It’s the time of year again to enjoy the spectacular display of holiday lights at Village Park in Kannapolis at the annual Celebration of Lights. Housed outside in Village Park, we love this Kannapolis, NC celebration. Along with the FREE light display of over 250,000 lights adorning the trees and buildings, there are also some pretty unique things to do throughout the month-long celebration in this beautiful park.
A special thanks to Explore Cabarrus for their recommendation of the Celebration of Lights and for providing lodging at Homewood Suites by Hilton in Concord so we could enjoy this holiday celebration! Our stay was in 2023 and we have updated this piece with 2026 information.
Watch! Our Visit to Celebration of Lights
The Celebration of Lights: Christmas Lights Kannapolis, NC
From November 13th, 2026 through December 30th, 2026, Village Park in Kannapolis is illuminated by lights of all colors, animated light displays, and the town’s Christmas tree display that makes for a magical photo opportunity with your family. These Kannapolis Christmas lights are totally free to visit. Admission to the park and viewing the lights is free!
To complement the lights, you can also take a train ride around the park, ride a Venetian carousel, and meet with Santa. Or, take the walking trail and just enjoy the lights around the park. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Ride the Winterland Express Train Through the Lights: Kannapolis Christmas Train
One of the Celebration of Lights most popular attractions is the Winterland Express, a train ride weaving through the light displays! The g-24 scale replica train travels throughout the entire park, blowing its little whistle, while going through light tunnels and beside animated displays while you look for the 12 days of Christmas. The train gives guests the best view of the lights and is a lot of fun for all ages.
The train runs every 10 minutes, and online reservations are available for Sunday through Thursday nights. You can purchase tickets for the Winterland Express for $2.50 per passenger. Friday and Saturday nights, plus the week before Christmas (December 21–23), are day-of only, with tickets sold on site at Village Park. If reservations aren’t available, the City says walk-up tickets can be purchased every night at the carousel or park building. All you have to do is print your ticket or bring your mobile ticket to the train depot for boarding. The popularity of this attraction makes lines grow long quickly, so keep that in mind, and plan for a little bit of a wait.
The Carousel
The double-decker Venetian carousel was one of my daughter’s favorite experiences of the holiday season so far! The carousel is housed indoors at Village Park and features beautifully crafted horses, and chariots, gorgeously painted in pastels with 1800 lights along the Brazilian oak decking.
We went on the carousel during opening night, so there was a significant line, but it didn’t take long before it was our turn. If you have a tendency for motion sickness, I would recommend grabbing one of the seats instead of standing beside the horse (I learned this very quickly).
Tickets for the carousel are $2.50 per person, and you do not need to make reservations ahead of time. You can purchase carousel tickets onsite.
Meet With Santa, Roast S’mores, and More
It wouldn’t be a true holiday celebration without Santa! You can visit with Santa in his adorable studio and take a photo of your kids rattling off their growing Christmas list. Afterward, head over to the firepits to roast some delicious s’mores and enjoy the warmth. The Celebration of Lights will also have caroling experiences from the Kannapolis Singing Bears to really set the mood for the holidays. According to the City’s event listing, the Singing Bears perform a 30-minute Christmas carol show each hour on the hour, and photos with Santa are free.
Things to Know Before You Visit the Celebration of Lights
- Bathrooms– There is a small bathroom located at the park that is kept fairly clean, along with a changing table in the largest stall in the women’s bathroom.
- Fireworks occur on the opening night of the Celebration of Lights in conjunction with the annual tree-lighting ceremony. These start right as the tree is lit up, making for a truly magical experience. If you’re in the area, you’ll definitely want to visit for the annual tree lighting ceremony. In 2026, the tree lighting is Friday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m., with fireworks at approximately 6:45 p.m.
- Lines– If you plan to go to the event on opening night or during the weekend, expect longer lines for the attractions than if you visit during the week.
- Parking– There is ample free parking at the Kannapolis YMCA, which is located right beside the park. You will also find free parking at Village Park.
- Inclement weather– If the weather turns bad and the City of Kannapolis decides to cancel events for the night, you can use your tickets another night. You can call 704-920-4344, the City’s Celebration of Lights weather line, for up to date information on closures.
What is Your Favorite Part of the Kannapolis Celebration of Lights?
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights
Village Park, Kannapolis Christmas
700 West C Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081
Nightly, November 13th – December 30th, 2026
Open 5:30-9 p.m. Sun-Thur; 5:30-10 p.m. Fri & Sat
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Tree lighting & fireworks: Friday, November 13, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission and free parking; Winterland Express train and carousel tickets are $2.50 per person
Reservations: Online for Sunday-Thursday; Friday, Saturday, and December 21-23 are day-of tickets on site
Weather closures: 704-920-4344
Tickets and Reservations for the Winterland Express
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights FAQ
Is the Kannapolis Celebration of Lights free?
Yes. Admission to Village Park, viewing the lights, and parking at Village Park are free. Tickets are required only for the Winterland Express train and the carousel, which are $2.50 per person each in 2026.
When is the 2026 Celebration of Lights?
The lights run nightly from November 13 through December 30, 2026, 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The park is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Do I need reservations for the Winterland Express train?
Online reservations are available for Sunday through Thursday nights. Friday and Saturday nights and the week before Christmas (December 21-23) are day-of only, with tickets sold on site. If reservations aren’t available, walk-up tickets can be purchased every night at the carousel or park building.
When is the Kannapolis Christmas tree lighting?
The 2026 Tree Lighting Ceremony is Friday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Village Park, with fireworks following at approximately 6:45 p.m. Admission is free.
When is the Kannapolis Christmas Parade 2026?
The City lists the nighttime Kannapolis Christmas Parade for December 12 at 6 p.m. in downtown Kannapolis.
Looking for more holiday lights? One of these 17+ holiday light displays near Charlotte is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit!
Village Park in Kannapolis is a great place to visit year-round. Check out why we think it is worth the trip.
