The holiday season in Kannapolis will begin with the return of "A Kannapolis Christmas," a series of festive events that attract families from across North Carolina each year. The celebrations will start with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Celebration of Lights at 6 p.m. on November 15, at Village Park, 700 West C Street. The event will feature live musical performances and a fireworks display scheduled for around 6:15 p.m., according to the city's announcement.
Attendees can enjoy a park illuminated by hundreds of thousands of lights, featuring numerous displays and the Winterland Express trains, which highlight the 12 Days of Christmas. The Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express, running through December 30, offers an opportunity to experience holiday festivities with attractions such as the Village Park Double Decker Carousel, decorated with lights, hand-painted Venetian murals, and Brazilian oak details. Santa Claus will also be present after the tree lighting ceremony and will be available throughout the event for complimentary photos, so visitors are encouraged to bring cameras or phones.
The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra will return this year, offering an animatronic musical show for both children and adults. Additionally, the Kannapolis Singing Bears, also known as the Chuckles Quartet, will perform Christmas carols for attendees. Food and beverages will be available at concession stands, and a fire pit will provide guests the opportunity to enjoy s’mores.
Admission to the Celebration of Lights is free. Tickets, which go on sale October 16, are required for the carousel and train rides and are priced at $2 each. The Gem Theatre and the Swanee Theatre will participate in the events, offering first-run movies and holiday concerts, including The Embers Christmas Show on December 20. The annual parade is scheduled for December 13 in downtown Kannapolis and will include floats, sponsors, and entertainment. Participation details, a full event calendar, and ticket information are available on the city’s official Christmas webpage and the Discover Kannapolis website.
