Family Friendly | Santa Photos
Join up at Concord Mills in the Dining Pavilion for Santa’s Arrival Party! Enjoy cookie decorating and letters to Santa. Visit with Santa and receive a complimentary ride on the Carousel located in the Dining Pavilion. Santa photos are available for purchase.

Family Friendly | FREE Event | Santa Photos
The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place in Downtown Concord, with the City’s large tree returning to the Couthouse Plaza. There will be food trucks, a kids’ zone sponsored by Uwharrie Bank, Santa and Mrs. Clause in the Courthouse Plaza sponsored by Kinetic, and fireworks to end the celebration.

Family Friendly | Santa & Grinch Photos
Zsambeky, Chaney & Associates invite everyone to enjoy a hot cocoa bar, crafts, and photos with Santa Sam and the Grinch. It’s a festive opportunity for some holiday fun!

Family Friendly | Tickets: per vehicle | Santa Photos $
Experience the 15th season of Speedway Christmas, the Southeast’s largest drive-through holiday light show at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Enjoy over five million lights across a four-mile course. The show runs rain or shine, with synchronized lights-to-music on 101.3 FM and drive-in movies on the massive Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night until Christmas.

Family Friendly | FREE Event
The annual Concord Christmas Parade, sponsored by True Care Pharmacy, is one of the oldest and continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina!

Family Friendly
Charlotte Motor Speedway STEAM and the Cabarrus County Home School Association are excited to present the 2nd Annual STEAM Craft Fair, where homeschool students can showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Featuring a wide array of handcrafted products, this event offers a special opportunity for young vendors to connect with the community. Come explore their unique creations and discover one-of-a-kind gifts perfect for the season!

Family Friendly | Book Your Stay
Snowland, Great Wolf Lodge’s annual holiday celebration, is an immersive winter wonderland filled with special seasonal events, winter activities, crafts, visits with Santa Claus, and more. Don’t miss Great Wolf Lodge in the winter: Book your family’s winter vacation today and enjoy memories to last a lifetime.

Family Friendly | Santa Photos
Don’t miss Santa pictures at Carolina Mall! Walk ups welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time.

Family Friendly | Santa Photos
Santa’s making a grand entrance at Carolina Mall, and the whole community is invited to join the fun! Enjoy festive performances from Concord Senior Center’s Traffic Jam and the G.W. Carver Dance Club before photos with Santa begin right after his arrival.

Family Friendly | Santa Sighting
EMS invites everyone to the Second Annual Holiday Bash, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance! Bring the family for a festive day filled with holiday cheer, fun activities, and unforgettable memories!

Family Friendly | Santa Photos
Join City Club at Gibson Mill for the inaugural “A Very Merry Christmas Market”, hosted in partnership with Epic Event Rentals, featuring local businesses and amazing vendors offering the perfect gifts for the holiday season! The first 50 guests will receive Swag Bags filled with goodies, and families are invited to capture memories with Santa Claus during a special photo opportunity.

Family Friendly
Cabarrus Brewing Company invites everyone to get into the holiday spirit with their 8th Annual “Christmas At Cabarrus” holiday market! With over 120 local vendors, food trucks, and surprises, it’s the perfect chance to shop unique gifts, support small businesses, and enjoy a festive brew!

Family Friendly
Discover a festive head start on your Christmas shopping with an incredible selection of boutiques, crafters, woodworkers, artisans, glass blowers, and more! Say goodbye to big box stores this Black Friday and embrace Small Business Saturday at this two-day event at the Cabarrus Arena. Support local and find unique gifts that celebrate craftsmanship and creativity!

Family Friendly
Join Downtown Concord for a shopping experience like no other! Small Business Saturday is a time for celebrating our local heros – the small businesses that make our community thrive.

Family Friendly
Get ready for a holly jolly time at Holidays at the Market! Meet at Gibson Mill for giveaways, kids’ crafts, and enough unique gifts to fill Santa’s sleigh! It’s the perfect excuse to shop ‘til you drop—because who needs a gym when you can work off those holiday cookies at the market?

