This December, events are warming up and seasonal cheer is abundant - the perfect medicine to counteract this cool weather blowing in. Stay warm and start this season out right with some of the many events happening here in Rowan County. From a German Christmas Marketplace to a village Christmas experience, a winter solstice celebration to a holiday bar crawl - no matter what type of event you're looking for, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this time of year with friends and family in Rowan County.
Celebration of Lights & the Winterland Express
Now - December 30, 2022
Grab the family and experience the Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express at Village Park in Kannapolis, N.C. now through December 30. Catch the beautiful lights and displays in celebration of the holiday season and enjoy area choirs and school groups on select evenings (December 6-8 & 13-15) between 6 P.M. & 8 P.M.. Bring your wish list for your visit with Santa where you can take a photo to capture the incredible moment, enjoy making holiday crafts, yummy smores around the fire pit and so much more.
Winterfest - A German Christmas Marketplace
December 2, 3, 9 & 10, 2022
Soak up the sights and sounds of the holidays as you meander through the market of sparkling lights, trees and merry music in Spencer. N.C.. Wooden huts and market tents will be filled with holiday gifts, crafts and festive food. Watch with wonder at the lighting of the town tree or join in the skating at Spencer on Ice. Come back again, and again, for other festivities in the beautiful Christmas Marketplace!
Historic Gold Hill Christmas in the Village
December 2 - 4, 2022
Make Historic Gold Hill your holiday destination by visiting Santa and the Historic Gold Hill merchants Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 4. In the Village, you can step back in time and enjoy the season in a lovely, relaxed, quaint setting surrounded by unique specialty shops and Flynn's Village Grill. Merchants will offer complimentary light refreshments in their shops and there will also be hayrides, marshmallow roasting, live music and free photo ops with Santa.
Holly Jolly Farm Days at Patterson Farm
December 3 & 10, 2022
Nothing says "happy holidays" more than festive Saturdays on the farm. Come get your kicks of the holiday season with tons of spectacular fun at Patterson's Holly Jolly Farm Days. From photo ops with Santa & Mrs. Claus, photo ops with the Grinch, snow at the barnyard, holiday themed crafts and stories told in the Barn Theater, holidays really do start right here at Patterson. Visit the farm this December 3 and 10, and start off this holiday season the fun, farm way.
Gingerbread House Workshop at the Rowan Museum
December 4, 2022
Reservations are now being taken for the Gingerbread Workshop on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at the Rowan Museum. Admission includes a put-together house, a wide variety of candy, cereal and other items to decorate, refreshments, and photo opportunities with Santa. Pickup kits are also available if you can't make it to the event!
Christmas at the Hall House
December 4, 2022
Experience the Dr. Josephus Hall House in true Christmas fashion as designers deck the halls and adorn the exteriors with holiday decorations. While you're there, you'll get the chance to meet the designers, tour each room, enjoy refreshments and take photos by the Hall House Christmas Tree.
Trees of Hope at the Cannon Ballers' Stadium
December 9 - 11, 2022
Trees of Hope is back at Atrium Health Ballpark for the third year in a row! During this three-day event, bring your family to enjoy a beautifully decorated Atrium Health Ballpark while viewing dozens of Christmas trees decorated by families, businesses, and community organizations. Each tree represents a different charitable organization in our community and through the joy of giving attendees of the event can make a contribution to their favorite trees.
Photos & Firetrucks with Santa & the Grinch
December 10, 2022
Spend the day downtown gathering at Bell Tower Green for photos with Santa and the Grinch from 10 A.M. – 1P.M. Forget the sleigh, antique firetrucks are the only way to travel on this day! Enjoy FREE rides on antique firetrucks with Santa and the Grinch from 1:30 P.M. to 4 P.M.. There will be live music, crafts, hot cocoa and entertainment!
Kannapolis Christmas Parade
December 10, 2022
This year, the Kannapolis Christmas Parade will be held at 6 P.M., on Saturday, December 10 in Downtown Kannapolis. Thousands of lights will decorate the parade entries which makes it one of the holiday’s most special nighttime events in the state and a great holiday tradition for you and your family to enjoy.
Downtown Salisbury's Holiday Cheers' Bar Crawl
December 17, 2022
This year, bars and restaurants of Downtown Salisbury, N.C. will be hosting the first ever annual Holiday Cheers' Bar Crawl. Downtown Salisbury Social District is home to many various unique bars and restaurants, all within a few blocks of walking distance from one another. The crawl will kick off at 4 P.M. and continue until 10 P.M..
Christmas in the Grove
December 17, 2022
Celebrate the Christmas season with the annual Christmas in the Grove tradition in Downtown China Grove. See Santa Claus ride in on a firetruck, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and enjoy tons of exciting holiday activities when you visit China Grove this holiday season!
Winter Solstice Celebration & Parade
December 21, 2022
Winter Solstice has been celebrated around the world for thousands of years and occurs on the shortest day and longest night. The community is invited to join Waterworks as they light up the night with their parade from Waterworks up Main Street to the Bell Tower Green on Wednesday, December 21, 5 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Refreshments & entertainment will also be available for your enjoyment at the Bell Tower Green
New Year's Eve at the Bell Tower Green
December 31, 2022
Goodbye 2022, hello 2023! Join us at the Bell Tower Green for New Year's Eve at the Bell Tower. Enjoy live entertainment from Salisbury's own Live House Band as well as games, food trucks, New Sarum beer and sparkling cider for your midnight toast as we count down to 2023 with New York's Times Square. All who wish will be able to ring the bell at midnight.
Discover all the events waiting for you when you #VisitRowanCountyNC on our event calendar.