An Albemarle Downtown Christmas is right around the corner.

This Friday evening, we will ring in the holiday season with a family fun event that I hope everyone will enjoy. We have a lot of activities planned that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Please don’t forget to shop, dine and support our local businesses that are staying open late just for you.

Visit our ADDC welcome center, located at the corner of Courthouse Square, and grab a free shopping tote to carry your purchases while you shop our stores. Our local businesses carry unique items that make great gifts that you can’t find at the big box stores.

We’ll also have Tour of Homes tickets for sale, with a free vintage Downtown Albemarle Christmas ornament with purchase.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made this event possible. The staff of Albemarle Parks and Recreation, Public Works and police and fire departments work together in conjunction with the ADDC staff and volunteers to ensure a fun and safe event.

Our sponsors’ generous donations helped cover event costs so that we could bring special attractions for the community’s enjoyment.

I invite everyone to join us downtown on Friday evening to be a part of the excitement that the holiday season brings.

Festively yours,
Joy Almond
Main Street Manager,
Albemarle Downtown
Development Corporation,
City of Albemarle

Schedule of Events

Tree Lighting

We will officially kick off the holiday season with the ceremonial tree lighting in front of Albemarle City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Live music will follow on North 2nd Street throughout featuring the Stanly County Concert Brass, Miss Stanly County 2019 Lauren Egan with Stanly County Outstanding Teen 2019 Cassidy Stoltenberg and the Carolina Princesses, and the Singing N Style singing group.

Welcome Center

Visit the Downtown Christmas Welcome Center at Courthouse Square Park on the corner of 2nd and Main streets for a free shopping tote, directions to shops and restaurants and more information on event attractions.

Stroll & Shop

Downtown Albemarle is the perfect place to start your holiday shopping. Visit participating retailers for gifts that are sure to please.

ACTIVITIES

Live Nativity

Celebrate the reason for the season with a live nativity scene at First Baptist Church of Albemarle at 202 N. 2nd St.

Santa at the Square

Our guest of honor will be located at Courthouse Square Park, under the colonnade. Kids will receive a free candy cane with their visit, courtesy of Norwood Head Start, and photos are welcomed.

Horse and Carriage Rides

Enjoy the ambiance of beautifully lit downtown Albemarle in a horse-drawn carriage. Carriage route stops are located in front of the Stanly County Courthouse on 201 S. 2nd St. and Melissa Kathleen’s School of Dance at 151 N. 1st St., between the Donut Dinette and The Gathering.

Live Ice Sculpture Demo

The ice sculpture demo will happen throughout the evening at the intersection of Second and Main streets.

Thom Crumpton Acoustic Show

Thom Crumptom will play throughout the evening at the Windstream Food Corner, located in the lot at First and Main streets.

Kids Workshop at the Stanly County Library

Kids can create their own holiday themed crafts throughout the evening at the Stanly County Library, brought to you by Albemarle Parks and Recreation and Stanly County Partnership for Children.

Also, the United Way of Stanly County will host Letters to Santa for children to write their wish lists for Christmas gifts as well as for their wishes for the community.

Face Painting

Face painting artists will be stationed in front of the Alameda Theater on N. 2nd St. and the Uwharrie Conference Center at 152 W. Main St.

Bounce House

Kids can jump into holiday fun with a bounce house, located across from Will’s Place at 132 S. 2nd St.

History Center Happenings

The Stanly County History Center, at 157 N. 2nd St., will be open to visitors, and will host a special activity for kids. The Snuggs House at 112 N. 3rd St. will be open for an old fashioned Christmas, complete with cider and cookies.

Christmas Movies

Albemarle Parks & Rec will show “Merry Madagascar” outdoors next to Albemarle City Hall at 144 N. 2nd St. Stanly County Public Library at 133 E. Main St. will show “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” upstairs throughout the evening.

The Gathering at 175 N. 1st St. will open its lobby to visitors, and will show “The Polar Express.”

Food/Dining Options

Hungry?

Visit our fine downtown restaurants, or dine in the Windstream Food Truck Corner at First and West Main streets.

Enjoy food from What-a-Burger #13, Wraps Around the World and beverages from Cabarrus Brewing Company, as well as live music by acoustic artist Thom Crumpton.

GIVE BACK APD/AFD

Bake Sale

Support the City of Albemarle Police and Fire Departments by purchasing a delicious treat at their annual bake sale, located in the tent beside of Courthouse Square.

All proceeds from the bake sale will be used to take children shopping at Christmas.

Boy Scouts Food Sales Warm up with a hearty bowl of chili at the Goody Shop at 241 W. Main St., made and sold by Boy Scout Troop 82.

Troop 191 will sell barbecue sandwiches with sides and hot cocoa in front of La T Dah Boutique at 102 S. 2nd St. They will also sell paracord bracelets across the street, in front of Brown, Brown and Brown.

Food Drive for SCCM

Stanly Community Christian Ministry’s mobile unit will be parked at the corner of South 2nd and Main to accept donations of canned and non-perishable food.

— Joy Almond