Embark on a cultural adventure this December in Rowan County, where the arts shine brightly amid the holiday festivities. From mesmerizing theater and ballet performances to captivating art exhibitions, the season offers a vibrant tapestry of creativity and inspiration. Discover the richness of Rowan County's artistic scene and make this holiday season one to remember.

 

Waterworks Visual Arts Center Presents: "Never Before Seen...Modern Masterpieces"

Now - August 30, 2025

“Never Before Seen…Modern Masterpieces” will include forty works by twenty-eight leading European modernists, including such greats as Kandinsky, Monet, Picasso, and de Kooning. Spanning more than a century of art history, the exhibition will introduce viewers to several pivotal movements from French Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism.

 

Gingerbread House Workshop at Rowan Museum

December 1, 2024

Join the Rowan Museum on December 1st (Sunday after Thanksgiving) for a sweet holiday tradition! With sessions at 1, 2, and 3 pm, your $40 kit includes everything you need: a ready-made gingerbread house, a bounty of candy and decorations, refreshments, and a chance to snap festive photos with Santa!

 

Piedmont Players Presents: "Miracle on 34th Street"

December 6-15, 2024

Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as the Santa for Macy’s. Kris begins referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for, which Macy’s begins to look negatively at. Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy’s vocational counselor, who plots to have Kris committed to a psychiatric hospital, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing. A court session that will test the children of New York’s faith in Santa Claus. Will Kris be able to prove that he is not an imposter or will this mark the end of the tale of Father Christmas?

 

Lee Street Theatre Presents: "The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon"

December 6-21, 2024

Christmas: a time for magic. A time for the traditions we cherish. A time to watch as many original TV movies as a human being can possibly endure. But now with The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon, you can enjoy the sugar rush of six Christmas movies all at once! Grab a hot chocolate and your favorite wise single friend to find out in this wildly entertaining parody of holiday rom-coms.

 

Chapel Hart - Hartfelt Family Christmas Tour at the Swanee Theatre

December 8, 2024

Chapel Hart has brought a taste of the South to audiences around the world—and everyone is craving more! Made up of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart along with first cousin Trea Swindle, these three southern belles from the state of Mississippi have taken the country music industry by storm. Chapel Hart has entertained crowds from coast to coast and around the globe, and the decision is always unanimous, there’s no experience quite like the Chapel Hart experience!

 

Destiny Stone Music Presents: 12 Songs of Christmas

December 8, 2024

Join 2024 NC Folk Festival Contest Finalist, Destiny Stone, at Catawba College for a night of soulful, Christmas carols and holiday classics! Tickets are $15. Hot chocolate & cookies will be available beginning at 5:30 P.M..

 

The Magical Snow Queen: Creating Magic in Gingerbread Workshop

December 8, 2024

Join the N.C. Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures in a magical journey where sugar, spice, and everything nice come together to create a stunning gingerbread Snow Queen entirely out of gingerbread and edible materials! Let your creativity sparkle and your imagination soar as you delve into the whimsical world of winter wonderlands and fairy tales.

 

Nature Ornaments Workshop with Hurley Park

December 11, 2024

Using natural materials collected from Hurley Park combined with holiday-themed décor participants will have an opportunity to create one-of-a-kind ornaments to take home for display. Bring your creativity and enjoy the start of the holiday season at Hurley Park!

 

The Salisbury Symphony Presents: "Monuments of Despair, Hope, & Faith"

December 13, 2024

Featuring works by master composers, including contributions from a living member of The Salisbury Symphony, this concert provides a rich auditory exploration of human emotions. The selected pieces each stand as a testament to the power of music to articulate deep feelings and transformative experiences, offering listeners a journey through the highs and lows of the human condition.

 

"The Nutcracker Ballet" Presented by The Salisbury Symphony & Piedmont School of Music & Dance

December 14, 2024

Under the skilled direction of the Salisbury Symphony’s Emeritus Conductor, David Hagy, the orchestra's lush melodies will fill the theater, intertwining with the graceful movements of the talented dancers from Piedmont Dance Theater. From the first delicate notes of Tchaikovsky's iconic score, the stage comes alive with a whirlwind of color, music, and emotion.

 

Scrooge's Christmas Trolley Tour

December 18 - 23, 2024

This annual holiday favorite returns to Lee Street theatre the winter of 2024!  Hop on the the Trolley and be whisked back in time as we perform the Dicken's classic, all while touring the city!

 

The Embers featuring Craig Woolard at the Swanee Theatre

December 21, 2024

It’s a very Ember Christmas! The Embers boast numerous albums and single releases that span decades and all the crazes continuing to exhibit top quality showmanship, musicianship and professionalism. Having been inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, The Embers are honored to carry the moniker of North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music.

 

As December draws to a close, the arts in Rowan County leave a lasting impression, enriching the holiday season with creativity and inspiration. From the stage to the gallery, each event showcases the immense talent and cultural vibrancy of our community. We hope this guide has encouraged you to embrace the magic of the arts this season and discover the unique experiences Rowan County has to offer. Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with beauty, wonder, and creativity!

 

Looking for more events? Check out our December in Rowan County blog post and event calendar.

 

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