Santa posed on Engine No. 2 just before the festival’s start Thursday. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Santa Claus climbed onto the old Davidson Engine No. 2, the siren sounded, and Thursday just before 6pm they headed to the Village Green to kick off the 25th annual Christmas in Davidson. Thousands of people from Davidson, surrounding towns, Charlotte and beyond strolled along Main and South Main streets taking in the sights and sounds of the season.

More photos by DavidsonNews.net’s Brenda Barger and David Boraks below. Read the full story

Rotary trees were decorated and awaiting votes on the Village Green Thursday. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

For a second year, visitors Christmas in Davidson will have an important role to play in a fundraiser organized by Davidson Rotary Club: We’re being asked to pick our favorites from among more than a dozen trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. The trees are decorated and waiting on the north side of the Village Green, and votes will be taken nightly during the downtown holiday festival Thursday to Saturday. Read the full story

Holiday theatrical productions and downtown festivals in Davidson, Cornelius, Mooresville and Kannapolis are on the schedule this weekend, along with plenty of live music and other entertainment. Plan your weekend with our Weekend Calendar in THE GUIDE»

Thousands packed Main Street during the 2011 Christmas in Davidson. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Christmas in Davidson started out 25 years ago as an extra night of shopping at Main Street businesses, but it’s always been something much more for local merchants and residents.

Even that first year, despite its origins as a shopping promotion, there was a sense of community, recalls Elaine McArn, owner of the Needlecraft Center on North Main Street. “It was low-key, but even then it had a really good feel to it,” she said. Read the full story

Santa rode toward the railroad overpass on NC 115 on a Davidson Day School float in the 2011 parade. (CorneliusNews.net file photo)

The 30th Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade kicks off at 1 o’clock this Saturday, Dec. 1, running along N.C. 115/Main Street from downtown Davidson to downtown Cornelius. That means the road will be closed in the two towns through mid-afternoon. Meanwhile, this weekend’s Christmas in Davidson festival will close the main section of Main Street nightly Thursday to Saturday. Read the full story

The 25th anniversary edition of Christmas in Davidson is scheduled Nov. 29-Dec. 1 along Main and South Main streets and the Village Green, with carriage rides, food, music and a South Main Square skating rink. Registration is open for two events within the three-day festival: the annual Doggie Fashion Show and the Ugly Sweater Contest. Find out more in THE GUIDE»

Davidson’s Town Board will continue its discussion of a five-year capital projects budget at its monthly work session Tuesday, Nov. 27. The meeting begins at 6pm, at Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. Also next week: Meetings of the Planning and Design Review boards. Read the full story

North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club will host its December dinner meeting, a “Red, White and Green” fundraiser for Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson, on Tuesday, Dec. 4, in Huntersville. The meeting begins at 5:30pm at Northstone Country Club. Items donated by members will be auctioned. Read the full story