The holiday season is here, and Rowan County, North Carolina, is ready to welcome you with open arms and festive cheer. From glittering light displays to unique holiday experiences, our county offers the perfect backdrop for creating magical memories with family and friends. This year, immerse yourself in the warmth of our community and explore all the joy that the holidays bring.

Christmas Festivals & Holiday Family Events

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Rowan County transforms into a holiday wonderland, full of exciting family events and enchanting Christmas festivals. Make the season extra special by experiencing everything from train rides on The Polar Express to festive farm days at Patterson Farm and holiday markets like Winterfest in Spencer, N.C.. Here are the must-see celebrations that will fill your heart with holiday spirit.

 

Polar Express Elves

 

The Polar Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum

November 8 - December 23, 2024

November 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-30, December 1, 6-8, 12-23

 

Celebration of Lights & the Winterland Express in Kannapolis, N.C.

November 16 - December 30, 2024

Sundays - Thursdays: 6 P.M. - 9 P.M.; Fridays & Saturdays 6 P.M. - 10 P.M. 

(closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

 

Winter Barn & Playground at Patterson Farm

November 25 - December 21, 2024

Mondays– Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

Holiday Night Out in Downtown Salisbury

November 29, 2024

5-9 P.M.

 

Holly Jolly Farm Days at Patterson Farm

November 29, 30, December 1, 7 & 8, 2024

Friday & Saturday 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.; Sunday 1-5 P.M.

 

Faith Frosty Fest

November 30, 2024

Noon - 8 P.M.

 

Winterfest at the Cherry Treesort

December 1, 2024

1 P.M. - 5 P.M.

 

Christmas at the Lake at Granite Lake Park

December 2, 2024

3 P.M. - 7 P.M.

 

Winterfest - A German Christmas Marketplace in Spencer, N.C.

December 6, 7 & 8, 2024

Friday 5-9 P.M.; Saturday 2-9 P.M.; Sunday 2-6 P.M.

 

Photos & Firetrucks with Santa & the Grinch in Downtown Salisbury

December 7, 2024

10 A.M. - 4 P.M.

 

Christmas at the Lake at Granite Lake Park

December 7, 2024

2-7 P.M.

 

Donuts with Santa at Nazareth Child & Family Connection

December 7, 2024

9-11 A.M.

 

Campfire Christmas by the Lake at Lake Corriher Wilderness Park

December 14, 2024

4 P.M. - 7 P.M.

 

Christmas in the Grove

December 14, 2024

5 P.M. - 8 P.M.

 

Holiday Tea with Mrs. Claus at the N.C. Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures

December 14, 2024

10 A.M. - Noon

 

Parades & Tree Lightings

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Celebrate the magic of the holiday season by attending one of Rowan County’s spectacular parades and tree lighting ceremonies. As our towns come alive with lights, music, and festive floats, you’ll feel the true sense of holiday wonder. Don’t miss these dazzling events that bring our community together for unforgettable holiday moments.

 

Christmas Parade drummer

Photo by the City of Kannapolis

 

Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 16, 2024

6 P.M.

 

Southern Rowan Christmas Parade

November 26, 2024

3 P.M.

 

Landis Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 26, 2024

4 P.M.

 

China Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 26, 2024

7 P.M.

 

'Tis the Season Spectacular Parade & Celebration

November 27, 2024

3 P.M.

 

Spencer's Holiday Caravan Parade

November 27, 2024

6:30 P.M.

 

The Town of Cleveland's Christmas Tree Lighting Event

December 6, 2024

6 P.M.

 

Town of Cleveland Christmas Parade

December 7, 2024

2 P.M.

 

Kannapolis Christmas Parade

December 14, 2024

6 P.M.

 

Historic Christmas Events

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Step into the past and experience the holidays with a touch of history in Rowan County. Our historic Christmas events bring classic holiday traditions to life, from Victorian-themed festivities in Gold Hill to tours and other holiday events at the Hall House Museum. Take a step back in time and make the season memorable with these charming celebrations.

 

Carolers performing outside in front of store

 

Historic Gold Hill Christmas in the Village

December 6, 7, 8, 14 & 21, 2024

 

Christmas at the Hall House: Open House

December 4, 2024

6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

 

Christmas at the Hall House: Holiday Tea

December 14, 2024

11 A.M., 12:45 P.M. & 2:30 P.M.

 

Christmas at the Hall House: A Christmas Carol Reading

December 20 & 21, 2024

Friday 7 P.M.; Saturday 5 P.M.

 

Holiday Events in the Arts

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The arts scene in Rowan County comes alive during the holiday season, offering an array of cultural experiences that the whole family will love. Enjoy timeless performances of “The Nutcracker,” laugh your way through holiday comedies, or join hands-on workshops to get crafty. Explore these artistic holiday events and celebrate the season in creative style.

 

Actors performing Christmas Carol in Downtown

 

Nature Ornaments Workshop at Hurley Park

November 13 & December 11, 2024

5-7 P.M.

 

Gingerbread House Workshop at the Rowan Museum

December 1, 2024

1 P.M., 2 P.M. & 3 P.M.

 

"Christmas in the City" at He's Alive Church in Kannapolis

December 6-8, 2024

7 - 9:30 P.M.

 

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

December 6 & 7, 13-15, 20 & 21, 2024

7:30 P.M. Fridays & Saturdays; 2:30 P.M. Sundays

 

Piedmont Players Theatre Presents: "Miracle on 34th Street"

December 6-8 & 13-15, 2024

7:30 P.M. Fridays & Saturdays; 2:30 P.M. Sundays

 

"Chapel Hart - Hartfelt Family Christmas Tour" at the Swanee Theatre

December 8, 2024

6 P.M.

 

The Magical Snow Queen: Creating Magic in Gingerbread Workshop at the N.C. Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures

December 8, 2024

1-4 P.M.

 

Scrooge's Christmas Trolley Tour

December 18-23, 2024

6 P.M., 7 P.M., 8 P.M. & 9 P.M.

 

"The Embers Featuring Craig Woolard" at the Swanee Theatre

December 21, 2024

8 P.M.

 

The Salisbury Symphony Presents: "The Nutcracker Ballet" in Kannapolis

December 14, 2024

2 P.M.

 

The Salisbury Symphony Presents: "The Nutcracker Ballet" in Salisbury

December 21, 2024 at 6:30 P.M.
December 22, 2024 at 2:30 P.M.

 

 

Join us in making this holiday season truly magical in Rowan County! With so many festive activities and events, there’s no better place to experience the joy and wonder of this special time of year. Whether you’re creating new traditions or reliving old favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

 

Check out our full event calendar for even more ways to celebrate, and let the holiday magic unfold right here in our community.

 

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