2020 Holiday Happenings Around Lake Norman: List Of Events

CORNELIUS, NC — While the ongoing pandemic has changed many things about the holiday countdown this year, there are plenty of fun, family-friendly events planned around Lake Norman this season that aim to help spread holiday cheer safely.

Here's a list of festive holiday events:

• Santa's Mailbox, Cornelius — Santa's Mailbox has returned to the Cornelius Arts Center! Drop your letter to Santa and we will send it to the North Pole. Must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope in order to receive a response from Santa! Nov. 30 through Dec. 12.

• Santa Paws in the Park, Cornelius — Parks and recreation teams in Cornelius and Davidson are hosting this event at the Antiquity Greenway on the Davidson end on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Say organizers: "Enjoy photos safely with Santa and take a walk along our beautiful greenway," organizers said. "Due to mass gathering limits, preregistration is required for this event. Every attendee, regardless of age, must be registered.

• Huntersville Holiday Market — The Huntersville Holiday Market is set for two weekends this year. Dec. 4 - 5, Dec. 11-12.

• Huntersville Christmas Tree Lighting — The town's annual Christmas tree lighting event will be held virtually this year. It's scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m., and may be viewed on the town's Facebook page, found here.

• Christmas in Davidson — This year, the festival is set to run in downtown Davidson from Dec. 1 through Dec. 12, from noon until 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. daily, and will include decorations and roving entertainment.

• 12 Days of Christmas, Mooresville — This year's event includes Santa on a truck, Christmas crafts and holiday treat bags. Runs Dec. 1 -12.
• Jingle Jam, Huntersville — This holiday event is sponsored by Huntersville Presbyterian Church and Huntersville Parks & Recreation, and features family games, food trucks and a free showing of the movie Elf. Sunday, Dec. 13, 5 p.m., Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville. Registration required, and may be done here.

• North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade — Saturday, Dec. 5, 1 p.m. The Davidson and Cornelius' annual holiday parade featuring high school bands, horses, dancers and tractors, will be held virtually this year. "While this year's parade will not be held live on Town of Davidson and Cornelius streets, with your help we can guarantee it will be an exciting event which will entertain and help our community create new memories and connect with local organizations and businesses safely, at home," organizers said.

Know of other events that should be included? Tell us in the comment section or send an email to kimberly.johnson@patch.com.