Tickets are on sale now for the Winterland Express at the Kannapolis Celebration of Lights. The Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express will open November 16 and run until December 30. This special holiday tradition is held at Village Park located at 700 West C Street in Kannapolis.
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.
Admission to the park and viewing of the lights 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/winterland-express. Walkup onsite tickets will be available if space allows. During the Tree Lighting Ceremony 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.
The official kick-off for the Kannapolis Holidays 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.
Following the lighting of the tree there will be a fireworks display at approximately 6:15 p.m., live musical performances and much more.
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. Viewing of the bears is free.
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.
Calendar Listings:
November 16 – Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony – 6 p.m., Village Park at 700 West C Street. Start your family holiday with this annual family event. Special entertainment by area musicians, followed by a special guest arriving from the North Pole and fireworks. This ceremony is a family tradition for thousands of people each year in Kannapolis.
There will be free shuttles running from downtown Kannapolis to Village Park from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., on November 16, 2024, for the Village Park Tree Lighting Celebration.
Shuttle stops will include City Hall, Watson Crick parking lot and the Cabarrus Health Alliance parking lot.
November 16 - December 30 – Kannapolis Celebration of Lights, Village Park at 700 West C Street – Open 6-9 p.m. Sundays thru Thursdays; 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. (Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Come to Village Park, 700 West C Street, and enjoy all the beautiful lights and displays in celebration of the holidays. Area choirs will perform on select evenings. Bring your wish list for your visit with Santa – you are welcome to take your photo with him at no charge. Other activities include making a holiday craft, enjoying smore’s around the fire pit and much more. Local craft and artisans will be on hand on the weekends so come prepared to do your Christmas shopping. Food trucks will have food and drinks for sale.
December 14 - The Kannapolis Christmas Parade begins in downtown Kannapolis at 6 p.m. – This special night parade travels through the streets of downtown Kannapolis and usually lasts until 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in participating in the parade as a sponsor or a float entry visit www.kannapolisnc.gov/christmasparade.