A Kannapolis Christmas returns this holiday season with events that have become treasured family traditions in the region.

The official kick-off will be the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Celebration of Lights at 6 p.m., Saturday, November 16 at Village Park at 700 West C Street.

Free public shuttles will run from 5-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, during the Tree Lighting Ceremony, from City Hall, the Nova Credit Union Overflow Lot and the Cabarrus Health Alliance to Village Park.

Following the lighting of the tree there will be a fireworks display at approximately 6:15 p.m., live musical performances and much more.

The Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express will then open and run thru December 30.

The annual tradition of the Celebration of Lights includes hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights in dozens of displays throughout Village Park.  Adults and children are welcome to ride one of our two Winterland Express trains and count down the 12 Days of Christmas as you view unique holiday light displays from the popular song. This magical experience is one you do not want to miss – you will add it to your annual holiday traditions list.

Attendees will also be able to ride the Village Park Double Decker Carousel. Manufactured in Italy, it features 1,800 lights, Brazilian oak decking, and charming hand painted Venetian murals that are sure to get you into the spirit of the holidays.

Santa Claus arrives during the Tree Lighting Ceremony and will be at the park every evening for children of all ages to visit him and have their photo made for free. Bring your phones and cameras for plenty of selfies.

Maestro Leonard Bearstein and the famed Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra is back this year, spreading their holiday magic in Kannapolis. The 18 animatronic bears will delight children and adults alike with their witty banter, inspiring instrumental pieces, and traditional favorite holiday songs! Visit the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra inside the Village Park Multi-Purpose Room throughout the Celebration of Lights.

The Celebration of Lights also features performances from our very own Kannapolis Singing Bears, the Chuckles Quartet, who will entertain you with a Christmas Carol performance. The Chuckles Quartet is housed outside in Village Park. Both sets of Christmas Bears have an impressive lineup filled with holiday banter, music, and fun.

Throughout the month of December area choirs, a holiday marketplace with area artisans, and various local food trucks will also be on hand to make your visit more enjoyable.

Food and drink are available for purchase at the concession stand. Enjoy the fire pit and making s’mores and much more.

Admission to the park and viewing of the lights and bears is free; tickets are required to ride the carousel and train. Purchase carousel tickets onsite at Village Park. They will be available on a first-come basis each evening. Reserve your seat on the Winterland Express, Sunday thru Thursday, by purchasing tickets online at www.kannapolisnc.gov/Christmas. Walkup onsite tickets will be available if space allows. During the Tree Lighting Ceremony and every Friday and Saturday tickets may be purchased onsite at Village Park on a first-come basis for the Winterland Express.

Tickets are $2 per person for the train and $2 per person for the carousel.