Family Friendly
Sol Harmony invites everyone to a free afternoon of connection with the holistic community at Cabarrus Brewing Company. Explore unique holiday gifts and services from local holistic vendors and practitioners at this indoor event.

Family Friendly | $10 Admission
(Children 12 and under FREE)
Join Vintage Market Days of Charlotte at the Cabarrus Arena as they host interior designers, decorators, and over 85 dealers with unique vintage & antique goods, handmade treasures, clothing, jewelry, LIVE plants, yummy eats & treats and so much more!

Family Friendly | Tickets: $18-23
Get your tickets for Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical at Old Courthouse Theatre! Based on the beloved 20th Century Fox classic, this family-friendly show (Rated G) promises a heartwarming holiday experience—don’t miss out!

Family Friendly | FREE Event
Aurora Star Lit Cinema and Rice Family Community Events are back at Cabarrus Brewing Company for this awesome FREE outdoor movie, The Polar Express! Starting at 6pm, arcade games (free to play) and holiday music. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Family Friendly
Calvary Lutheran Church presents 2024 Christmas Concerts. Join them for an evening of joyful music and celebration of the holiday season!

Family Friendly | Ticketed Events
Held each year the first weekend of December, the Boys & Girls Club’s Festival of Trees is the premiere event to ring in the holiday season! Kick-off Christmas at the historic Hotel Concord with over 40 theme-decorated tree creations, dreamy lights, and holiday cheer!

• Deck the Halls Gala: The weekend of events begins on Friday with an elegant evening of dining, dancing and singing along with InfiniteSoul.
• Holly-Day Hop: On Saturday, the shag style shenanigans of too MUCH SyLviA will get you on your toes after a delicious buffet meal.
• Fa-la-la Lunch: Sunday tops off the festivities with a tasty Fa-la-la Lunch among the trees.

Family Friendly
ClearWater Arts Center & Studios invites you to its second annual Holiday Market!  13 individual artists, the Cabarrus Art Guild and the Southern Piedmont Woodturners – along with other local artists and artisans, selling their original hand-crafted wares! Enjoy a celebratory atmosphere and explore ClearWater’s expansive site while finding one-of-a-kind gift ideas and exceptional art that are sure to delight everyone on your gift list.

Family Friendly | Santa Photos on 12/21-22
Celebrate the season at the Bost Grist Mill Christmas Open House! Enjoy hot cider, stone-ground grits, festive shopping, and photos with Santa—all in a charming, old-fashioned Southern Christmas setting.

Family Friendly
Christmas greetings to all! Head to The Depot at Gibson Mill for “Kick-Off to Christmas” with festive treats, an Iva Jean’s Fudge tasting, a Magnolia Pearl Trunk Show by Depot vendor Tiffany at Ruffins Roost, and fantastic holiday sales all day long!  Arrive early—free swag bags await the first 100 shoppers!

Family Friendly
This will be a dual level event – with vendors upstairs at Gibson Mill Market and downstairs at High Branch Brewery. Put your money where your heart is, and shop local.

Family Friendly | Tickets: $25+
Join Bill Gaither & the Gaither Vocal Band, Mark Lowry, The Hoppers, & more at the Cabarrus Arena for a night of fellowship and music! Tickets are being sold exclusively at Ticketmaster.com.

Tickets: $45
Join the 2024 Christmas Gala at The Speedway Club for an evening of faith, food, fun, and fellowship. Enjoy a photo shoot at 5pm, followed by dinner at 6pm, a gift exchange, and a view of the Speedway Christmas Lights from the dining room.

Tickets: $35 or Buy 3 Get One Free
Join Crowntown Cannabis in Concord for a cozy evening of creativity, painting festive Mr. or Mrs. Nutcracker canvases! No experience needed—just bring your holiday spirit, and all supplies will be provided for this step-by-step guided class.

