Kannapolis is set to welcome the holiday season with its traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony and Celebration of Lights. As reported by the City's official news, the festivities will begin at 6 p.m. next Saturday at Village Park, located at 700 West C Street. The evening starts with the ceremonial tree lighting, followed by a fireworks show starting around 6:15 p.m.
The Celebration of Lights is a staple of the holiday season in Kannapolis, featuring a multitude of light displays that will run through December 30. A highlight of the event includes the Winterland Express trains, which invite guests to embark on a journey to visually recount the "12 Days of Christmas." Moreover, the Village Park Double Decker Carousel, with its Italian craftsmanship and Venetian murals, will be operational for attendees, and is designed to be accessible for all, including ADA accessibility.
According to the City's announcement, Santa Claus will be making an appearance at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, providing an opportunity for children to visit and take photos at no cost – just remember to bring your own cameras and phones for selfies.
The event will also feature the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra, an animatronic bear ensemble known for its entertaining performances, set to be housed inside the Village Park Multi-Purpose Room. Outside, the Kannapolis Singing Bears, or the Chuckles Quartet, promise to deliver a blend of holiday tunes and playful banter. Food and drink can be enjoyed at the park's concession stand, and guests have the option to make s'mores at the fire pit.
Admission to both Village Park and the light and bear displays is free of charge, although tickets are required for carousel and train rides. Tickets cost $2 each and can be purchased on-site at Village Park, with online reservations available for the Winterland Express from Sunday through Thursday. The Gem Theatre and the Swanee Theatre join in the celebrations, showing first-run movies and hosting holiday concerts throughout the season, with tickets already on sale for performances including the Salisbury Symphony Holiday Concert on December 19 and The Embers Christmas Show on December 20.
