The City of Gastonia will be a festive place for this year’s Christmas celebration. The annual Christmas in the City parade, marketplace, and tree lighting ceremony are scheduled for Sunday, December 1st.

The Christmas Marketplace will feature craft and business vendors, and food trucks will sell meals and treats. Some of the free activities at the Marketplace will include face painting, winter themed inflatables, a trackless train, letters to Santa and coloring booth, carolers, and a stilt walking elf.