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 16, 2024. 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. Purchase Winterland Express 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 16 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 16-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. View a complete schedule of events here.
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. Purchase Winterland Express tickets here.
The Kannapolis Christmas Parade
December 14 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 see below. A limited number of professional floats are available, or you can enter your own float. Float registrations are due November 8.
Note: The Celebration of Lights may be closed due to inclement weather. Please call 704-920-4343 for up to date information.
Purchase a Commemorative Kannapolis Ornaments
The City of Kannapolis has commissioned custom, commemorative ornaments to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the City’s incorporation.
The ornaments were hand painted by Theresa of Heart’s Gifts in Kannapolis, and feature a special “40th anniversary” version of the City’s logo. The ornaments will be available for purchase through the City’s online store. The ornaments will be $20 each, and there are a limited number available. Purchase your ornament here.
On November 6, 1984, citizens of the then unincorporated area traditionally known as Kannapolis voted to officially become an incorporated City. Over the last 40 years, the City has grown and flourished into a vibrant hub for healthy living, economic growth, and industry leading research.