November 20 - December 30, 2021
Sundays - Thursdays 6 - 9 pm; Fridays and Saturdays 6 - 10 pm

Come to Village Park and enjoy all the beautiful lights and displays in celebration of the holidays. Visit Santa, create a craft, enjoy smore’s around the fire pit and more!

The Festival of Lights includes thousands and thousands of Christmas lights and holiday displays. Again, this year, kids of all ages will be able to visit Santa. The park will also feature performances from the Kannapolis Singing Bears who will entertain you with a Christmas Carol performance. On various nights local community groups and musicians will perform your favorite Christmas songs. Children will also have an opportunity to create ornaments and engage in the children’s zone.

The event kicks off with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 20 and runs through December 30 (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), and is open from 6-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Plus, don’t miss the special nighttime Kannapolis Christmas Parade on December 11!

November 19, 2021 6:00 pm - January 2, 2022 10:00 pm
Speedway Christmas is open nightly November 19, 2020 through January 2, 2021 (closed on Christmas Day, December 25).
Make the holidays magical with a visit to Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway!

Featured by Southern Living, the spectacular four-mile drive-thru course is adorned with over four million LED lights twinkling across the legendary speedway. One of the Southeast’s largest and most-anticipated holiday traditions, the event features hundreds of creative displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music. It’s the ultimate holiday-themed spectacle, perfect for families and fans of all ages!

Speedway Christmas is open nightly (closed on Christmas Day, December 25). See website for admission information and the latest details.

Charlotte Motor Speedway is conveniently located at Exit 49 off I-85 along with Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark resort featuring the magical world of Snowland, and Concord Mills, an ideal location for holiday shopping as North Carolina’s largest outlet and value retail shopping center.

Plan the ultimate holiday getaway and make memories with your crew in Cabarrus County!

November 19, 2021 5:00 pm - December 21, 2021 11:00 pm

The largest and oldest Christmas light show in eastern North Carolina. Family owned and operated business that started more than 40 years ago. “The Old Country Store” is one of the largest candy stores in the state specializing in Christmas and old fashion candy, carrying more 300 varieties. We display lights on more than 30 acres and operate a train ride and carousel through more than 10 acres. Don't forget to visit Santa for a photo opportunity.

Contact

December 6, 7,13, 14, & 20, 2019
Tour times: 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m.

Don’t just watch – grab a lantern, an apron and join us for an interactive evening of Christmas community– Old Salem style! Making, listening to Christmas music, and creating community. Every year at Christmas, the residents of the town of Salem built small replica villages, houses, and landcsapes called a “putz”. Often, they would build miniature versions of the their own & neighbors’ houses and outbuildings.
This year take the time to walk Main Street, visiting historic houses, and sit with us as we make wood versions of the town of Salem, learn about the traditional egg tempera paint process used by the Moravians, and paint your own versions of the famous Miksch and Vogler Houses. All of this while you listen to the sounds of traditional Christmas music.
After all your hard work, join us around the fireplace in the Single Brothers Workshop kitchen to create a small-scale putz with your fellow tour members at our holiday gathering, enjoy all of the Moravian baked goodies.

Admission is free!

​

 The Village will be open:

•  BEGINNING THIS YEAR ON FRIDAY, 11/22 11 am to 9 pm

• Tuesdays & Wednesdays 11 am to 7 pm

• Thursdays*, Fridays, & Saturdays 11 am to 9 pm 

• Sundays 11 am to 6 pm

• *THANKSGIVING DAY, Th., 11/28  after parade- 5 pm 

• Christmas Eve 11 am to 5 pm

• Closed Mondays

• Cider, Glühwein, Wine & Beer sales begin at 11 am

​

 The aromas of specialty foods will drift across the village, from classic Austrian strudels, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, and glazed nuts. Visitors can also enjoy hot mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate and alcoholic-free Glühwein in a souvenir village mug!

​​

 Visit "The Village Bakery" featuring traditional sweets like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Austrian style strudel, hand twisted pretzels, cookies and other confections!

Salem Night: “Softly The Night Is Sleeping” (December 21st, special hours 1:00-7:30PM)  is a late-afternoon into evening, town-wide event designed to allow you the time to slow down, leave the busy holiday season behind and start to reflect on family & friends.  Join us for this once-a-season special candlelight evening of open, warm, and inviting Christmas experiences. From singing in the Single Brothers House, to piano forte concerts in the Boy’s School, baking in the beehive ovens in the Miksch House & Winkler Bakery, the historic district will be alive with a renewed presence of the holiday.  This is a perfect opportunity to bring visiting family and begin an annual start to the Christmas week.  Our Visitor Center opens at 12:30pm for admission tickets/shopping and retail stores will open 10am-7pm for any last-minute gifts you may need, or to simply come and buy one of our newly created Salem pottery pieces for yourself. We look forward to welcoming you, TICKETS GO ON SALE SOON!

