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, 6:30 p.m., Friday, November 13, in Village Park located at 700 West C Street. Following the lighting of the tree there will be a fireworks display, live musical performances and much more. The Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express will then run thru 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 do not want to miss – you will add it to 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 accommodate adults, children and are ADA accessible.
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 made 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, the Chuckles Quartet, who will entertain you with a Christmas Carol performance. The Chuckles Quartet are 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 basis each evening.
Reserve your seat on the Winterland Express, Sunday through Thursday, by purchasing tickets online at www.kannapolisnc.gov/Christmas. Walkup 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 basis for the Winterland Express.
Tickets are $2.50 per person for the train and $2.50 per person for the carousel.
The Gem Theatre hosts first run movies each evening and The Swanee Theatre will celebrate with a holiday concert, The Embers Christmas Show, on December 8. Tickets are on sale now.
New this year, Sigmon Theatrical presents a performance of the classic, A Christmas Carol from December 18-20 at the Swanee Theatre.This magic production is infused with music, dance, puppetry and illusions as we bring this traditional Christmas story to life. Tickets are on sale now.
Calendar Listings:
November 13 – Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony – 6:30 p.m., Friday, 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 13 - December 30 – Kannapolis Celebration of Lights, Village Park at 700 West C Street – Open 5:30-9 p.m. Sundays thru Thursdays; 5:30-10 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. 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. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
December 8 - The Embers Christmas Show, Swanee Theatre
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. Ticket sales start soon.
December 11-13 - Holiday Model Train Display, Swanee Theatre
The Atlantic Coast S Gaugers model trains are back!
For one weekend only this year, their popular interactive model train display will fill the Swanee Theatre located at 200 West Main Street. This fun family event is free to the public.
5-9 p.m. December 11th
11 a.m.-9 p.m. December 12th
11 a.m.-5 p.m. December 13th
December 12 - 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.
December 18-20 – A Christmas Carol Theatre Performance, Swanee Theatre
Sigmon Theatrical presents a performance of the classic, A Christmas Carol at the Swanee Theatre. This magic production is infused with music, dance, puppetry and illusions as we bring this traditional Christmas story to life. Tickets sales coming soon.
This performance is for all ages and a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season.
Tickets are $25 per person, with VIP tickets available for $35. The show will include a 10-15 minute intermission, followed by a meet and greet after the performance.
7-9 p.m., December 18th
7-9 p.m., December 19th
3-5 p.m., December 20th
Gem Matinee Christmas Movies
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – 12 p.m. Monday, December 21
The Polar Express – 12 p.m. Tuesday, December 22
Elf – 12 p.m. Wednesday, December 23
Enjoy family-favorite Christmas movies at The Gem Theatre this holiday season. The Gem will have matinee showtimes for several Christmas movies December 21-23. Each movie will only have one show time, so tickets are limited. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online ahead of time at gem-theatre.com/tickets. The Gem Theatre is located at 111 Laureate Way in Kannapolis.
For complete updated holiday information/schedules visit www.kannapolisnc.gov/christmas or www.discoverkannapolis.com.