Your Rowan Holiday Guide, Part 3: Holiday Arts, Theatre & Live Performances
The holiday season in Rowan County isn’t just about lights and parades — it’s about local talent, laughter, and a little Christmas magic! From hilarious stage comedies to timeless holiday tales, our local theatres and performers are bringing the season to life with shows that will have you smiling, singing, and feeling festive all December long.
Here’s your guide to the can’t-miss holiday performances lighting up Rowan County stages this season:
🎄 A Christmas Carol – Lee Street Theatre
329 N. Lee St., Salisbury, NC 28144 | December 5–20 | 7:30 p.m.
Get ready for a hilarious twist on a holiday classic! The ladies of the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society take on A Christmas Carol — and what could possibly go wrong?
This delightfully chaotic production, written by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin, Jr., is a playful reimagining of Charles Dickens’ beloved story. Expect plenty of mishaps, audience participation, and a lot of laughs as the cast brings this offbeat version of Scrooge’s story to life.
Directed by Shelby Mays and Kiera Whittemore. Tickets available at leestreet.org.
👨👩👧 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical – Piedmont Players
The Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144 | December 5–14 | Showtimes vary
Chaos, comedy, and Christmas collide in this heartwarming family favorite! When the mischievous Herdman kids unexpectedly take over the town’s annual Christmas pageant, the entire community learns what the true spirit of the season really means.
With plenty of laughs and a touching message about kindness and inclusion, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical is perfect for audiences of all ages.
Tickets and show details at piedmontplayers.com.
📸 Piedmont Players
🎨 Family Holiday Clay Ornaments & Holiday Plates – Waterworks Visual Arts Center
123 E. Liberty St., Salisbury, NC 28144 | Saturday, December 13 | 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $35 per person
Get creative this holiday season at Waterworks Visual Arts Center during their Family Holiday Clay Ornaments & Holiday Plates Workshop! Led by instructor Brenda Gariepy, this hands-on class blends printmaking and ceramics for a fun and festive art experience.
Families will learn the art of Gelli printing on clay — layering glazes, capturing intricate designs, and transferring beautiful patterns onto handmade ornaments and plates.
It’s the perfect way to spend a December morning — crafting keepsakes, making memories, and celebrating the joy of creativity together.
🚋 Scrooge’s Christmas Trolley Tour – Lee Street Theatre
Departs from Lee Street Theatre, 329 N. Lee St., Salisbury, NC 28144 | December 16–23 | Tours at 6, 7, 8 & 9 p.m.
All aboard for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience! This beloved Lee Street tradition takes the classic Dickens tale on the move — literally.
Hop aboard the Salisbury Trolley and journey through the streets as Scrooge himself narrates his legendary transformation, with live performances at multiple stops along the way. You’ll meet Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future — all without leaving your seat!
Each tour lasts about 40 minutes and offers an intimate, interactive experience that’s pure Christmas magic.
Trolleys seat up to 28 passengers. Accessible seating available. Learn more and get tickets at leestreet.org.
🎶 Salisbury Symphony: Home for the Holidays
The Swanee Theatre, 200 West Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28081 | Friday, December 19 | Doors 6 p.m., Show 7 p.m. | Tickets $11–$16.50
Celebrate the joy and warmth of the season with the Salisbury Symphony’s Home for the Holidays concert at The Swanee Theatre in Kannapolis!
From the first note, you’ll be swept into the heart of the holiday spirit as the Symphony performs beloved carols and festive favorites that capture the magic of Christmas.
This family-friendly concert welcomes guests of all ages — and children under 10 get in free!
🎻 Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. It’s the perfect way to spend a December evening surrounded by music, community, and holiday cheer.
🎶 The Embers Christmas Show – The Swanee Theatre
200 West Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28081 | Saturday, December 20 | Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
For a night of music, memories, and holiday cheer, don’t miss The Embers Christmas Show at The Swanee Theatre! This legendary beach music band brings their feel-good sound and holiday favorites to the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Dance, sing along, and soak up the festive spirit as The Embers perform classic tunes and Christmas hits that’ll have you smiling all night long.
Tickets range from $22–$55. Ages 18+ (under 18 may attend with guardian 21+). Details and tickets at swaneetheatre.com/tickets.
📸 Swanee Theatre
Experience the Arts This Holiday Season
From lighthearted laughter to heartfelt storytelling and soulful sounds, Rowan County’s arts scene shines especially bright during the holidays. These performances are the perfect way to celebrate local creativity — and make memories you’ll cherish all season long.
Keep exploring:
Part 1 – Parades, Lights & Tree Lightings »
Part 2 – Festivities, Family Fun & Christmas Cheer »
