Cabarrus Magazine's 2018 Holiday Guide
Nov 14, 2018 08:19PM
● By Melanie Heisinger
We know that it might be tempting to want to stay in by the fire with some hot chocolate and a good book, but there are so many great things happening in Cabarrus County that you won't want to miss.
Tree lightings, Santa and live music, oh my! We've compiled everything that's fun to do this holiday season below. Don't see your favorite event included? Feel free to add it for free to our calendar and comment here with the link. We just might add it to our guide!
Below is our list of holiday events happening in the area, separated by category.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Parades
'Tis the most wonderful time of the year! That means tree lightings and parades are bound to fill up your schedule. Find out when and where you need to be to catch these fun holiday events. City of Concord's 21st annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thousands will fill Downtown and kick off the 2018 holiday season the weekend before Thanksgiving, starting with the City of Concord's 21st annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 16. Sponsored by Atrium Health and Uwharrie Bank, the annual event will once again feature family entertainment, Santa, and the grand finale of fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
Event Highlights:
Concord Christmas Parade - Nov 17, 2018 2:30PM
7th Annual Event for RE/MAX Leading Edge with a float in the Concord Christmas Parade. Look for us as we ride down the parade route with the world famous RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Basket. An... Read More »
Kannapolis 2018 Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - Nov 24, 2018 6:00PM
A Kannapolis Christmas will officially kick off at Village Park with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m., Saturday, November 24. The Celebration continues through the Christmas Ho... Read More »
80th Annual Kannapolis Christmas Parade
December 8
The 80th Annual Kannapolis Christmas Parade presented by Cannon Pharmacy begins at 6 p.m. on December 8th, 2018. This special nighttime parade travels through the streets of downtown Kannapolis and usually lasts until 7:30 p.m.If you are interested in participating in the parade visit this website.
Harrisburg's 2018 Christmas Tree Lighting -Nov 30, 2018 6:00PM
Join us behind Harrisburg Town Hall for the Official Lighting of the Town's Christmas Tree! Local groups will perform on stage, craft vendors will be on site as well as food, free horse a... Read More »
Harrisburg Lights
We want to see you decorate your home for the holidays! The best decorated home will win a prize! Why not, what do you have to lose? Get out your lights and decorations and go to town!
If you have any questions, call Harrisburg Parks & Recreation at: 704-455-7275.
Local Holiday Performances
The Festive 5 Holiday Event
November 12-November 16
Voting opens November 12th and will remain open until November 18th. The act with the most votes will win the title of the city's Festive Favorite! The winner will receive the Festive Favorite award and be announced in a special Facebook live event. Learn more here.
Christmas Extravaganza - Nov 25, 2018 7:30PM
The Seventh Spectacular Year for Charlotte's Favorite Christmas Show! SPECIAL GUESTS:Cynthia Harris, SopranoCharlotte City Ballet Encore Dancers Holiday SingersCombined Choirs of: Sout... Read More »
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Nov. 29 - Dec. 16
This delightful comedy is adapted from the best-selling Young Adult book, and has become a holiday staple for groups across the United States! Features plenty of great roles for children and adults, a few favorite Christmas Carols, and a lot of laughs at the Old Courthouse Theatre!
Get tickets here.
The Barefoot Movement Holiday Show - Dec 1, 2018 4:00PM & 8:00PM
Back by popular demand, this young, fun bluegrass band will return to the Davis for 2 shows! Read More »
Annual Christmas Concert Series Hosted by the Piedmont Choral Society - Dec 7 & 9, 2018 7:00PM
The 50 voice Piedmont Choral Society presents its Christmas Concert series featuring elegant arrangements of familiar carols and seasonal favorites, accompanied by professional instrument... Read More »
Holiday Activities & Jogs
What do wine trails, egg nog and Santa have in common? They all are part of a fun list of activities happening in the area!
Santa's Wonderland - Nov 10 through Dec 24, 2018 5:00PM
Santa’s Wonderland is the ultimate free family Christmas event. The magic returns to Bass Pro Shops and arrives at Cabela’s for the first time-ever in Charlotte. Families are invited to e... Read More »
Egg Nog Jog 5K
November 17
Holiday Spirit Trail
The Holiday Spirit Trail is back, but now you have a choice of 2 separate weekends to experience this great, fun adventure of going to new places (or visiting old friends again) and sampling amazing offerings.
You have 3 days to complete the trail and gather your wreath and ornaments. If you get them all, send Cougar Run Winery a picture to have a chance to win a gift certificate to one of the venues. This year Embassy Suites Hotel off Bruton Smith Blvd (on John Q Hammons Dr) and Silver Fox Limo are offering discounts to our Holiday Spirit Trail guests. Reservations are required to take advantage of these discounts and you must tell them you are a Holiday Spirit Trail guest.
The first weekend is November 23-25, and the second is December 7-9. Learn more here.
2018 Winterland Express & Celebration of Lights - Nov 24 - Dec 30, 2018 6:00PM
The Winterland Express train runs every evening from November 24th – December 30th (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from 6-9 p.m., Sundays – Thursdays, and from 6 – 10 p.m., Frida... Read More »
Christmas at the Library
Guests can enjoy the self-guided Journey of Faith tour, holiday shopping at Ruth’s Attic Book Store, carriage rides through sparkling light displays, caroler performances, a live nativity, and special offers each day of the week. While at the Library, guests are invited to enjoy dinner and holiday goodies at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar, and a walk through the Graham Family Homeplace. Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at the on-site Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Headquarters is also available.
Parking and admission are always free. Open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
A Golden Christmas - Dec 1, 2018 10:00AM
Take a candlelight tour during daylight hours at the Reed Gold Mine at “A Golden Christmas” celebration Saturday Dec. 1, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See how miners in the early 1800’s would have ... Read More »
2nd Annual “Christmas At Cabarrus” Holiday Market
December 1, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Frostbite 5K - Dec 15, 2018 10:00AM
The FUN RUN is a one mile run starting at YMCA drive, running through Village Park onto Loop Rd and back. Children of all ages and parents with strollers are welcomed.THE FROSTBITE 5K is ... Read More »
Handmade Holiday Market
December 15-16
Happy Holidays everyone!
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