Live Like a Native

‘Tis the Season

Left: Santa has arrived in Birkdale Village. Above: The North Mecklenburg Community Chorus.

compiled by Bek Mitchell-Kidd

The lake area is shining bright this holiday season. Don’t miss out on the many ways to celebrate.

Santa’s Mailbox (Through Dec. 10). Bring your letter for Santa and send it on an express journey to the North Pole. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and Santa will write you back. Free. 19725 Oak St, Cornelius. www.cainarts.org

Photos with Santa (Through Dec. 24) Get your photo taken with Santa while you shop for the perfect gift. See website for a list of available times. Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, www.birkdalevillage.net

Holiday Light Show (Through Dec. 31) The annually awesome Holiday Light Spectacular is an orchestrated light show that includes over 175,000 lights set to music. Free. Show begins at 5:30 p.m. Town Hall lawn, 413 N. Main Street, Mooresville, www.downtownmooresville.com

Christmas in Davidson (Dec. 2-4) Celebrate on the town green with food vendors and Christmas crafts – many made by local artists. Free. 6-9 p.m. www.christmasindavidson.com

Cocoa with Santa (Dec. 3) Enjoy an exciting morning filled with photo opportunities with Santa, holiday crafts, cookies, and cocoa. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Free. 10 a.m.-noon. 19725 Oak St, Cornelius. Register at www.cainarts.org Highway 115 and ends in Cornelius at the intersection of Highway 115 and Catawba Avenue. Free. 1 p.m. www.ci.davidson.nc.us

Christmas in Huntersville & The Holiday Market (Dec. 3-4)

The downtown tree lighting takes place on Friday night. Enjoy rides, shop local vendors and more. Free. 6-9 p.m. Downtown Huntersville, www.huntersville.org

Christmas Bells are Ringing! (Dec. 7 and 14) The North Mecklenburg Community Chorus performs joyful arrangements of the holiday season. Free. 7:30 p.m. Huntersville United Methodist Church, 14005 Stumptown Road., Huntersville, www.nmccsings.org

Classic Christmas in Downtown Mooresville (Dec. 10)

Expect Santa visits, Victorian carolers, ice skating, a petting zoo, unique shopping and dining, hot cocoa, popcorn, cotton candy, crafts and s’mores. Free. 6-9 p.m. Downtown Mooresville, www.downtownmooresville.com

The Northern Lights of Lake Norman Boat Parade (Dec.

11) Register your boat to participate now and make a donation to Tunnel to Towers and Home Hope of Mooresville. Route is yet to be confirmed. 5-7 p.m., www.facebook.com/ northernlightsoflakenorman

Huntersville Half Marathon & Holiday 5k (Dec. 11-12) The popular race starts at Birkdale Village and this year includes a 2-day event with more options for locals to run the roads they love, www.huntersvillehalf.com.