOUSER DESIGN

✨YOUR BRAND, YOUR STORY — DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE✨

Introducing Leslie Boyd of Farmhouser Design — helping small businesses, nonprofits, and churches cut through the noise with timeless branding. Why choose Farmhouser Design?

Clarity & Confidence — Leslie creates brand identities that look beautiful and communicate your mission clearly.

Proven Experience — With 20+ years of expertise, she balances creativity and strategy on every project.

Community-Focused — A Gaston County native, she understands local businesses and creates solutions that resonate.

Feel confident in your brand. Ready to start?  CONNECT WITH LESLIE TODAY →

GO-SEE-DO GASTON

PLAN AHEAD

Holidays at the Garden
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
📅 Friday, November 28 - 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. ($)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Southern Christmas Show
📍 The Park Expo & Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte
📅 Thursday, November 20 - Sunday, November 23
⏰ times vary
Shop holiday décor, gifts, and treats at one of the Southeast’s largest Christmas markets, featuring more than 400 vendors and festive displays. More Details.

The Spark Session
📍 The Rooster, 334 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Writers, performers, and creatives gather for a supportive session built around conversation, inspiration, and shared creative energy. A great way to meet local artists. More Details.

Morbidly Curious Book Club
📍 Belmont Bookshop, 30 N. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
Discuss true crime, spooky stories, and strange nonfiction picks with fellow readers who appreciate the darker side of literature in a cozy bookstore setting. More Details.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Christmas Lights Extravaganza
📍 220 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain
📅 Friday, November, 21 - Wednesday, December 31
⏰ dusk
Patriots Park transforms into a glowing holiday experience filled with lights, decorations, and seasonal spirit that draws families from across the community. More Details.

Craft and Curl
📍 Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte
⏰ 6 - 9p.m.
Experience cask curling on ice with guided matches using mini kegs, followed by a three course dinner at River’s Edge shared by both curling groups.  More Details.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and flowers from local farmers every Saturday morning. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market (Special Pop-up)
📍 226 S. Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
One of the region’s largest farmers markets with fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and more. More Details.

Vintage Santa Paint Party
📍 Main Street Social, 132 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sip a favorite drink while creating a vintage style Santa painting with guided instruction, provided supplies, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for holiday creativity. More Details.

Movies in the Park: Frozen
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 6 p.m.
Do you wanna build a snowman? Frozen lights up the park in this wintry movie favorite. More Details.

Officer Eudy Live Thanksgiving Comedy Bash
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
⏰ 7 - 10 p.m.
Spend an evening laughing with Officer Eudy during this holiday comedy event filled with stories, energy, and festive entertainment. More Details.

Holiday Gift Market
📍 Allan Farris Community Center, 220 S. Parish Street, Kings Mountain
⏰ 10 a.m.
Shop local makers offering handmade gifts, seasonal items, decor, and treats during a festive market perfect for early holiday shopping. More Details.

Jazz at the Garden
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 6 - 9 p.m.
Smooth jazz fills the gardens as local musicians perform a relaxing twilight concert surrounded by nature, lights, and a peaceful atmosphere. More Details.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Bessemer City Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
📍 Downtown Bessemer City, ending at Kevin Millwood Park
⏰ 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Enjoy festive floats and holiday spirit, followed by a 6 p.m. tree lighting at Centennial Park, 114 W. Virginia Ave. More Details.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Nature Photography Walk: Holiday Lights
📍 6500 S New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Learn photography techniques with Nelson Stegall during a relaxed nature walk that includes a private viewing of the Holiday Lights display. More Details.

Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers
📍 Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
⏰ 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Monday Night Football matchup on the West Coast.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Veterans Lunch
📍 805 S. York St., Gastonia
⏰ 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church hosts a monthly soup and sandwich lunch to honor veterans. All vets are welcome and encouraged to RSVP before Friday.

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.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

And thank you for reading! If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

Was this email forwarded to you? Signup here!

Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!