Celebrate Christmas in July in Cabarrus County

Rumor has it that the first “Christmas in July” event occurred right here in North Carolina. In 1933, a summer camp in Brevard brought out Santa Claus, some fake snow, a lit-up tree and plenty of gifts to celebrate Christmas — six months early. At that moment, a popular tradition took off.

To mark the occasion, Cabarrus County visitors and locals can get in on the Christmas spirit early and get a head start on the gift-giving season. Here are five gift ideas to help make holiday shopping a breeze. ‘Tis the season!

Locally Made Treasures Make One-of-a-Kind Gifts

This year, Downtown Concord is inviting everyone to support local and feel festive during their Christmas in July celebration on Saturday, July 13. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the festivities throughout the day will include live entertainment, story time and letters to Santa, tasty treats, Christmas karaoke, and more.

Along with these happenings, several downtown merchants including Goldberry Books, Market 94, Cabo Winery, and others will spread holiday cheer by offering special promotions. Find the perfect presents inside the area’s small businesses and check off your list with locally made wares, from holiday must-haves like mulled wine and ornaments to great gift ideas such as jewelry and a good book.

Unique, handcrafted treasures from local artisans are the ideal gift for that special someone. With plenty of local boutiques and specialty stores to shop across Cabarrus, you might end up finding something for yourself, too.

Surprise Thrills for Adrenaline Seekers

There’s no question that racing fans will appreciate gear and attire featuring NASCAR, monster trucks and the National Hot Rod Association, all available at the gift shop inside Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord. Better yet, include the gift of somewhere to wear their new swag: tickets to a race. You can purchase these, as well as tickets for speedway driving experiences, online.

For those who prefer flight, consider gifting a visit to iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Here, flyers of all ages can feel the adrenaline rush of skydiving without jumping from a plane. After guests complete an instructor-led training session, they’ll step into a wind tunnel for a “free-fall” experience indoors.

For Craft Beverage Connoisseurs

Curate the perfect craft beverage gift pack with a variety of locally made sips. Spots like Local Bottle Shop and Vortex Bottle Shop have an assortment of cans and bottles for the beer or wine lover on your list while Tipsy Hare is the perfect stop for craft cider and Southern Grace offers small-batch bourbon in their gift shop.

At Rocky River Vineyards in Midland, pick up a gourmet bottle of wine for the gastronomist in your life. The award-winning winery offers a selection of whites and reds, from a bold Cabernet Sauvignon to honey-sweet muscadine wine. The on-site shop also sells crafts made by local artists. And even though you’re shopping for loved ones, you should definitely treat yourself to a tasting flight at the picturesque 45-acre property and enjoy the live music that Rocky River hosts every weekend in July (and beyond).

Each of these, and several more, are stops along Cabarrus County’s craft beverage trail, Explore & Pour. After giving the gift of locally made beer, wine, cider or spirits, plan an outing together to check out even more of Cabarrus County’s craft beverage offerings.

Unforgettable Experiences for Kids

Sure, the little ones love new toys, but consider giving them the gift of an experience they’ll never forget. At Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, kiddos will find an indoor watery playground packed with aquatic fun: an agility course, a four-story treehouse, water slide racing, tube rides and river runs. And there’s even more to experience throughout the resort, from mini bowling and arcade games to an interactive adventure, outdoor ropes course and beyond.

More memorable moments await at SEA LIFE Aquarium, which offers a mesmerizing peek at 5,000 marine animals such as sea turtles, seahorses, rays and tropical sharks. The best part: The aquarium is located at Concord Mills, a retail outlet with more than 200 stores perfect for continuing your holiday gift hunt.

Gifts for Music Aficionados

Give the gift of a trip to the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in Kannapolis for friends and family who love everything music-related. (Bonus: Admission is free!) The impressive collection honors the state’s musical history, showcasing the best of every genre of music through interactive exhibits. You can see tributes to North Carolina artists such as James Taylor, John Coltrane, Randy Travis and Roberta Flack. Plus, you can browse memorabilia from legendary musicians and learn about the Hall of Fame inductees, which include Thelonius Monk, The Avett Brothers and Tori Amos, to name a few. 

Make even more music memories by gifting dinner and tickets to a performance at a unique venue in Cabarrus County’s downtown districts. The Swanee Theatre in Downtown Kannapolis, and the Davis Theatre or Kodiak Cocktail Bar & Music Lounge in Downtown Concord offer a full slate of live musical acts and are surrounded by local places to dine.

Shop & Play

There’s no shortage of places to shop across the destination and no matter the time of year — December or July, October or April — there’s always fun to be found in Cabarrus County. Browse the Events listings to see the area’s abundant year-round offerings.