December 18, 2023
Make your shopping a fun part of the holiday festivities!
We’ve created a list of festive shopping experiences that allow you to explore Cabarrus County — from its little specialty stores and trendy boutiques to huge outlet and antique malls — to find thoughtful, local gifts for everyone on your list. And, along the way, you’ll turn shopping from an item on your to-do list to part of the holiday fun.
Gifts for the Host or Hostess
Gourmet Goods & One-of-a-Kind Gifts
Down South on Main, Mt. Pleasant
If your host enjoys prettying up their home or their garden, you’ll find the perfect seasonal gift here. This locally owned store offers décor and gift items including furniture and accessories with farmhouse chic flair.
Wine is another go-to holiday hostess gift and you won’t have to drive far to find the best around. Stop by Rocky River Vineyards in Midland to pick up a bottle of Frosty Moscato, Rudolph Red, Blitzen Merlot or Blackberry Christmas. Stop for the gifts, stay for the view! This scenic vineyard is the perfect spot for a picnic.
Head to Vortex Bottle Shop in Harrisburg and savor something delicious yourself. Enjoy an afternoon snack from the charcuterie-style menu or sip a refreshing beverage from the extensive craft beer and wine list. Or escape the holiday rush at one of Harrisburg’s laidback small-batch breweries, Percent Tap House or Pharr Mill Brewing.
Gifts for Kids
Where Kids Make the Rules
Great Wolf Lodge, Concord
At Great Wolf Lodge, kids can hit water slides, play mini-golf and explore a ropes course — even in the middle of winter. It’s a resort that caters to its most important guests: the little ones. Come by to find a gift card or book a trip for your favorite kiddos.
Give the gift of family fun from Great Wolf and beyond! Experiences make awesome presents and Cabarrus County has options for kids of all ages. In addition to a stay at the resort, passes to SEA LIFE Aquarium, races on the all-electric, indoor go-karts at K1 Speed and flights at iFLY Indoor Skydiving all make wonderful holiday gifts for the kids on your list.
The Real Candyland
James Sweet Spot, Kannapolis
No matter what kind of sweet tooth kids have — whether they’re chocolate lovers or a sucker for a sucker — this old-time candy shop has plenty to fill their stockings. Plus, there’s an entire room filled with jigsaw puzzles that will keep your group entertained (and your dining room table occupied) throughout the holidays.
Board games are a great pastime during the holiday season, and you’ll find hours and hours of board game fun at both Buzz City Games and Luck Factory Games. Choose from over a thousand titles and play the day away at these spots or bring a few home to enjoy any time you’ve got guests in town.
Gifts for Sports Lovers
Countdown to Opening Day
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers – Atrium Health Ballpark, Kannapolis
Opening day is, alas, months away. But you can make sure the baseball fans in your life are ready with a hat, t-shirt or even tickets to a home game from their favorite minor-league team. Shop inside Atrium Health Ballpark at Cannon City Supply Co. on the first-base concourse for merchandise with the coolest logo in baseball.
When grabbing gifts, enjoy the festive atmosphere! Cabarrus County’s downtown districts — including the revitalized city center of Kannapolis, Historic Downtown Concord and Mt. Pleasant — offer trendy clothing boutiques, independent bookstores, local restaurants, breweries, specialty shops, theaters and holiday lights.
Racing Pride
Charlotte Motor Speedway Gift Shop, Concord
At the gift shop on the second floor of Charlotte Motor Speedway, you’ll find clothing, flags and other gear featuring the tracks and races from NASCAR, the National Hot Rod Association and even Monster Trucks. You can also purchase the ultimate gift for race fans here — tickets to an event! And, of course, don’t forget about coming back for Speedway Christmas with the whole family.
Another great gift for race fans? A replica of their favorite driver’s ride from Lionel Racing, the official die-cast of NASCAR! Find it at the Lionel Retail Store in Concord Mills, the only store directly owned by the 118-year-old train maker, Lionel LLC, and browse the vast selection of model trains and accessories to bring home a bit of nostalgia.
Gifts for Everyone on Your List
One and Done
Concord Mills, Concord
If you only have time for one stop, this is the one. As the largest outlet and value retail shopping center in the state, this will give you access to more than 200 shops, from the LEGO Brand Retail Store to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and the Michael Kors outlet. When you’re done, treat yourself to some fun: The mall has a movie theater, aquarium and Dave & Buster’s.
Just around the corner from Concord Mills, the Cabarrus County Visitor Center has a wide selection of area-branded souvenirs, local handmade goods and attraction tickets available for purchase. Plus, you can find all the inspiration and information you need to entertain friends and family who are visiting for the holidays.
Vintage Finds
White Owl Antique Mall, Mt. Pleasant
With more than 500 vendors, this is one of the largest antique malls in the South. Find a retro Pyrex dish for your favorite chef, a classic album for the music lover in your life or a 1980s action figure for the kids who refuse to grow up. With so much to choose from, you’ll spot one-of-a-kind gifts for even the pickiest people.
Antique treasure troves like White Owl are also among the best spots in Cabarrus County to find festive holiday decor! Adorn your home with an antique sleigh or set of vintage ice skates or create your own Christmas masterpiece. DIY everything from stocking hangers to chunky knit blankets during classes at AR Workshop.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Even beyond the holiday season, shopping in Cabarrus County is always an experience. Check out our Shopping page for a look at all the shopportunities that await and start planning your next shopping spree!
