Your Rowan Holiday Guide, Part 1: Parades & Tree Lightings

Nothing shines brighter than the holidays in Rowan County! ✨

From cheerful parades to glowing tree lightings, our towns and cities come alive with lights, music, and community spirit all season long. Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and join your neighbors in celebrating these hometown holiday traditions.

🎅 Southern Rowan Christmas Parade & Downtown Tree Lighting

China Grove | Tuesday, November 25 | Parade at 3 p.m. | Tree Lighting at 6 p.m.

Kick off the season in Southern Rowan! The parade begins along N. Main Street and fills the heart of China Grove with holiday spirit. Enjoy meeting some of your favorite Christmas characters, writing letters to Santa, and grabbing treats from local vendors.

After the parade, the fun continues with kids’ crafts, food, and family activities along N. Central Avenue, all leading up to the Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. — a perfect ending to a festive afternoon in downtown China Grove.

🎁 ‘Tis the Season Holiday Spectacular Parade & Celebration

Downtown Salisbury, 217 S. Main St. Salisbury, NC | Wednesday, November 26 | Parade at 3 p.m. | Tree Lighting at Bell Tower Green following the parade

This beloved Rowan County tradition is truly the holiday parade of the season! The ‘Tis the Season Holiday Spectacular Parade & Celebration makes its way down Main Street through Salisbury’s historic downtown, featuring floats, musical acts, dancers, and more.

After the parade, the celebration continues at Bell Tower Green, where you’ll find food trucks, street performers, and the community tree lighting — plus a special visit from Santa himself!

Reserved seating is available and can be purchased online.

🌟 Spencer Holiday Caravan Parade

Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer | Wednesday, November 26 | 6:30 p.m.

As the sun sets, the magic continues just up the road! The Spencer Holiday Caravan Parade lights up the night with illuminated floats, marching bands, and festive fun. This parade is a treasured tradition, marking the official start of the holiday season in Spencer.

🎠 Kannapolis Christmas Parade, Celebration of Lights & Tree Lighting

Village Park & Downtown Kannapolis

• Tree Lighting: November 15 | 6 p.m.
• Celebration of Lights: November 15–December 30
• Parade: Saturday, December 13 | 6–7:30 p.m.

There’s no place like Kannapolis for holiday sparkle! The season kicks off at Village Park with the Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 15 at 6 p.m., featuring live music, family entertainment, and a dazzling fireworks show to officially welcome Christmas.

The celebration continues nightly through December 30 with the Celebration of Lights — a stunning display of thousands of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of holiday fun. Ride the Winterland Express Train, take a spin on the charming carousel, visit Santa, make crafts, and enjoy s’mores around the firepit. Local artisans and food trucks add to the festive experience on weekends.

It all builds up to the Kannapolis Christmas Parade on December 13, a spectacular nighttime procession through downtown filled with floats, marching bands, and community cheer.

Admission to Village Park and light displays is free. Tickets are required for train and carousel rides.

🐴 Town of Cleveland Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

Downtown Cleveland
Parade: Saturday, December 6 | 2 p.m.
Tree Lighting: Friday, December 5 | 6–9 p.m.

For more than 50 years, the Town of Cleveland Christmas Parade has celebrated small-town charm at its best — with horses, smiling faces, floats, big trucks, and candy galore. Held the first Saturday in December, it’s a family tradition that brings together neighbors and friends for a good old-fashioned holiday celebration.

Then, head back downtown the evening before for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5, complete with vendors and festive fun.

🎄 Christmas in the Grove & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Hanna Park & Downtown China Grove | Saturday, December 6 | 5–8 p.m.

Downtown China Grove sparkles again with Christmas in the Grove, a magical evening of lights, music, and community. Stroll through Main Street, visit with Santa, and enjoy the Tree Lighting Ceremony as the heart of China Grove shines bright for the holidays.

🎅 Landis Tree Lighting Celebration

N. Central Avenue, Landis | Tuesday, November 25 | 4–6 p.m.

Right after the Southern Rowan Christmas Parade, the town of Landis keeps the fun going with its Tree Lighting Celebration! Enjoy food trucks, Christmas music, letter writing to Santa, crafts, and appearances from favorite Christmas characters. The tree lights up at 6 p.m. sharp — a wonderful family-friendly way to start the holiday season.

Celebrate the Season Across Rowan

From parades to fireworks, light displays to Christmas trees, every town in Rowan County adds its own sparkle to the holiday season. No matter where you celebrate, you’ll find joy, tradition, and plenty of holiday cheer — right here in Rowan County.

Continue the celebration:
Part 2 – Festivities, Family Fun & Christmas Cheer »
Part 3 – Holiday Arts, Theatre & Performances »

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