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

This is Part 1 of our Your Rowan Holiday Guide, and we’re starting with the classics: parades and tree lightings. Bundle up, grab a folding chair, and plan your route.

Holiday Parades

Tuesday, November 24: Southern Rowan Christmas Parade (Landis & China Grove)

Now in its 48th year, this free parade kicks off at 3 p.m. on S. Main St. in Landis and continues into China Grove. Stay in Landis afterward for Christmas characters, kids’ crafts, letters to Santa, and treats from local vendors along N. Central Ave., leading up to the tree lighting (details below). Event page

Wednesday, November 25: ’Tis the Season Spectacular (Downtown Salisbury)

The day before Thanksgiving, downtown Salisbury hosts its signature holiday parade at 3 p.m., with floats, marching bands, and community groups. Learn more

Wednesday, November 25: Spencer’s Holiday Caravan Parade

Make it a double-header. Spencer’s Holiday Caravan rolls as a free night parade of lights, with takeoff between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. That means you can catch the Spectacular in the afternoon and still make the evening parade. Parade page

Saturday, December 5: Town of Cleveland Christmas Parade

A Cleveland tradition for about 50 years, this small-town parade starts at 2 p.m. and is run by the Cleveland Lions Club. Expect church floats, horses, big trucks, bicycles, and plenty of candy. Event calendar

Saturday, December 12: Kannapolis Christmas Parade

This evening parade lights up Downtown Kannapolis at 6 p.m. Details

Tree Lightings

Friday, November 13: Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony

The countdown to Christmas starts early in Kannapolis. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. at Village Park (700 West C St.), the same night the Celebration of Lights opens (more on that in our family fun guide). Details

Tuesday, November 24: Landis’ 9th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Activities begin after the Southern Rowan Christmas Parade along N. Central Ave., and the tree lights up at 6 p.m. Event page

Saturday, November 28: China Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony

Gather at Hanna Park (180 N. Main St.) at 5:30 p.m. for a family evening of holiday cheer. The China Grove Elementary School Cardinal Chorus performs and leads a candlelit carol sing-along, and there’s free hot chocolate and popcorn.

Friday, December 4: Town of Cleveland Tree Lighting

The event starts at 6 p.m. on Main Street and part of Maple Street, with vendors and crafts for the family. Streets are closed from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Event calendar

Friday, December 4: Winterfest Tree Lighting (Spencer)

Winterfest kicks off with the kids’ Doo Dah Parade at 5:40 p.m., which ends with the lighting of the Town Tree. Winterfest runs Dec 4–6 at 460 S. Salisbury Ave. (more in our family fun guide). Winterfest

December 5 – January 1: Granite Quarry’s Festival of Trees

At Granite Lake Park (500 US-52), decorated trees stay on display through New Year’s Day. The official tree lighting is Saturday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m. during Christmas at the Lake, which runs 2 to 6 p.m. and is covered in Part 2. Festival of Trees

Quick Reference: Mark Your Calendar

Looking for more? Our guide to festivals, train rides, and family fun is here, and our guide to holiday theatre and live music is here. 
Festivities, Family Fun, & Christmas Cheer
Holiday Arts, Theatre, & Live Performances 

Dates and times are subject to change, so check each event page before you go.

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