Family Friendly | Tickets: $35
Enjoy the holiday season at the Davis Theatre with renowned vocalist and cellist Shana Tucker as she brings her unique genre of “Chamber Soul” to some of your favorite holiday standards. Joined by award winning jazz pianist and arranger Christian Tamburr and his trio, this musical collaboration is one not to miss.

Tickets: $75
Get into the winter spirit with The Downtown Dirty’s festive holiday party at The Lenz Studio! Your ticket includes two drinks, sweet treats, hors d’oeuvres, and lively music from DJ Kristi, setting the perfect vibe for a night of holiday cheer.

Family Friendly | Santa Photos | Tickets: $10
Join Cub Scout Pack 38 at Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church for an all you can eat pancake breakfast with Santa!

Family Friendly
This holiday season, join the Cabarrus Black Boys Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in remembering and honoring veterans at Oakwood Cemetery. Attend the ceremony at noon where 1600 wreaths will be placed on Cabarrus County veterans’ graves, teaching the next generation about the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Family Friendly | Free
Rice Family Community Events and Imagination Clubhouse invites you to meet your unfriendly neighborhood Grinch this holiday season at Carolina Mall. Photos are free, but he won’t care if you snap one or not!

Family Friendly
Vibe with Klean Exhibition while raising toys for the holidays at a Toys for Tots Car Show! This free spectator event is happening at Cabarrus Brewing Company, located in the iconic Gibson Mill.

21+ Only Event
Local Bottle Shop invites you to its Holiday Party with DJ Crackerjack! Show off your best ugly sweater for a chance to win and dance the night away to celebrate an incredible first year with friends and family!

Family Friendly
Get ready for an epic day at the 2024 Charlotte Comicon Winter Show at Embassy Suites Hotel and Concord Convention Center! Shop thousands of comics, toys, and collectibles, meet amazing artists, and join the costume contest for a chance to win cash prizes—don’t miss this super-fun event for all ages!

Family Friendly | Free Santa Photos
Rice Family Community Events and Imagination Clubhouse bring you a magical visit from Santa Claus at The Kettle Room. Enjoy a free meet-and-greet, snap festive photos, and let the kids pick out a free Christmas toy at the Operation Imagination giveaway—holiday cheer for the whole family!

Family Friendly | FREE Santa Photos
Head over to the Cabarrus Arena for the perfect holiday experience. Free pictures with Santa Claus, free toy giveaway for the kids, free gift wrapping, Christmas coloring & word search, ornament decoration and more! Show your holiday cheer by wearing family ugly Christmas sweaters!

Family Friendly
Join the Harrisburg Cruisers at Captain Steve’s for a toy drive and car cruise. Bring unwrapped toys and/or cash donations to support local children in need.

Family Friendly | Motorcycle Ride
Join Speedway Harley-Davidson for the 22nd Annual Arzie Rogers Memorial Toy Run, starting at Captain Steve’s in Harrisburg. Gather your gifts and rev up your engines as we come together to ensure local kids have an amazing Christmas!

Family Friendly | Santa Photos
Join Covenant Church Harrisburg for a heartwarming holiday celebration where little ones can meet Santa and families can enjoy free professional portraits! With festive treats, letters to Santa, and a special gift for the first 30 groups, this event is open to all and sure to bring holiday cheer!

Family Friendly | Santa Photos | Free Event
The 2nd Annual Christmas for the Children is back and bigger than ever! Join up at the Harrisburg Town Center for this FREE event with vendors, food trucks, and Santa photos—all donations going toward gifts for kids affected by Hurricane Helene in WNC.

Family Friendly | FREE Event
Join up at Harrisburg Park for the Town of Harrisburg’s festive annual tree lighting tradition to kick off the holiday season! Enjoy craft vendors, food trucks, entertainment, train rides, and more as we celebrate with the whole community.

Family Friendly | Free Admission
The Piedmont Community Band presents “Home for the Holidays” at Hickory Ridge High School! Enjoy traditional holiday music, festive twists on favorites, and a jingle bell sing-along with the kids—admission is free, and donations are welcome.

