Christmas Festivals & Holiday Family Events
Back to Top of ListRowan County transforms into a holiday wonderland, full of exciting family events and enchanting Christmas festivals. Make the season extra special by experiencing everything from train rides on The Polar Express to festive farm days at Patterson Farm and holiday markets like Winterfest in Spencer, N.C.. Here are the must-see celebrations that will fill your heart with holiday spirit.
The Polar Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum
November 8 - December 23, 2024
November 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-30, December 1, 6-8, 12-23
Celebration of Lights & the Winterland Express in Kannapolis, N.C.
November 16 - December 30, 2024
Sundays - Thursdays: 6 P.M. - 9 P.M.; Fridays & Saturdays 6 P.M. - 10 P.M.
(closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Winter Barn & Playground at Patterson Farm
November 25 - December 21, 2024
Mondays– Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Holiday Night Out in Downtown Salisbury
November 29, 2024
5-9 P.M.
Holly Jolly Farm Days at Patterson Farm
November 29, 30, December 1, 7 & 8, 2024
Friday & Saturday 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.; Sunday 1-5 P.M.
Faith Frosty Fest
November 30, 2024
Noon - 8 P.M.
Winterfest at the Cherry Treesort
December 1, 2024
1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
Christmas at the Lake at Granite Lake Park
December 2, 2024
3 P.M. - 7 P.M.
Winterfest - A German Christmas Marketplace in Spencer, N.C.
December 6, 7 & 8, 2024
Friday 5-9 P.M.; Saturday 2-9 P.M.; Sunday 2-6 P.M.
Photos & Firetrucks with Santa & the Grinch in Downtown Salisbury
December 7, 2024
10 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Christmas at the Lake at Granite Lake Park
December 7, 2024
2-7 P.M.
Donuts with Santa at Nazareth Child & Family Connection
December 7, 2024
9-11 A.M.
Campfire Christmas by the Lake at Lake Corriher Wilderness Park
December 14, 2024
4 P.M. - 7 P.M.
Christmas in the Grove
December 14, 2024
5 P.M. - 8 P.M.
Holiday Tea with Mrs. Claus at the N.C. Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures
December 14, 2024
10 A.M. - Noon
Parades & Tree Lightings
Back to Top of ListCelebrate the magic of the holiday season by attending one of Rowan County’s spectacular parades and tree lighting ceremonies. As our towns come alive with lights, music, and festive floats, you’ll feel the true sense of holiday wonder. Don’t miss these dazzling events that bring our community together for unforgettable holiday moments.
Photo by the City of Kannapolis
Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 16, 2024
6 P.M.
Southern Rowan Christmas Parade
November 26, 2024
3 P.M.
Landis Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 26, 2024
4 P.M.
China Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 26, 2024
7 P.M.
'Tis the Season Spectacular Parade & Celebration
November 27, 2024
3 P.M.
Spencer's Holiday Caravan Parade
November 27, 2024
6:30 P.M.
The Town of Cleveland's Christmas Tree Lighting Event
December 6, 2024
6 P.M.
Town of Cleveland Christmas Parade
December 7, 2024
2 P.M.
Kannapolis Christmas Parade
December 14, 2024
6 P.M.
Historic Christmas Events
Back to Top of ListStep into the past and experience the holidays with a touch of history in Rowan County. Our historic Christmas events bring classic holiday traditions to life, from Victorian-themed festivities in Gold Hill to tours and other holiday events at the Hall House Museum. Take a step back in time and make the season memorable with these charming celebrations.
Christmas at the Hall House: Open House
December 4, 2024
6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Historic Gold Hill Christmas in the Village
December 6, 7, 8, 14 & 21, 2024
Christmas at the Hall House: Holiday Tea
December 14, 2024
11 A.M., 12:45 P.M. & 2:30 P.M.
Christmas at the Hall House: A Christmas Carol Reading
December 20 & 21, 2024
Friday 7 P.M.; Saturday 5 P.M.
Holiday Events in the Arts
Back to Top of ListThe arts scene in Rowan County comes alive during the holiday season, offering an array of cultural experiences that the whole family will love. Enjoy timeless performances of “The Nutcracker,” laugh your way through holiday comedies, or join hands-on workshops to get crafty. Explore these artistic holiday events and celebrate the season in creative style.
Nature Ornaments Workshop at Hurley Park
November 13 & December 11, 2024
5-7 P.M.
Gingerbread House Workshop at the Rowan Museum
December 1, 2024
1 P.M., 2 P.M. & 3 P.M.
"Christmas in the City" at He's Alive Church in Kannapolis
December 6-8, 2024
7 - 9:30 P.M.
Lee Street Theatre Presents: "The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon"
December 6 & 7, 13-15, 20 & 21, 2024
7:30 P.M. Fridays & Saturdays; 2:30 P.M. Sundays
Piedmont Players Theatre Presents: "Miracle on 34th Street"
December 6-8 & 13-15, 2024
7:30 P.M. Fridays & Saturdays; 2:30 P.M. Sundays
"Chapel Hart - Hartfelt Family Christmas Tour" at the Swanee Theatre
December 8, 2024
6 P.M.
The Magical Snow Queen: Creating Magic in Gingerbread Workshop at the N.C. Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures
December 8, 2024
1-4 P.M.
The Salisbury Symphony Presents: "The Nutcracker Ballet" in Kannapolis
December 14, 2024
2 P.M.
Scrooge's Christmas Trolley Tour
December 18-23, 2024
6 P.M., 7 P.M., 8 P.M. & 9 P.M.
"The Embers Featuring Craig Woolard" at the Swanee Theatre
December 21, 2024
8 P.M.
The Salisbury Symphony Presents: "The Nutcracker Ballet" in Salisbury
December 21, 2024 at 6:30 P.M.
December 22, 2024 at 2:30 P.M.