There’s something special about holidays in Rowan County. There are many local traditions that families look forward to each year. The annual holiday events in this county play a big part in family plans. Whether you were born here, visited family, or moved here later in life, you can’t walk away from one of Rowan County’s original events without meaningful memories. This is the place to be this holiday season!
Hometown Holiday Favorites
From picking out a Christmas tree at a local stand to singing Christmas carols, there is a little bit of everything for families to enjoy. The Southern Rowan Parade begins the celebrations the Tuesday before Thanksgiving each year followed by the ‘Tis the Season Spectacular Parade on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. These parades offer a wonderful time of fellowship while being reminded of all of the amazing people who call Rowan County home. Getting to hear and see the talent from local bands and dance groups is an added bonus! Kyle Whisenant said, “The county parade has always been the best way to kick off the season. No matter what name it has, we have always been there every year. I went from seeing the parade to marching in it and now taking my children to enjoy it.”
Kyle Whisenant and family at the holiday parade in Salisbury.
One of Josh Farmer’s favorite events is Christmas in the Grove taking place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 14. He said, “It is great for ages 1 to 100! It brings together everything that is great about small towns during the holidays right on Main Street.” There is face painting, s’mores, horse drawn hay rides, and hot chocolate is available to help keep you warm.
Cookies with Santa at Horizons Unlimited provides families with the opportunity to complete a craft, take pictures with Santa, and view a holiday and Mannheim Steamroller themed laser show. This year Cookies with Santa will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on December 14.
Brian Farmer, my father in law, who moved to Rowan County as an adult, said there is much to enjoy here. With living in Fulton Heights, he loves getting a knock on his door from Christmas carolers each year. I have been blessed to enjoy their carols a few times over the years and the love and joy that they spread through their songs is truly memorable. Brian particularly enjoys the Living Christmas Tree and Christmas Eve Service at First Baptist Church in Salisbury. When talking about the Christmas Eve Service he said, “The Christmas Eve Service is special because it finishes by candlelight. Children are welcome there and it is a reunion of sorts.”
Farmer’s kids posing with Santa.
Each year my family enjoys picking out a Christmas tree from one of our local Christmas Tree stands like Godley’s Garden Center. The smell of a fresh tree helps bring back memories of childhood for my wife and I. We also enjoy driving around the county listening to Christmas music while sipping warm drinks and viewing all of the beautiful residential light displays. As someone who has moved around while growing up, I am thrilled to be raising my children in a community that invests so much into making the holidays enjoyable for everyone!
Make Memories
This holiday season take advantage of all of the wonderful events taking place around us. The memories made now will last a lifetime. “I’m thankful nothing has changed, just more options than ever. Now I get to share the events with my kids that hold so much personal nostalgia,” said Farmer. These events hold a special place in the hearts of many and make being home for the holidays so special! As Kyle Whisenant said, “It blends traditions of decades ago, while also providing relevant and current entertainment. It has left its mark in my mind as what is uniquely Rowan County.”
