Last updated October 21, 2026.

The holiday season brings a special kind of magic to Rowan County, North Carolina. From festive parades filled with marching bands and holiday floats to Christmas trees glowing in the heart of downtowns, our communities celebrate the season with traditions that bring families, friends, and neighbors together. Whether you're planning a festive afternoon with the kids or a weekend getaway filled with small-town holiday charm, these parades and tree lighting ceremonies are a wonderful way to make memories throughout the season.

 

Holiday Parades & Tree Lightings to Look Forward to in 2026

Mark your calendar for these seasonal highlights happening across Rowan County:

  • November 13: Kannapolis Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

  • November 24: Southern Rowan Christmas Parade in Landis and China Grove, followed by Landis' Christmas Tree Lighting

  • November 25: Salisbury's 'Tis the Season Spectacular and Spencer's Holiday Caravan Parade

  • November 28: Faith Frosty Fest, featuring a golf cart and Jeep procession and tree lighting

  • December 4: Spencer's Winterfest Doo Dah Kids' Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting

  • December 5: Cleveland Christmas Parade and Granite Quarry's Christmas at the Lake

  • December 12: Kannapolis Christmas Parade

Keep reading for dates, times, and details to help plan your holiday outings across Rowan County. Event information can change, so check each town's Facebook page and website for the latest updates before heading out.

Rowan County Christmas Parades 2026

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From marching bands and colorful floats to festive vehicles and a special appearance by Santa, Rowan County's Christmas parades bring the excitement of the holidays to streets throughout the county. Each community puts its own spin on this beloved tradition, offering plenty of opportunities to bundle up, find a spot along the parade route, and enjoy an evening or afternoon of holiday cheer. Whether you're following a longtime hometown tradition or discovering a new one, there's no shortage of festive fun to add to your calendar.

 

Dance group performing during the Tis the Season Spectacular

Photo by the 'Tis the Season Spectacular.

 

Landis & China Grove's Southern Rowan Christmas Parade

November 24, 2026

3 P.M. in Landis, 4 P.M. in China Grove
 

Salisbury's 'Tis the Season Spectacular

November 25, 2026

3 P.M.

 

Spencer's Holiday Caravan Parade

November 25, 2026

6:30 P.M.

 

Faith Frosty Fest Golf Cart & Jeep Procession

November 28, 2026

Event 12 - 8 P.M. | Parade begins after band performs

 

Winterfest's Doo Dah Kid's Parade in Spencer, N.C.

December 4, 2026

Event 5 - 9 P.M. | Parade begins at 5:45 P.M.

 

Town of Cleveland Christmas Parade

December 5, 2026

2 P.M.

 

City of Kannapolis Christmas Parade

December 12, 2026

6 P.M.

 

Rowan County Christmas Tree Lightings 2026

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As the days grow shorter and the holiday season gets underway, communities across Rowan County gather to welcome Christmas with the glow of twinkling lights. Tree lighting ceremonies bring a little extra magic to the season, with festive gatherings that may include holiday music, seasonal treats, family activities, and visits from Santa. From downtown celebrations to lakeside festivities, these hometown traditions are a lovely way to slow down and savor the spirit of Christmas.

 

People ice skating in front of Christmas tree

Photo taken at Spencer's Winterfest.

 

Kannapolis' Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 13, 2026

6:30 P.M.

 

Downtown Landis' Christmas Tree Lighting Celebation

November 24, 2026

6 P.M.

 

Downtown Salisbury's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 25, 2026

6:30 P.M.

 

China Grove's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 28, 2026

5:30 - 6:30 P.M.

 

Faith Frosty Fest Tree Lighting

November 28, 2026

Event 12 - 8 P.M. | Tree lighting after golf cart & Jeep parade

 

Winterfest Christmas Tree Lighting in Spencer, N.C.

December 4, 2026

Event 5 - 9 P.M. | Tree lighting follows the Doo Dah Parade

 

Town of Cleveland's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 4, 2026

6 P.M.

 

Granite Quarry's Christmas at the Lake Tree Lighting

December 5, 2026

Event 2-6 P.M. | Tree lighting at dusk (5:45 - 6 P.M.)

 

Plan Your Original Holiday Getaway

Turn a day of holiday festivities into a getaway worth savoring. With Christmas parades, glowing tree lightings and seasonal celebrations happening throughout Rowan County, an overnight stay gives you more time to experience the magic. Book a stay at a local hotel using the widget below and make room for more original holiday memories this season, with time to explore local shops, enjoy festive dining and experience the holiday traditions that make Rowan County special.

 

Make this holiday season one to remember with a little Christmas magic in Rowan County. Cheer on a hometown parade, gather with the community beneath a newly lit Christmas tree, and discover the festive traditions that make each town special. Whether you're visiting for an afternoon or turning the celebrations into a holiday getaway, there's plenty of seasonal charm waiting to be discovered. Explore our event calendar for even more ways to celebrate!

 

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