Your Rowan Holiday Guide, Part 2: Festivities, Family Fun, & Christmas Cheer
Train Rides & Lights
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 6–8, 13–15, 20–22, and 27–29; Dec 4–6; and Dec 10–23
All aboard for the North Pole! The NC Transportation Museum (1 Samuel Spencer Dr., Spencer) turns into a holiday storybook, with hot cocoa, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell, and a golden ticket for every rider. Everyone age 2 and up needs a ticket, and tickets are sold online or by phone at 704-469-5231. Tickets for Nov 6–8 and 13–15 are 15% off with code BELIEVE26 through Nov 15. Tickets and show times
📸 N.C. Transportation Museum
Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express
Nov 13 – Dec 30, nightly 5:30–9 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day)
Village Park (700 West C St., Kannapolis) glows with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights. Admission to the park and lights is free, and the Winterland Express train and carousel require tickets (train rides are $2.50 each). Details
Festivals & Markets
Faith Frosty Fest
Saturday, Nov 28, 12–8 p.m., Downtown Faith
The 5th annual Frosty Fest features the Highland Rock Orchestra (a Trans-Siberian tribute band), local vendors and artisans, a golf cart parade after the band, horse and wagon rides, s’mores, crafts, and more. Camel and pony rides cost extra. Event page
Faith Frosty Fest
Holiday Night Out & Free Photos with Santa & the Grinch
Friday, Dec 4
Downtown Salisbury’s annual Holiday Night Out includes free photos with Santa and the Grinch at Bell Tower Green (120 South Church St.). Check Downtown Salisbury Inc. for hours.
Winterfest: A Christmas Marketplace
Dec 4–6: Fri 5–9 p.m., Sat 2–9 p.m., Sun 2–7 p.m.
Spencer’s holiday market (460 S. Salisbury Ave., across from the NC Transportation Museum) has market huts, twinkling lights, and plenty to do: the Town Tree lighting, pictures with Santa, ice skating, craft vendors, festive food, a kids’ corner, and live music all weekend. Winterfest
Winterfest
Christmas at the Lake
Saturday, Dec 5, 2–6 p.m.
Granite Lake Park (500 US-52, Granite Quarry) hosts this holiday celebration, with the official tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Details
Christmas at the Lake
Christmas in the Grove (China Grove)
Saturday, Dec 5, 5–8 p.m.
Hanna Park in Downtown China Grove hosts an evening of holiday cheer. Details
Festival of Trees (Granite Quarry)
Dec 5 – Jan 1
Decorated trees fill Granite Lake Park through New Year’s Day. Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees
Christmas in the Village (Gold Hill)
Weekends of Dec 5–6, 12–13, and 19
Bring the family to historic Gold Hill for roasting marshmallows, carols, and hot cocoa while you stroll the quaint village. Activities are planned each weekend, and hours and the weekly schedule are on the event page. Details
Santa, Storytime & Holiday Magic
A Walk Through Bethlehem
Dec 4, 5, and 6, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Step back in time and journey through ancient Bethlehem, from the census and the inn to the marketplace and the Nativity. Admission is free, there’s a golf cart for guests who need a ride, and food is served at the end. It’s hosted by Mount Hope Church at 7004 Old Concord Rd., Salisbury. Event page
Christmas with the Claws
Saturday, Dec 5, 9–11 a.m.
Santa’s coming to Tiger World! Kids can enjoy donuts with Santa at the Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve (4400 Cook Rd., Rockwell). Call (704) 279-6363 for ticket details. Listing
Campfire Christmas at the Lake
Saturday, Dec 12, 4–6 p.m.
Visit Santa, make s’mores around the campfire, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, do kids’ crafts, and shop at the General Store at Lake Corriher Wilderness Park (265 Tranquil Lake Dr., China Grove).
Campfire Christmas at the Lake
Spend the Day with Kitty Black Perkins
Saturday, Dec 12, 1–3 p.m.
The NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures (440 South Salisbury Ave., Spencer) welcomes Kitty Black Perkins, the designer behind the first Black Barbie, for a special day that includes a Tea with Mrs. Claus. Check the museum’s event page for ticket details. Event page
Night Out for the Grown-Ups
Cauble Creek Vineyard Christmas Party
Friday, Dec 18, 6–9 p.m.
The annual Christmas party at Cauble Creek Vineyard (700 Cauble Farm Rd., Salisbury) features live entertainment by Jessica Yates. Details
Drag Around the Christmas Tree
Saturday, Dec 19, 9 p.m.
A festive night of holiday drag and sparkle at The Fish Bowl (127 E. Innes St., Salisbury). It’s free with no cover, and there will be drink specials all night. Wear your ugliest sweater or your most fabulous holiday look! The event takes place at a bar, so check with The Fish Bowl about age requirements.
Quick Reference
Next up is our guide to holiday theatre and live music.
You can also find every parade and tree lighting in our guide.
Dates and times are subject to change, so check each event page before you go.
