The best things to do in Lake Norman | Nov. 25-Dec. 1
Friday, Nov. 25
Shop, brunch and shop some more. CharlotteFive’s guide to Black Friday includes tips on what time places open, where to find mimosas and a few deals on gift cards while you stop for a bite to eat. bit.ly/3gscxgY
Saturday, Nov. 26
Visit Mountain Creek Park for fishing, a bike ride or a hike. The popular spot that opened this year on Lake Norman in Sherrills Ford features 19.52 miles of trails, including natural surface hiking and biking trails and a 0.82-mile paved, ADA-accessible trail that winds 90 to 100 feet down to the lake. 6554 Little Mountain Road, Sherrills Ford.
Do some yoga, then browse the Lost Worlds Christmas Market. Yoga starts at 10 a.m. in the taproom, then the market lasts from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Shop 45+ local makers on Small Business Saturday while you listen to music from Steve Brown, enjoy a new beer release — Chocolate Covered Candy Cane Porter — and snack on bites from 22 Street Kitchen and Tin Kitchen. Free admission. 19700-D One Norman Blvd., Cornelius.
Find gifts from artisan vendors, food and beverages at Huntersville’s Holiday Market. You can see Santa, too. The event continues through the rest of Shop Small Weekend on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2-6 p.m. each day. Veterans Park at Main & Maxwell, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville.
Sunday, Nov. 27
Drive through Zootastic Park to see the Christmas Wonderland of Lights, a holiday event with over 4 million lights. Guests also have the option to get out of their cars for seasonal treats, photos with Santa and a baby kangaroo, and more. 6-9 p.m. The event lasts through Jan. 1. $10 per person (ages 2 and up). 385 Ostwalt Amity Road, Troutman.
Monday, Nov. 28
Book reservations in advance to skate at Birkdale on Ice. Walk-ups are welcome if space remains, and checking the weather beforehand is recommended, too. 3-10 p.m. on weeknights; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m. General admission is $18/person plus tax, which includes skates; Children 12 and under are $14/child plus tax, which includes skates. All ticket sales are final, with no refunds or transfers allowed. Ice skating lasts through Monday, Jan. 16 at The Plaza at Birkdale Village, Sam Furr Road and Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville.
Tuesday, Nov. 29
Buy tickets for the R.O.A.R. female leadership symposium. The day-long event Friday, March 31 at the Statesville Country Club features dynamic female leaders that will encourage women to Resound, Outshine, Actualize and Revolutionize their lives, featuring guest speaker Jane Jenkins Herlong. Tickets are $85 per person for chamber members and $110 for non-chamber members. Get $15 off when you purchase your tickets before Dec. 2. 116 N. Center St., Statesville.
Wednesday, Nov. 30
Pick up a real Christmas tree and turn your home into a holiday wonderland. CharlotteFive’s guide to where to find a live tree in the Charlotte area will point you in the direction of a tree lot or farm near you.
Thursday, Dec. 1
View a live nativity, holiday light shows, live music and more at Christmas in Davidson. You’ll encounter roaming entertainment, food vendors, shopping and other attractions. The events last in Downtown Davidson through Dec. 3. Free. 6-9 p.m. bit.ly/3tTmrLy
Information for this article was contributed by Joe Marusak.
