A Kannapolis Christmas will officially kick off at Village Park with the
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 28 at 6 p.m. The Celebration then continues all month long with the
Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express.
The Winterland Express train runs every evening from November 28th – December 30th (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from 6-9 p.m. Sundays – Thursdays and from 6 – 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Ride the train thru the park and enjoy seeing over 250,000 Christmas light displays. Admission to the park and viewing of the lights is free; tickets to ride the train are $2.00.
Again, this year, kids of all ages will be able to visit Santa in his studio from 6:30-9 p.m. each night. Special appearances from Mrs. Claus are also scheduled on some nights so Santa can get some work done back at the North Pole! The park will also feature performances from our very own Kannapolis Singing Bears, who will entertain the young and young at heart with a 30 minute Christmas Carol performance each hour on the hour. The model train display returns December 4-30 as part of the Celebration of Lights. The Atlantic Coast S Gaugers group will have their popular model trains on display for everyone to enjoy.
Other events during the month long celebration include:
November 27-28 - The Holiday Market at the Cabarrus Bank Building and Rotary Hall, from 10 am-5 pm, on November 27 and 28. Local vendors and artists will have plenty of holiday gifts to choose from. Whether you’re picking up some last minute stocking stuffers or starting at the top of your list, the market is sure to have something for everyone. Free Admission.
November 28 – Tree Lighting Ceremony – 6 p.m. at Village Park, 700 West C St. Celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Kannapolis with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music and entertainment, kid’s activities and fireworks. Free Admission.
December 4-6 Holiday Laser Light Experience - New this year the Kannapolis Intimidators will host a three-day Holiday Laser Light Experience at the Intimidators Stadium. There will be three nightly performances at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Gates open each night at 5 p.m. Give your wish list to Santa, buy unique Christmas gifts from local vendors, and enjoy local choirs singing Christmas carols. The stadium’s kid zone will be open for fun. The Intimidators will have a special concessions menu featuring hot chocolate, cider, holiday cookies, as well as traditional ballpark fare. Purchase tickets @ www.kannapolisintimidators.com. Tickets are only $5.
December 12 - The 77th Annual Kannapolis Christmas Parade begins at 6 pm. This special night time parade travels through the streets of downtown Kannapolis and usually lasts until 7:30 p.m.
December 19 – Nativity Night – Activities begin at 4 p.m. with a Live Nativity Night at Village Park. Families can also enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, and other special activities presented by The Compass Agency. The Winterland Express and light displays will begin at 6 p.m. Free Admission.