Family Friendly | FREE Santa Photos
Come to Village Park and enjoy all the beautiful lights and displays in celebration of the holidays. Area choirs and school groups will perform on select evenings. Bring your wish list for your visit with Santa – you are welcome to take your photo with him at no charge. Other activities include making a holiday craft, enjoying smore’s around the fire pit and much more. Local craft and artisans will be on hand on the weekends so come prepared to do your Christmas shopping. Food trucks will have food and drinks for sale.

Tickets: $65
Join up at Tipsy Hare Ciderworks for a fun and festive beginner’s workshop in modern calligraphy, where you’ll learn to use a pointed dip pen and ink. Perfect for adding personal touches to your holiday tables, gift tags, cards, and more! Additionally, you will be lettering on a take-home acrylic ornament at the end of the class!

Family Friendly
Kannapolis Church of God invites you to come out for a fun party- packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child! This is an event for EVERYONE- young to old! Put on your favorite Christmas attire, bring a box (or two or more) and goodies to pack and an appetite- a BBQ dinner will be served. The goal is to pack 500 boxes!

Kits: $15+
Editions – Coffee and Bookstore is hosting its first-ever crochet class! Create your own crocheted Christmas ornament—just purchase a kit starting at $15 and secure your spot by visiting the store, calling 704-925-1406, or sending a DM on Facebook or Instagram.

21+ Event
Cannon Cocktail Co. and Marketplace on Main are serving up holiday cheer with 5 festive cocktail and mocktail tastings! Stop by, sip, and shop to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your nice list!

Kid Drop-Off Event  | Tickets: $85 | Ages: 6–14
Paint Your Hearts Out’s 4-hour drop-off workshop is the perfect chance for parents to check off some Christmas shopping! Kids will create three unique, giftable projects for loved ones—combining creativity, fun, and holiday spirit all in one! 🎁

Old Armor Beer Company is hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Grab your tackiest holiday sweater and join the festive fun with a live DJ, great beer, and holiday tunes all night long. Prizes await for the ugliest sweaters, so get creative and come celebrate the season with friends!

Family Friendly
Join local author Eden Estabrook in front of Sweetest Blessings on West Ave. for the launch of the second book in her Arnie the Armadillo children’s series! Pick up a signed copy for a young reader on your Christmas list.

Family Friendly | Santa 6–7pm
Join Downtown Kannapolis Inc. on West A Street for a festive day of live music, shopping, and holiday fun! Enjoy music by Jonathan Inman, a vendor market, kids’ crafts, hot chocolate, a bounce house, face painting, and a visit from Santa himself!

Family Friendly | Tickets: $16.80
Showing at He’s Alive Church, Christmas in the City is a stunning variety show bringing this essence of the Christmas Season to life. Using various forms of creative and performing arts such as song, dance, drama, comedy, and story, this show is guaranteed to entertain and inspire the soul with the beautiful season and message of Christmas.

Family Friendly | Santa | Tickets: $5+
Join the Kannapolis YMCA for a festive family breakfast with eggs, pancakes, sausage, and more, plus a visit with Santa and live music by Josh Sanders! Enjoy crafts, fun for all ages, and support the YMCA Annual Campaign, with proceeds benefiting community programs.

Family Friendly | Santa Photos
First Impressions invites you to meet their New Doctor and enjoy complimentary photos with Santa, cookies, crafts, coffee and giveaways!

Family/Pet Friendly | $10 Santa Photos
Come out to Old Armor Beer Company on to have your kids/dogs pictures made with Santa with a $10 donation. All proceeds go back to the dog rescue.

Gaelic Alley Irish Pub is celebrating its 2nd anniversary with a Holiday Pajama Party! Throw on your coziest, funniest, or most festive PJs and join the fun with great drinks, holiday vibes, and a DJ spinning beats all night long—cheers to two amazing years!

