Live Like a Native Veterans Day events

HolidayHappenings by Bek Mitchell-Kidd

Zootastic Christmas Wonderland of Lights (Nov. 18 – Jan. 1)

Drive through more than 4 million Christmas lights. Add-ons for additional $ include giraffe feeding, carousal ride and more. Event typically runs Sun-Thurs, 6-9 p.m., Fri – Sat, 6-10 p.m. Visit website for dates and times. 385 Ostwalt Amity Road, Troutman, www.ZootasticPark.com

Langtree Annual Tree Lighting (Nov. 15 or 22) Tree lighting, North Pole Post Office, Santa, train rides and more. Parking begins at 5:30 p.m. Free. Event runs until 9 p.m., 401 Langtree Road, Mooresville, www.langtreelkn.com

The Lighting of Birkdale Village (Nov. 19) Get in the holiday spirit with festive music, holiday performances and activities for the whole family. From Santa’s arrival to the magical tree lighting, there’s something fun for everyone. Free. 2-7:30 p.m. Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, www.birkdalevillage.net

Mooresville Christmas Parade (Nov. 22) The 78th Annual Mooresville Christmas Parade will kick off at 3 p.m. with area First Responders in the lead. The parade will also feature fantastic floats, marching bands, dance and tumbling troupes, vintage cars and the Grinch and Santa. Free. Runs along Main St., www. mooresvillechristmasparade.com

Light Up Cornelius (Nov. 26) Festivities include holiday songs by local performers, kids’ activities, and a visit from Santa. 4-7 p.m. Free. Lawn of Cornelius Town Hall, www.cornelius.org

Huntersville Holiday Market (Nov. 26 - 27) Artisan vendors, food, beverages and Santa will be onsite, too. Veteran’s Park. More details are available at www.huntersville.org

Christmas in Davidson (Dec. 1-3) Celebrate on the town green with food vendors and locally-made Christmas crafts, roving entertainment and more. 6- 9 p.m. Main Street, Davidson, www. christmasindavidson.com

Downtown Mooresville Mistletoe Sip & Shop (Dec. 2 & 16)

Bring your favorite people and enjoy shopping small this holiday season in the heart of Mooresville. Shop unique businesses who host special open houses, sumptuous sips and yummy appetizers, gifts, treats and more. 6-8 p.m. along Main & Broad Streets. Christmas in Huntersville Tree Lighting (Dec. 2), Kids rides, local food and craft vendors, and Santa will be on-hand for the annual tradition. Veteran’s Park. 6-9 p.m. Find more details at www.huntersville.org

40th Annual North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade (Dec. 3), 1:00 p.m. The parade starts in Davidson at the intersection of Griffith Street and Highway 115 and ends in Cornelius at the intersection of Highway 115 and Catawba Avenue. Free. www. ci.davidson.nc.us

Christmas in Huntersville (Dec. 3) Free activities include children’s rides, Artisan Ice Sculptures, holiday performances on stage from a variety of local groups, Carolers of Christmas Past, glitter tattoos, face painting, balloon twisters, roaming holiday characters, letters and pictures with Santa and more. Veteran’s Park. 2-8 p.m. More details available at www.huntersville.org

Cocoa With Santa (Dec 3 – 4) Kids will enjoy an exciting morning filled with photo opportunities with Santa, holiday arts & crafts, cookies and cocoa. Don’t forget to bring your camera! 10 a.m. – noon. Cain Center for the Arts, Main Street, Cornelius. Check website for where to check-in and park. www.cainarts.org/ programs-2/events-schedule/

Santa’s Mailbox (Nov. 29 – Dec. 10) Bring your letter for Santa to the Cain Center for the Arts and send it on an express journey to the North Pole. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and Santa will write you back! You can even drop off after regular business hours at the outdoor mail intake.

Huntersville Half Marathon & Holiday 5k (Dec. 9-10) The popular race starts at Birkdale Village and this year is a 2-day event with more options for locals to run the roads they love. 5k is Dec 9, 7 p.m.; half marathon/10k is Dec. 10, 8 a.m. www. huntersvillehalf.com

The Northern Lights of Lake Norman Boat Parade (Dec. 10), 5-7 p.m. Registration is now open to participate and make a donation to Tunnel to Towers and Home Hope of Mooresville. Register to participate or find more details at northernlightsoflkn@gmail.com

The Gift of Originality TRENDS + STYLE [4] GIVE ONE-OF-A-KIND CREATIONS THIS SEASON

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All of these items can be purchased at: [3]

1. Urban Jungle 2-10, Oil & Cold Wax by Liz Tilt - $90 ea/$790 set of 9 2. Oil on Canvas 9’x 6’ $4500 4. Wood Ornaments $40-$50 by various Artists 5. 4th Hole Pebble Beach Oil on Canvas by Dave Chapple $2900 6. Magnolia Wood Pedestal Vase by John Lachance $185 7. Come Holy Spirit, Oil by Anne Harkness $475 8. Leather LKN Cigar Case $49