There is something special about the holidays in Davie County.
As November gives way to December, twinkling lights brighten our downtown streets, Christmas trees begin appearing at local farms, and some of our favorite traditions return.
And some of those traditions are anything but ordinary.
Imagine standing along Main Street cheering as teams race wildly decorated beds through downtown Mocksville. Bringing the kids in their pajamas to climb aboard COGNITION’s Polar Express. Or taking an old-fashioned Christmas carriage ride before visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus at Christmas in the Town of Bermuda Run.
Those are the kinds of experiences that make Christmas in Davie County a little different.
And they are just the beginning.
Add hometown parades, holiday markets, Christmas performances, hands-on experiences, Christmas tree farms, visits with Santa, and even a little snow, and you’ll find plenty of reasons to make Davie County part of your holiday plans.
Whether you are planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or simply looking for somewhere new to make a few Christmas memories, come for an event, then stay awhile. Browse the shops, grab a bite to eat, explore a little, and enjoy the slower pace and small-town charm of the season.
Kick Off the Season in November
Shop, Play & Win on Pink Friday
Friday, November 20 | Davie County
Kick off the holiday season with Pink Friday, a nationwide movement encouraging shoppers to shop small first and support locally owned businesses before the Black Friday rush.
The Davie County Chamber of Commerce is bringing Pink Friday back to Davie County on November 20, giving you the perfect excuse to grab your friends or family, get a jump on your Christmas list, and discover some of the locally owned shops and boutiques that make our communities special.
And this year, there’s an added reason to explore.
Pick up a Pink Friday Bingo Card at participating businesses, then collect stamps as you shop your way around Davie County. Get Bingo, turn your completed card in to the Chamber, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win cash!
Participating businesses and Pink Friday specials will be announced as the event gets closer. Follow the Davie County Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for updates.
But don’t head home when the shopping is done. The main event is still to come.
Don’t Miss Mocksville’s ’Twas the Night Before Bed Race!
Friday, November 20 | Historic Downtown Mocksville
Parade of Beds: 6 p.m. | Racing begins: 6:30 p.m.
Yes, beds really do race down Main Street in Mocksville — and the annual ’Twas the Night Before Bed Race has become one of the town’s most entertaining and unusual holiday traditions.
It’s the kind of event you have to see to fully appreciate.
Teams of five — four pushers and one rider — take ordinary beds, add wheels, decorations, costumes, wacky themes, and plenty of imagination, and turn them into racing machines.
Then they take them to Main Street.
Speed matters, but it’s only part of the fun. Teams also compete for prizes recognizing creativity and team spirit, including the coveted “Total Package.”
Come early and claim a good viewing spot for the Parade of Beds at 6 p.m., when teams show off their creations before lining up for the competition. At 6:30 p.m., the racing begins, and Main Street becomes the track.
Expect costumes. Expect cheering. Expect some serious competition. And expect to laugh.
Make a day of it: Spend the day Pink Friday shopping, stop for lunch or something sweet, have dinner in Mocksville, and then head to Main Street for the evening’s main attraction.
Bring a chair. Bundle up. Pick a team to cheer for.
And come see why racing beds have become part of Christmas in Mocksville.
Spend Small Business Saturday on the Farm — Then Head to Cooleemee
Saturday, November 28
Christmas trees, Santa, local makers, a wreath workshop, good food — Kennedy Family Farms and Country Market is packing plenty of Christmas fun into Small Business Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Browse a festive lineup of local makers, shop for Christmas gifts, and check out the farm’s Christmas tree lot filled with North Carolina-grown Fraser firs. Visitors can also create something special during the Holiday Wreath Workshop, take Christmas photos with Santa, and grab a bite from Fonz’s Firehouse Grill.
Then head to Cooleemee for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration.
Christmas in Cooleemee
Saturday, November 28 | 4 p.m.
The Cooleemee Christmas Parade and Old-Time Christmas begins at 4 p.m. as the parade makes its way from Cooleemee Elementary School through town to the historic Zachary House.