Tickets: $ 22+
Don’t miss CHAPEL HART – Hartfelt Family Christmas at The Swanee Theatre! This dynamic trio of Southern belles—sisters Danica and Devynn Hart, along with cousin Trea Swindle—has captivated audiences worldwide with their unique sound. After dazzling on America’s Got Talent and earning the “Group Golden Buzzer,” they’ve become a rising force in country music. Experience the magic of Chapel Hart live!

Tickets: $85
Soul Journers Outreach Ministries invites you to The Gold Essence Gala at The Luxe Room—a night of glamour, elegance, and purpose. Dress to impress in your finest attire (fascinators and fedoras encouraged!) and enjoy an unforgettable evening, all while supporting their mission to serve the homeless, hungry, and hopeful.

Family Friendly
The Piedmont Farmer’s Market Holiday Market is the perfect place to shop local this season! Explore a variety of vendors offering unique gifts, festive treats, and holiday cheer for everyone on your list.

Family Friendly
Downtown Kannapolis, Inc. invites families to enjoy holiday fun while taking advantage of great last-minute gift shopping opportunities! Don’t miss out on the festive activities and unique finds this season!

Family Friendly | FREE Event
The Kannapolis Christmas Parade returns on Saturday, December 14, at 6 p.m. in downtown Kannapolis! Watch as thousands of twinkling lights illuminate each float, making this one of North Carolina’s most magical nighttime holiday events. Bring the whole family to experience this cherished Christmas tradition and celebrate the season together!

Gaelic Alley Irish Pub invites you to rock your most outrageous holiday sweater for a night of festive fun! Prizes for the best (worst) sweaters, delicious drinks, and a DJ spinning holiday hits and merry vibes til 1am.

Towel City Tavern invites you to its first Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Enjoy a sweater contest with prizes, festive drink specials, seasonal food, and a night of holiday fun you won’t forget.

18+ Event | Tickets: $45+
Hometown Honors Award TM “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is a heartwarming event celebrating the spirit of the holiday season. Join up at the Laureate Center for a night filled with music, laughter, and recognition of our community’s finest. Let’s come together to honor those who make our hometown special.

Tickets: $22+
Experience a very Ember Christmas at The Swanee Theatre! With decades of albums and singles, The Embers showcase exceptional showmanship and musicianship, proudly holding titles as North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music and being inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues and Beach Music Halls of Fame.

Family Friendly | Santa Photos
Enjoy Breakfast with St. Nicholas at First Baptist Church Midland! Indulge in all-you-can-eat pancakes, hot drinks, crafts, and story time for a festive morning of fun and holiday cheer.

Family Friendly
Stop by the Midland Market @ Kairos to stock up on Mandy’s Homemade Goodies! Look for all her favorite products, including eggs, honey, and elderberry syrup.

Family Friendly
Don’t miss The Sunflower Stage: Holiday Talent Showcase from the Sunflower Club at Kairos during the festive Holiday Shoppe Market! From singers and dancers to comedians and musicians, performers of all kinds are invited to spread holiday cheer and share their talents with the community. Register to perform by Dec 6th.

Family Friendly | Santa & Cookies
Small Business Saturday is almost here, and Barrier Farms’ Christmas at The Farm Store is the place to be! Enjoy vendor pop-ups, free food, and photos with Santa (plus cookies for the kids!) as you shop local and kick off the holiday season.

Family Friendly | FREE Event
The festive procession will travel along East Franklin Street, head up North Main Street, and cross Highway 49 before concluding at North Drive. After the parade, stick around for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 4:30pm!

Family Friendly | FREE Event
Enjoy a festive evening with food vendors, a DJ, and fun activities for the kids from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. The highlight of the night—the Tree Lighting—will take place at 6:00pm, and kids can even sign up for a chance to help light the tree! It’s a magical holiday tradition you won’t want to miss.

Family Friendly | Spirits for 21+ only
Join Southern Grace Distilleries for the 4th annual Christmas Cocktails & Crafts Faire! There will be vendors, cocktails, and FREE tours!