Kannapolis is gearing up for its holiday season, with the city announcing that its Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express train will return to Village Park daily from November 13 through December 30. Admission to the park and viewing of the lights will be free, while the carousel and train rides require tickets.
The city made the announcement in a post from the City of Kannapolis - Community News Facebook page, captioned “It's the most wonderful time of the year!” According to the post, Village Park will be open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays throughout the run of the display. The same post notes the park will close on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Tree Lighting Kicks Off the Season
The festivities officially begin Friday, November 13, with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Celebration of Lights at 6:30 p.m., according to the City of Kannapolis. Village Park sits at 700 West C Street in Kannapolis, per the city's Celebration of Lights FAQ.
Tickets for the Winterland Express train go on sale Wednesday at 9 a.m., with each ride costing $2.50, the city's Facebook post states. Riders have the option to reserve a spot Sunday through Thursday, but Friday and Saturday night rides are strictly first come, first served, with no reservations available — tickets for those nights must be purchased onsite at Village Park.
Where to Find Tickets and Event Details
Full ticket information and event details for both the Winterland Express and the broader Celebration of Lights are posted at kannapolisnc.gov/christmas, the same source notes. The carousel also requires tickets, which can be purchased onsite on the day of attendance, while tickets for the tree lighting ceremony itself are available onsite at Village Park on a first-come basis.
