Kannapolis Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express
holiday_light_displays

Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Kannapolis Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express

Over 250,000 lights and animatronic bear orchestra

About

Experience the magic of the season at Kannapolis' Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express. Wander through Village Park, adorned with over 250,000 dazzling lights, and enjoy nightly activities. Ride the enchanting Winterland Express train for a unique perspective of the illuminated displays, or catch heartwarming performances by the Kannapolis Singing Bears and the whimsical Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra. Meet Santa in his studio and enjoy festive treats like s'mores.

Our Take

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, magical, cheerful

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Medium (outdoor event, some indoor performances)

Special Events & Promotions

  • Winterland Express train rides
  • Kannapolis Singing Bears performances
  • Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra shows
  • Santa meet-and-greets
  • Marshmallow roasting

Tags

holiday light displaystrain ridesSanta visitsfamily friendlyfestive foodlive musicanimated displaysholiday traditionseasonal activitiesChristmas Village

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

700 West C Street
Kannapolis, NC
28081

Event Details

Pricing

$

Duration

Nightly

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Kannapolis Singing Bears
  • Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra
  • Chuckles Quartet

Organizer

Kannapolis Parks & Recreation

Practical Information

Pet Policy

No pets allowed

Food & Drink

Marshmallows for s'mores available

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Purchase Winterland Express tickets online in advance for Sunday-Thursday visits to guarantee your spot, as walk-up tickets are subject to availability.
  • Arrive early on Fridays and Saturdays to secure walk-up tickets for the Winterland Express, as these are popular and sell out quickly.
  • Check the performance schedule for the Kannapolis Singing Bears and Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra to plan your visit around their showtimes.
  • Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking through the park and potentially waiting in line for rides.
  • Bring cash for carousel and train tickets if you plan to purchase them onsite, especially on busy weekend nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operating hours for the Celebration of Lights?

The Celebration of Lights is open nightly from November 16th to December 30th, 2024. The Winterland Express runs from 6 PM to 9 PM Sunday-Thursday and 6 PM to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Is there an admission fee for the Celebration of Lights?

Admission to Village Park and viewing the light displays is free. Tickets are required for the carousel and the Winterland Express train.

How much do the train and carousel tickets cost?

Tickets for both the Winterland Express train and the carousel are $2.00 per person.

Are there any special performances during the event?

Yes, you can enjoy performances by the Kannapolis Singing Bears and the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra, featuring holiday banter and music.

Can I meet Santa Claus?

Yes, you can visit with Santa in his studio located within the park.

Nearby Places (10 total)

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The ChristmasLocal.com editorial team

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