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2023 Holiday Happenings
These one-of-a-kind holiday events are sure to keep your family entertained, cozy and connected this season.
From a superspeedway illuminated with over four million lights to snow showers inside the lobby of an indoor water park resort, here’s a round up of this year’s holiday happenings in Cabarrus County.
Christmas Market at the Roost – Nov 11
Visit Ruffin’s Roost in Mt. Pleasant to begin your holiday shopping! Browse wares from 20 curated artisan vendors and enjoy holiday music and local refreshments at this intimate holiday market.
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26th Annual Concord Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – Nov 17
Along with the tree lighting, this free, family-friendly event in Downtown Concord‘s Rotary Square features children’s activities like visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music and dance, and fireworks.
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Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge – Nov 24-Jan 8
Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark resort transforms into a magical winter wonderland! Bring your pack to enjoy activities like visits with Santa, Snowflake Story Time, and Family Dance Party.
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Speedway Christmas – Nov 17-Jan 7
Charlotte Motor Speedway’s spectacular drive-through light course features over 4 million LED lights along a 3.75-mile course around the legendary track, through the infield and under the concourse. Plus, enjoy the infield Christmas Village and catch drive-in holiday movies on the 16,000-square-foot Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night!
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95th Annual Concord Christmas Parade – Nov 18
Grab a seat along the parade route through Historic Downtown Concord to attend one of the oldest and continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina!
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Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony – Nov 18
Kannapolis celebrates the start of the Christmas season and beginning of their Celebration of Lights at Village Park with live music and entertainment, kid’s activities and fireworks.
Santa Scramble 5K – Nov 18
Run the route of the Annual Concord Christmas Parade through Historic Downtown Concord! Run this fast, flat course through the parade crowd and be cheered throughout the race.
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Kannapolis Celebration of Lights – Nov 19-Dec 30
The festivities continue at Village Park! Take in over 250,000 lights, go on a train ride through the illuminated park, see the Kannapolis Singing Bears perform a Christmas Carol, roast marshmallows for s’mores and visit with Santa!
Photos with Santa at Concord Mills – Nov 22-Dec 24
Secure your spot for a photo with Santa during his time at Concord Mills, the state’s largest outlet and value retail shopping center. On December 3, reservations can be made to visit Caring Santa.
Kannapolis Holiday Market – Nov 24-26
Visiting the Celebration of Lights? Make plans to also stop by the Holiday Market inside Kannapolis City Hall to shop holiday goodies from local vendors and artists.
Christmas in the Visitor Center – Dec 1-29
Make a pit stop at the cozy and festive Cabarrus County Visitor Center in Concord! Discover holiday fun across Cabarrus, shop for locally made gifts, and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and classic Christmas movies.
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Sea of Lights at SEA LIFE Aquarium – Dec 1-Jan 1
The interactive aquarium located inside Concord Mills lights up with thousands of Christmas lights. Plus, view more than 30 decorated Christmas trees throughout the aquarium!
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Town of Harrisburg’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec 1
Join in on an evening of holiday cheer at Harrisburg Park! See the official lighting of the Town’s Christmas Tree, enjoy food trucks, horse and carriage rides, local performances and so much more!
Barefoot Movement Holiday Special – Dec 2
Spend a magical evening inside the historic Cabarrus County Courthouse at the Davis Theatre as The Barefoot movement performs acoustic renditions of everything from Chuck Berry’s “Run Run Rudolph” to Perry Como’s “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” and more.
Town of Mount Pleasant’s Annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting – Dec 2
Join the Town of Mt. Pleasant as they kick off the holiday season with the Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting to follow featuring food, music and crafts for kids.
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Kannapolis Christmas Parade – Dec 9
Thousands of lights decorate participating floats making this nighttime parade one of the holiday’s most special events. Join the festivities on the streets of Downtown Kannapolis.
North Carolina Christmas Festival – Dec 16
Visit Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord for free photos with Santa, a free toy giveaway and more!
In Need of a Christmas Vacation?
Select a place to stay and start planning your holiday adventure to Cabarrus County, North Carolina.