November 25, 2025
There’s nothing like walking into a shop to be greeted by a warm welcome, the scent of cinnamon, holiday music, and bright displays — and walking out with bags of fabulous finds for your favorite people.
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, turn your shopping into part of the holiday fun!
Holiday Markets & Christmas Vendor Fairs
Downtown Concord’s Small Business Saturday Holiday Trail is a chance to support local while experiencing the charm of Historic Concord. On November 29 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., spend your Saturday tracking down unique gifts from local retailers and soaking in the spirit. Shop over 100 vendors lining the sidewalks. Kids can take photos with Santa and write letters to the North Pole. Plus, two trolleys will transport guests to three different stops filled with even more local shopping.
Check out the map and additional details here.
The same weekend on November 29 and 30, stop by Cabarrus Arena & Events Center for the 4th Annual Christmas Extravaganza. Hosted by Sunny Days Markets, this event offers 175 vendors, a mimosa and coffee bar, and so much more.
Looking for even more unique gifts to give this season? ClearWater Arts Center & Studios will hold their annual Holiday Market on Decemeber 6, and Downtown Kannapolis will bring together local retailers on December 13 during Merry Mingle before the City’s Christmas Parade that evening.
When grabbing gifts in any downtown area, take time to enjoy the festive atmosphere! Cabarrus County’s downtown districts — including the revitalized city center of Kannapolis, historic downtown Concord and Mount Pleasant — offer trendy clothing boutiques, independent bookstores, local restaurants, breweries, specialty shops, theaters, and holiday lights.
Gifts for the Host or Hostess: Gourmet Goods & One-of-a-Kind Gifts
If your host enjoys prettying up their home or their garden, you’ll find the perfect seasonal gift at Down South on Main in Downtown Mount Pleasant. 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.
Escape the holiday rush at Harrisburg’s laidback small-batch brewery, Percent Tap House, or head to Vortex Bottle Shop to savor an afternoon snack from the charcuterie-style menu and sip a refreshing beverage from the extensive craft beer and wine list.
Gifts for Kids: Where Kids Make the Rules
At Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, 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
No matter what kind of sweet tooth kids have — whether they’re chocolate lovers or a sucker for a sucker — James Sweet Spot in Kannapolis is an old-time candy shop with 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.
Racing Pride
At the gift shop on the second floor of Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, 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, one of only two stores directly owned by the 125-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
If you only have time for one stop, Concord Mills includes a variety of shopping options under one roof. As the largest outlet and value retail shopping center in the state, this will give you access to more than 200 shops, from designer outlets to small businesses, including the LEGO 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, including new checkered flag ornaments, a must for any race fan’s holiday tree. Stop in Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to take advantage of the Visitor Center’s Santa’s Perfect Pit Stop sale with 40% off through December 31, while supplies last!
Plus, find all the inspiration and information you need to entertain friends and family who are visiting for the holidays.
Vintage Finds
With more than 500 vendors, White Owl Antiques & Collectibles in Mount Pleasant 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!
