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Guide

Christmas events in Cabarrus County, 2026

Tree lightings, parades and light shows with 2026 dates announced by the towns and venues, in date order. Checked October 8, 2026. Weather can change plans, so check the source before you go.

  1. Kannapolis

    Kannapolis Christmas Tree Lighting

    Fri., Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.

    Village Park, 700 West C St., Kannapolis

    • Free.
    • Fireworks follow at about 6:45 p.m.
    • The Celebration of Lights opens the same night.

    Source: City of Kannapolis

  2. Kannapolis

    Kannapolis Celebration of Lights

    Nov. 13–Dec. 30, nightly

    Village Park, 700 West C St., Kannapolis

    • 5:30–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5:30–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
    • Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
    • Free admission and parking. Tickets are needed only for the Winterland Express train and the carousel.
    • Train reservations open Oct. 14. Walk-up tickets are sold nightly.
    • Weather line: 704-920-4344.

    Source: City of Kannapolis

  3. Concord

    Concord Christmas Tree Lighting

    Fri., Nov. 20, 6–9 p.m.

    Downtown Concord (main stage at Union St. and Barbrick Ave.)

    • Free. The city's 29th annual tree lighting.
    • Food trucks, a kids' zone, Santa at Courthouse Plaza and fireworks.

    Source: City of Concord

  4. Concord

    Concord Christmas Parade

    Sat., Nov. 21, 2:30 p.m.

    Starts at Church St. N and Lake Concord Rd.; ends at Union St. and Corban Ave.

    • Free. The 98th Concord Christmas Parade.
    • Runs more than two miles along Church St., Buffalo Ave. and Union St.
    • Parade entries close Oct. 23 or when the lineup is full.

    Source: City of Concord

  5. Concord

    Speedway Christmas

    Nov. 20–Jan. 3, 6–10 p.m. nightly

    Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord

    • Drive-through light show on a 4-mile course, open rain or shine.
    • Tickets are sold by the Speedway: 800-455-3267.

    Source: Charlotte Motor Speedway

  6. Mount Pleasant

    Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

    Sat., Dec. 5: parade 3:30 p.m., tree lighting 5:30 p.m.

    Parade on E. Franklin St. and N. Main St.; tree lighting at Town Hall, 8590 Park Drive

    • The town holds both on the first Saturday in December, which is Dec. 5 this year.
    • Info: 704-436-9800.

    Source: Town of Mount Pleasant

  7. Kannapolis

    Kannapolis Christmas Parade

    Sat., Dec. 12, 6 p.m.

    Downtown Kannapolis: Laureate Way to West Ave., ending at Vance St.

    • Usually over by about 7:30 p.m.
    • West Ave. closes to parking from 6 a.m. that day; cars left there are towed.

    Source: City of Kannapolis

Harrisburg and Midland haven't been added yet because we couldn't confirm their 2026 dates. We'll add them once the towns announce them. More: things to do this week.