A Kannapolis Christmas will officially kick off at Village Park with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Celebration of Lights at 6 p.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025. The Celebration of Lights will then run thru December 30. The park is located at 700 West C Street in Kannapolis.
The Celebration of Lights includes thousands and thousands of Christmas lights. Ride the Winterland Express, a g-24 scale replica CP Huntington engine, and count down the 12 Days of Christmas as you view unique holiday light displays. Manufactured in Italy, the Village Park Carousel features 1,800 lights, Brazilian oak decking, and charming handpainted Venetian murals. Admission to the park and viewing of the lights is free; tickets are required to ride the carousel and train. Reserve your Train Tickets here.
If reservations are not available, walkup tickets can be purchased every night at the carousel or park building.
Again, this year, kids of all ages will be able to visit Santa. The park will also feature performances from our very own Kannapolis Singing Bears, who will entertain you with a Christmas Carol performance.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 15 at 6 p.m.
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. Fireworks will immediately follow the Tree Lighting Ceremony at approximately 6:15 p.m. Free Admission.
Celebration of Lights
November 15-December 30
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 and enjoy all the beautiful lights and displays in celebration of the holidays. 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 be on hand on the weekends so come prepared to do your Christmas shopping. Food trucks will have food and drinks for sale.
Admission to the park and viewing of the lights and bears is free; tickets are required to ride the carousel and train. Free parking for Celebration of Lights is avaliable at Village Park.
Note: The Celebration of Lights may be closed due to inclement weather. Please call 704-920-4343 for up to date information.
The Kannapolis Christmas Parade
December 13 at 6 p.m.
Downtown Kannapolis
This special nighttime 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, click here. A limited number of professional floats are available, or you can enter your own float.
Salisbury Symphony – Home for the Holidays Concert
Friday, December 19
Celebrate the joy and warmth of the holiday season as the Salisbury Symphony's brings their beloved "Home for the Holidays" concert series to The Swanee Theatre in Kannapolis! For the first time, the 55-member professional symphony will bring their holiday sounds to the Swanee Theatre for an evening filled with festive favorites, timeless carols, and the enchanting sound of live orchestral music. This event will be at The Swanee Theatre is a historic movie theatre that has been transformed into a premier concert and event venue located at 200 West Avenue, Kannapolis. Tickets may be purchased at swaneetheatre.com/tickets.
The Embers Christmas Show
Saturday, December 20
Get ready for A Very Ember Christmas! The Embers, renowned for their expansive albums and hit singles, bring their exceptional showmanship and holiday cheer to the stage for a night of festive fun and incredible music. Join us for a memorable evening celebrating the season with one of the Southeast's most beloved bands. This holiday show is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. This event will be at The Swanee Theatre is a historic movie theatre that has been transformed into a premier concert and event venue located at 200 West Avenue, Kannapolis. Tickets may be purchased at swaneetheatre.com/tickets.
Ring in the New Year with the ACE Party Band
Wednesday, December 31
Ring in 2026 with us at the Swanee Theatre. From Shelby, NC, the ACE Party Band is a diverse group of seasoned, vibrant, and talented entertainers. ACE is a musical powerhouse that takes you on a musical ride from yesterday’s favorites to today’s biggest hits! From Beach and Motown, to Top 40s, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, Country, and Jazz Standards, they play it all! This event will be at The Swanee Theatre is a historic movie theatre that has been transformed into a premier concert and event venue located at 200 West Avenue, Kannapolis. Tickets may be purchased at swaneetheatre.com/tickets.
Receive a Letter from Santa!
Make this season extra magical! Sign up to recive a personalized letter from Santa, himself. Each letter will be filled with holiday cheer and a special message from the North Pole. To recive a letter from Santa click here.