But don’t leave when the parade ends.
Old-Time Christmas follows at the Zachary House with Santa and Mrs. Claus, readings of the Christmas Story and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, homemade desserts, hot chocolate, and cider.
There’s a little friendly competition, too. The Cooleemee Fudge Contest, started by retired Cooleemee Mayor John Chandler in the early 2000s, invites all types of fudge. The entries become part of the dessert table, while the winner earns bragging rights and a place on the official fudge contest trophy.
Make more of your visit: Start at Kennedy Family Farms, then head to Cooleemee for the parade and Old-Time Christmas. If you have extra time, take a walk at RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls — better known locally as The Bullhole — or spend a little time exploring the community’s textile mill history.
Christmas on the Farm
A trip to the country can be just as much a part of Christmas as lights and parades.
Davie County’s farms offer a chance to slow down, pick out a Christmas tree or fresh greenery, shop for locally made gifts, and enjoy holiday experiences that feel a little different from a trip to the mall.
Make Christmas Memories at Koren Farms
Christmas tree sales begin November 20 at Koren Farms, with premium pre-cut Fraser firs, hot cocoa, s’mores beside the fire, festive hayrides, and alpacas.
The farm is also offering two hands-on holiday experiences.
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.
On Thursday, December 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., gather some friends for the Christmas Wreath Workshop and create a festive wreath to take home.
Space is limited for both experiences, so advance registration is recommended.
Then, on Saturday, December 5, from 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. Admission is free.
Make more of your visit: Spend the morning at the Christmas Market, grab lunch and do a little shopping, then head downtown for Mocksville’s Hometown Christmas Parade.
Christmas at Cherry Hill Farm
Sunday, December 6 | 1-4 p.m.
Bring your Christmas shopping list — and come hungry!
Cherry Hill Farm’s 6th Annual Christmas at the Farm returns with local small businesses, handmade gifts, fresh-baked goodies, food trucks, and live music.
The farm stand will be stocked with fresh fruits and nuts, local cheeses and meats, jams, honey, milk, eggnog, and more. You’ll also find fresh-cut North Carolina Christmas trees, handmade wreaths, and bows.
Make more of your visit: Spend part of the afternoon at Cherry Hill Farm before heading to Christmas in the Town of Bermuda Run from 2-5 p.m.
All Aboard for COGNITION’s Polar Express Experience
Friday, December 4 | COGNITION | Downtown Mocksville
Wear your favorite pajamas and get ready to believe!
One of Davie County’s most popular family holiday experiences returns December 4 when COGNITION’s Polar Express Experience brings a little North Pole magic to downtown Mocksville.
Three sessions are planned:
Sensory-Friendly Session | 2-3:30 p.m.
4-5:30 p.m.
6-7:30 p.m.
Children can step aboard a special Polar Express train and enjoy an experience inspired by the beloved Christmas story, along with plenty of hands-on holiday fun.
The regular sessions include time aboard the train, Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa and treats, an ornament activity, holiday STEAM activities, and playtime throughout the museum.
And no Polar Express journey would be complete without a bell. Each participating child receives a special bell, and each family takes home a copy of The Polar Express.
Tickets are required, and space is limited.
Make more of your visit: COGNITION is right in downtown Mocksville, so don’t make the Polar Express your only stop. Have dinner, browse the downtown shops, and take a walk beneath the Christmas lights before heading home.
Make It a Christmas Weekend
Mocksville’s Hometown Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 5 | 2-4 p.m. | Historic Downtown Mocksville
Few things say Christmas quite like a hometown parade.
Mocksville’s Hometown Christmas Parade brings floats, performers, horses, classic cars, fire trucks, community groups, and plenty of Christmas spirit to Main Street.
And, of course, keep an eye out for the guest everyone is waiting to see — Santa Claus!
Make a day of it: Start at Koren Farms’ Christmas Market, enjoy lunch, browse the downtown shops, and then find your spot along the parade route. Afterward, stick around as the Christmas lights begin to glow.
