Christmas Festivals & Holiday Family Events
Back to Top of ListRowan 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.
The Polar Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum
November 7 - December 23, 2025
November 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 & December 5-7, & 11-23
Winter Barn & Playground at Patterson Farm
November 11 - December 14, 2025
Tuesdays - Sundays: 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Celebration of Lights & the Winterland Express in Kannapolis, N.C.
November 15 - December 30, 2025
Sundays - Thursdays: 6 P.M. - 9 P.M.; Fridays & Saturdays 6 P.M. - 10 P.M.
(closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Historic Gold Hill's Lighting of the Fall Fires
November 22, 2025
5:30 - 9 P.M.
Holly Jolly Farm Days at Patterson Farm
November 28-30 & December 6-7, 2025
10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Arbor Hills Holiday Festival
Now - January 31, 2026
Faith Frosty Fest
November 29, 2025
11 A.M. - 7 P.M.
Town of China Grove's Festival of Trees
December 4, 2025 - January 6, 2025
Swink St. | All Day Every Day
Holiday Night Out/Free Photos with Santa & Grinch in Downtown Salisbury
December 5, 2025
5 P.M.
Winterfest - A German Christmas Marketplace in Spencer, N.C.
December 5-7, 2025
Friday 5-9 P.M.; Saturday 2-9 P.M.; Sunday 2-8 P.M.
Christmas at the Lake at Granite Lake Park
December 6, 2025
2 - 7 P.M.
Christmas in the Grove
December 6, 2025
5 P.M. - 8 P.M.
Town of China Grove's Holiday Market
December 6, 2025
5 - 8 P.M.
Merry Pop-Up Market at New Sarum Brewing Company
December 6, 2025
11 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Winterfest at the Cherry Treesort
December 7, 2025
1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
Campfire Christmas by the Lake at Lake Corriher Wilderness Park
December 13, 2025
4 P.M. - 6 P.M.
Magnolia Grove's Breakfast with Santa
December 13, 2025
10 - 11:30 A.M.
Nocturna's Gruss Vom Krampus: Krampus Photos & Walk
December 13, 2025
5 - 8 P.M.
Cauble Creek Vineyard's Christmas Party
December 19, 2025
6 - 9 P.M.
Magnolia Grove's High Tea in Narnia
December 20, 2025
9 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
Happy Roots Winter Solstice Celebration
December 20, 2025
6 - 10 P.M.
Parades & Tree Lightings
Back to Top of ListCelebrate 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.
Photo by the City of Kannapolis
Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 15, 2025
6 P.M.
Southern Rowan Christmas Parade
November 25, 2025
3 P.M.
Landis Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 25, 2025
4 P.M.
'Tis the Season Spectacular Parade & Celebration
November 26, 2025
3 P.M.
Spencer's Holiday Caravan Parade
November 26, 2025
6:30 P.M.
Town of Cleveland's Christmas Tree Lighting Event
December 5, 2025
6 - 9 P.M.
Town of Cleveland Christmas Parade
December 6, 2025
2 P.M.
China Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 6, 2025
5 - 8 P.M.
Kannapolis Christmas Parade
December 13, 2025
6 P.M.
Historic Christmas Events
Back to Top of ListStep 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.
Christmas at the Hall House: Open House
December 3, 2025
6 - 8 P.M.
Historic Gold Hill Christmas in the Village
December 6, 7, 13, 14 & 20, 2025
Saturdays 11 A.M. - 5 P.M. | Sundays 12 - 5 P.M.
Christmas at the Hall House: Holiday Tea
December 13, 2025
11 A.M., 12:30 P.M. & 2 P.M.
Christmas at the Hall House: A Christmas Carol Reading
December 19 & 20, 2025
Friday 6:30 P.M.; Saturday 5 P.M. & 6:30 P.M.
Holiday Events in the Arts
Back to Top of ListThe 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 “A Christmas Carol,” 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.
Salisbury Symphony Presents: Messiah
November 30, 2025
3 P.M.
A Walk Through Bethlehem at Mount Hope Church
December 5-7, 2025
5:30 - 8:30 P.M.
Piedmont Players Presents: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Musical
December 5-14, 2025
Time of Event Varies
Lee St. Theatre Presents: A Christmas Carol
December 5-20, 2025
7:30 P.M.
Family Holiday Clay Ornaments and Holiday Plates at Waterworks Visual Arts Center
December 13, 2025
10 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
Scrooge's Christmas Trolley Tour
December 16-23, 2024
6 P.M., 7 P.M., 8 P.M. & 9 P.M.
Salisbury Symphony Presents: Home for the Holidays at The Swanee Theatre
December 19, 2025
7 P.M.
Salisbury Symphony Presents: Home for the Holidays at Catawba College
December 20, 2025
7 P.M.
The Embers Christmas Show at The Swanee Theatre
December 20, 2025
8 P.M.