Christmas in the City is on Sunday, December 3 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Rotary Pavilion and downtown Gastonia. The event features the City of Gastonia marketplace, Keep Gastonia Beautiful tree lighting, and the Gaston County Jaycees Christmas parade.
The City of Gastonia Arts Committee is hosting a Christmas tree decorating contest. On Sunday, December 3, beginning at 12:00 pm, approved organizations may begin decorating their tree, set up near the pavilion. The application is open to businesses and non-profits in Gastonia (must have a Gastonia address.)
If your application is approved, you will receive a tree stand with one five to six foot tall Christmas tree. There will be power access to plug lights in. You will need to provide lights and your best creative theme/decorations. The theme must be relevant to your business or non-profit, or be decorated in a seasonal holiday theme. Please be creative and think outside the box!
During the event, voting will take place until 6:30 pm for the best decorated tree. The winner will be announced at the tree lighting ceremony. Prizes are to be determined and will be announced in the next few weeks.
All approved applicants will be notified by October 30 at the latest and will be sent a contract following the notification regarding a release of the City of Gastonia's liability. This form must be signed no later than Sunday, November 12.
After the event, organizations are welcome to take their tree and decorations with them, just take their decorations, or leave the decorations and tree. If your organization plans to leave the tree, please let the event organizer know as soon as possible, as the trees will be donated to families or other local organizations.
All tree stands must be returned and dropped off to the Parks and Recreation office at 109 W. Second Ave. by January 31, 2024.
The application is open from Thursday, August 31 through Sunday, October 15. The application is open on a first come, first approved basis. Once all spots are filled, the application is closed.
If you have any questions, please email Christine Ingle at christine.ingle@gastonianc.gov.