A Christmas Afternoon Worth the Trip to Bermuda Run
Sunday, December 6 | 2-5 p.m. | Town Square at the Bermuda Run Town Hall Gazebo
If you’re looking for one event where the family can settle in and really enjoy the Christmas season, Christmas in the Town of Bermuda Run deserves a spot on your holiday calendar.
Now in its fifth year, the celebration turns Town Square into an afternoon of old-fashioned Christmas fun.
Start with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas photos, and letters to Santa. Let the kids enjoy the activities and holiday treats. Listen to the music. Watch the Christmas magic show and check out the balloon creations.
Then make time for one of the event’s highlights: a Christmas carriage ride.
There’s something about climbing aboard a carriage during the holidays that makes the season feel a little more magical. It’s an experience children will remember, but it’s just as much fun for parents and grandparents.
For visitors looking for an old-fashioned, family-friendly Christmas experience, this is one of the holiday events in Davie County worth planning a day around.
And don’t rush home afterward. Finish your Christmas outing with dinner, coffee, dessert, or a drink at one of Bermuda Run’s delicious eateries.
Christmas Shows, Santa & a Full Day of Holiday Fun
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 11-12 | Brock Performing Arts Center | Mocksville
The Herdmans are coming to the Brock!
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, creating plenty of chaos — and ultimately discovering the Christmas story in a way no one expects.
Performances are scheduled for Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 12 at 3 and 7 p.m.
Buy tickets here.
Make a Day of December 12
Start Saturday morning with the Advance Christmas Parade at 10 a.m.
Sponsored by the Advance Fire Department, the parade begins at Shady Grove Elementary School, travels along Cornatzer Road, turns onto Highway 801 and Peoples Creek Road, and is held rain or shine.
Then head to downtown Mocksville.
Santa, Mrs. Claus — and Snow!
1-4 p.m. | Main Street Park
Christmas in Mocksville wouldn’t be complete without a visit from the North Pole’s most famous couple!
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, share those last-minute wishes, and capture a keepsake photo.
But Santa is only the beginning.
Kids can visit the petting zoo, bounce in the Santa bounce house, stop by 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.
From there, keep exploring.
Shop Local at DC Market at the Barn
Make DC Market at the Barn another stop on your December 12 outing.
DC Market at the Barn is a local market 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.
For its December 12 Christmas Market, 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.
Keep the Christmas Fun Going — Ugly Sweaters Encouraged!
Finish the evening at The Station Pizzeria & Taproom for its Ugly Sweater Party from 6-10 p.m.
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!
A parade, Santa, snow, shopping, a Christmas show, and an ugly sweater party — you can pack a lot of Christmas into one day in Davie County!
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 as you check 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 & Stay Awhile
Holiday events may bring you to Davie County, but leave a little extra time to explore.
Locally owned shops throughout the county offer everything from clothing and home décor to jewelry, specialty foods, handcrafted items, gifts, and plenty of unexpected finds. Holiday markets and farm shops add even more possibilities.
Explore the Discover Davie Shopping Guide to find places to shop throughout the county.
And all that Christmas exploring is bound to make you hungry.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast before a busy day, lunch between activities, a family-friendly dinner, a sweet treat, a glass of wine, or somewhere special for date night, explore the Discover Davie Dining Guide to find restaurants, cafés, bakeries, wineries, and other places to eat and drink throughout Davie County.
Come for the Event. Stay for the Experience.
Part of the fun of Christmas in Davie County is that not everything has to be a scheduled event.
Come early for lunch. Browse a shop you’ve never visited. Pick out a Christmas tree together. Find a locally made gift. Stay for dinner or take an evening walk beneath the lights in downtown Mocksville.
Sometimes the best Christmas memories are the ones you didn’t plan — the little shop you discovered, the meal everyone loved, or the extra stop that became everyone’s favorite part of the day.
Come for the event. Stay awhile. And make Davie County part of your holiday tradition.
