A Kannapolis Christmas returns this holiday season with events that have become treasured family traditions in North Carolina. Families return annually to celebrate with us and create their favorite family memories in the City.

The official kick-off to the holidays will be the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Celebration of Lights, 6 p.m., Saturday, November 15, at Village Park, located 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. The Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express will then run through 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 won’t want to miss – it’s sure to become a part of 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.

The carousel and trains are accessible to both adults and children, and are ADA compliant.

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 taken for free. Bring your phones and cameras for plenty of selfies.

Maestro Leonard Bearstein and the famed Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra are 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 and 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.

Food and drink are available for purchase at the concession stand. Enjoy the fire pit, 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, first-served basis each evening.

Reserve your seat on the Winterland Express, Sunday through Thursday, by purchasing tickets online at www.kannapolisnc.gov/Christmas. Walk-up 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, first-served basis for the Winterland Express.

Tickets are $2 per person for the train and $2 per person for the carousel. (Tickets on sale October 16).

The Gem Theatre hosts first-run movies each evening, and The Swanee Theatre will celebrate with holiday concerts, including The Embers Christmas Show, 7 p.m. on December 20. Tickets are on sale now. Stay tuned for more information or visit www.discoverkannapolisnc.com.

• November 15 – 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.
• November 15 – December 30 – Kannapolis Celebration of Lights, Village Park at 700 West C Street – Open 6-9 p.m. Sundays through 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 s’mores around the fire pit, and much more. Local crafters 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. (Tickets on sale October 16).
• December 13 – 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.
• December 20 – The Embers Christmas Show – Enjoy your favorite Christmas songs with a performance by The Embers.

For complete updated holiday information/schedules, visit www.kannapolisnc.gov/christmas or www.discoverkannapolis.com