Hickory Christmas Show
December 4–6, 2026 | Hickory Metro Convention Center
Shop 200+ vendors, visit Santa, enjoy live performances, family activities, specialty foods and three days of Christmas fun.
Show Hours
FRIDAY
December 4 – First Pick
9 AM–12 PM
Super Shopper Early Access
Get first access to vendors and shop the best selection. No strollers or wagons during Super Shopper Early Access.
12 PM–6 PM
General Admission
SATURDAY
December 5 – Festive Fun
9 AM–6 PM
Our biggest day for shopping, performances, Santa and Christmas fun.
SUNDAY
December 6 – One More Trip
11 AM–4 PM
Come back for anything you missed — or something you can’t stop thinking about.
FREE ADMISSION AFTER 2 PM
Super Shopper Weekend Pass holders can come all three days.
The Super Shopper Weekend Pass
The Best Way to Experience the Christmas Show
$18 Online
- Admission all three days
- Early access Friday from 9 AM–12 PM
- First pick before general admission begins
- No strollers or wagons during Early Access
- Free Tote Bag
- Come back Friday, Saturday and Sunday
“I almost bought the Single Day Pass, but for just $6 more, the Weekend Pass was a no-brainer. I loved shopping early Friday before it got crowded, and I came back Sunday for a few things I couldn’t stop thinking about!”
— Cathy M
So Much More Than Christmas Shopping
Experience the magic of Hickory Christmas 2026. Beyond our massive curated market, we’ve created a festive winter wonderland bursting with interactive holiday experiences for all ages.
Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus
Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus and take your own holiday photos at no additional charge. Professional photos will also be available for purchase.
Santa's Workshop
Kids can get hands-on with holiday activities, including soap and wood carving, crafts, Letters to Santa and more. Carving provided by Catawba Valley Woodcrafters.
Live Community Performances
Enjoy performances from local dance groups, choirs and other community performers throughout the weekend on the North Pole Stage.
Shop 200+ Vendors
Discover handcrafted gifts, specialty items and unique finds from more than 200 vendors, with plenty to explore throughout the show.
Food, Treats & Drinks
Take a shopping break and enjoy specialty foods, coffee, wine slushies and other festive treats available throughout the show.
North Pole Stage
Enjoy live performances from talented community groups throughout the weekend on the North Pole Stage.
FRIDAY
Performance opportunities are still available for both Friday and Sunday.
Community groups interested in performing can contact us at office@hickoryshows.com
SATURDAY
- 10:00–11:00 — Royal Dance Collective
- 11:15–12:15 — Raise the Barre Dance Academy
- 12:30–1:30 — Carolina Style Chorus
- 1:45–2:45 — Louis Nunnery School of Ballet
- 3:00–3:45 — Miss Carolina Christmas Queens
- 4:00–5:00 — Ann Freeman Dance Academy
SUNDAY
2:00–3:00 — Sims Country Cloggers Dance Studio
Santa & Special Appearances
Santa & Mrs. Claus and a few special Christmas characters will be making appearances throughout the weekend. Check back as we get closer to the show for specific days and times.
Santa & Mrs. Claus
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, share your Christmas wishes and take your own photos. Santa appearances are included with admission, and specific hours will be posted as we get closer to the show.
The Grinch
You never know when the Grinch might show up! Watch for him roaming the show, causing a little Christmas mischief and stopping for photos along the way.
Chick-fil-A Cow
The Chick-fil-A Cow will be joining the Christmas fun, making appearances around the show and posing for photos with guests.
200+ Vendors. Plenty to Discover.
From handcrafted gifts and Christmas décor to jewelry, apparel, specialty foods, home goods and plenty of unexpected finds, more than 200 vendors come together for one big Christmas shopping weekend.
Our new vendor directory is on the way! You’ll be able to browse participating vendors and explore the show by category before you arrive.
Choose Your Market Experience
Get the entire weekend for just $6 more.
SUPER SHOPPER WEEKEND PASS
- Friday admission beginning at 9 AM
- Exclusive Friday 9 AM–12 PM shopping
- Admission all three days
- No strollers or wagons during Friday early shopping
- Free Super Shopper tote bag
- Come back throughout the weekend
- Limited quantity available
SINGLE-DAY ADMISSION
- Admission for one day
- Friday entry begins at 12 PM
- Saturday admission 9 AM–6 PM
- Sunday admission 11 AM–4 PM
- Same-day re-entry allowed
- Children 12 and under free
Ready to Get Your Tickets?
Choose your ticket type below and your mobile-friendly tickets will be delivered after checkout.
| Ticket Type | Price | Qty. | Cart |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Super Shopper Weekend Pass | $18 | |
|
| Single-Day Admission | $12 | |
Good to Know Before You Go
Where is parking located and is there a shuttle?
Parking is completely free at the Hickory Metro Convention Center parking lot AND at Valley Hills Mall. For added convenience, we also offer a complimentary continuous shuttle service operating between Valley Hills Mall and the Convention Center
Do children need tickets to enter?
Are strollers and wagons permitted?
Strollers and wagons are absolutely welcome inside the market at all times except on Friday morning between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This brief window is designated for high crowd density and stroller-free ease of movement.
Am I allowed to leave and re-enter the venue?
Yes, same-day re-entry is fully permitted. Simply visit any ticket booth before you leave to receive a hand stamp, which will allow you to return later that day.
Can I take photos with Santa using my own camera?
Are pets allowed inside the Christmas market?
Is there a free admission day or time?
Are wheelchairs available on-site?
A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available at the main entrance. They are loaned out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Start Your Christmas Season With Us
Three days of shopping, Santa, performances, family activities, food and Christmas fun are waiting for you…