Bring the whole family downtown for the Holiday Shop & Stroll where we bring the feeling of an old-fashioned, small town Christmas season to the streets of Downtown, while adding a dash of excitement and a sprinkle of magic! Enjoy a fun evening of merchant open houses, take a festive trolley ride, stroll the sidewalks, and enjoy the sparkle of holiday lights.
Friday, December 1, 2023!
All aboard the Holly Jolly Trolley sponsored by Griffin Insurance! Downtown Statesville Development Corporation is excited to introduce this new attraction to the 2023 Holiday Shop and Stroll! Immerse yourself in the spirit of the holidays on an old-fashioned festive trolley ride through Downtown Statesville. Be entertained with magical holiday fun as you and your family see the beautifully decorated streets of Downtown Statesville aboard the festive Holly Jolly Trolley!
On December 1nd, 8th, and 15th, the trolley will embark from The Holly Jolly Depot located on Court Street beside the Christmas tree every 20 minutes. There will stops at The Historic Sharpe House where you can visit Santa and tour the beautifully decorated grounds of the Pasture House and Park, and the Holiday Selfie Station at the corner of W. Broad and Meeting Street. The brilliant theater troupe from Center Stage Alliance will be aboard the trolley to entertain you with holiday carols and Christmas stories. Each ride promises to be full of music, laughter and holiday cheer!
Trolley rides are free and will be offered from 6-8pm during each of the Friday night Shop & Strolls in December. You can hop on or off the trolley at any of the stops. Seats are limited and are on a first come, first served basis.
Special thanks to our 2023 Sponsor Griffin Insurance!
Friday, December 1 6p-8p
This event is sponsored by The Sharpe House Historic Players. Take a tour of one of the architectural gems of Statesville decorated beautifully for the season! Learn about its history and reconstruction and enjoy visits from ghosts of its past. Tours presented by The Sharpe House Historic Players who are also the guides for the Haunted Statesville Ghost Tours that occur January through October.
Little Blue Choo
Thursday, Nov. 30 & Friday, Dec 1
Train enthusiasts of all ages will love a ride on the Little Blue Choo, provided by the Statesville Civic Center. Adults and children alike are welcome to take a FREE ride in the Griffin Insurance parking lot located at 139 East Broad St. from 5:30pm – 8:30pm!
Friday, December 1 6:30p-7:30p
The Nativity Story will be presented live outside the front of First ARP Church, located at 123 East Broad Street, with presentations at 6:00-6:30 pm and 7:00-7:30 pm. Special music will be provided prior to and between performances by the First ARP Choir and Organist. They will provide cookies and hot chocolate. In the event of bad weather, the presentations will take place in the sanctuary.
Friday, December 1, 8, & 15
R. Gregory Jewelers will be hosting carriage rides in front of their store each Friday in December until Christmas with donations accepted for Purple Heart Homes.
Friday, December 1, 8, & 15 6p-8:30p
Visit the home of Statesville’s first mayor beautifully decorated for the Holidays. Take a stroll down to the The Sharpe House Historic Players’ Pasture Stage and Park to see the festive light display. Enjoy baked goods, hot chocolate, and apple cider, and visit with Santa from 6-8pm on December 9 and 16.
Friday, December 1 6p-8:30p
Warm up by the fire, roast a marshmallow, and enjoy a warm gooey S’more. Statesville Fire Department will be there to make sure everyone safely enjoys the evening! The S’mores Station will be located next to Sub Express. S’more kits will be sold for $1 each.