December 6, 7,13, 14, & 20, 2019
Tour times: 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m.

Don’t just watch – grab a lantern, an apron and join us for an interactive evening of Christmas community– Old Salem style! Making, listening to Christmas music, and creating community. Every year at Christmas, the residents of the town of Salem built small replica villages, houses, and landcsapes called a “putz”. Often, they would build miniature versions of the their own & neighbors’ houses and outbuildings.
This year take the time to walk Main Street, visiting historic houses, and sit with us as we make wood versions of the town of Salem, learn about the traditional egg tempera paint process used by the Moravians, and paint your own versions of the famous Miksch and Vogler Houses. All of this while you listen to the sounds of traditional Christmas music.
After all your hard work, join us around the fireplace in the Single Brothers Workshop kitchen to create a small-scale putz with your fellow tour members at our holiday gathering, enjoy all of the Moravian baked goodies.

Journey back to the days of yesteryear and experience holiday magic as the entire town of Dillsboro is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! During Lights & Luminaries, 2,500 luminaries light up the town for visitors to enjoy the local one-of-a-kind shops, galleries and restaurants. The Luminaries take place the first two weekends of December on Friday and Saturday. The shops stay open later, and other special offerings include horse and buggy rides, live music, holiday goodies including hot cider and cocoa, carolers, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visitors will also enjoy a live Nativity at Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church. The event has been named as one of the “Top 20” events in the Southeast for the month of December. Free shuttle service is provided from Monteith Park.

December 13-14, 2019
4pm - 8pm

The Christmas Candlelight Tour is Edenton’s most anticipated event every year. Thousands of visitors come from far and wide to see our hamlet shine! Each year, a neighborhood is chosen, and participants spend months preparing for the visitors, and then open their homes to share their own personal family traditions and decorating styles with the public. The Tour is December 13 and 14, featuring homes in historic downtown Edenton, including The Cupola House, The Barker House and the Historic 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, which are all decorated using only natural, historically accurate decorations. The self-guided walking tours are from 4-8 p.m.

December 12-22, 2019
Every day: 4pm - 10pm

All aboard The Polar Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum. Inspired by the runaway hit movie, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express. Set to the music of the motion picture soundtrack, you are sure to enjoy your trip to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Enjoy singing, dancing, and a reading of The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will present the first gift of Christmas. On the return trip, everyone will receive a silver sleigh bell, heard by all those who believe. Experience the joy of caroling and holiday entertainment that will surely become an annual tradition for the whole family. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic. Please see event website for ticket details.

Admission is free!

​

 The Village will be open:

•  BEGINNING THIS YEAR ON FRIDAY, 11/22 11 am to 9 pm

• Tuesdays & Wednesdays 11 am to 7 pm

• Thursdays*, Fridays, & Saturdays 11 am to 9 pm 

• Sundays 11 am to 6 pm

• *THANKSGIVING DAY, Th., 11/28  after parade- 5 pm 

• Christmas Eve 11 am to 5 pm

• Closed Mondays

• Cider, Glühwein, Wine & Beer sales begin at 11 am

​

 The aromas of specialty foods will drift across the village, from classic Austrian strudels, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, and glazed nuts. Visitors can also enjoy hot mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate and alcoholic-free Glühwein in a souvenir village mug!

​​

 Visit "The Village Bakery" featuring traditional sweets like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Austrian style strudel, hand twisted pretzels, cookies and other confections!

December 6, 7,13, 14, & 20, 2019
Tour times: 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m.

Don’t just watch – grab a lantern, an apron and join us for an interactive evening of Christmas community– Old Salem style! Making, listening to Christmas music, and creating community. Every year at Christmas, the residents of the town of Salem built small replica villages, houses, and landcsapes called a “putz”. Often, they would build miniature versions of the their own & neighbors’ houses and outbuildings.
This year take the time to walk Main Street, visiting historic houses, and sit with us as we make wood versions of the town of Salem, learn about the traditional egg tempera paint process used by the Moravians, and paint your own versions of the famous Miksch and Vogler Houses. All of this while you listen to the sounds of traditional Christmas music.
After all your hard work, join us around the fireplace in the Single Brothers Workshop kitchen to create a small-scale putz with your fellow tour members at our holiday gathering, enjoy all of the Moravian baked goodies.

Begin your holiday season with a visit to Connie Maxwell Children's Home in Greenwood, SC! Each year our campus is beautifully decorated with the lights and images of Christmas.

During Connie Maxwell Christmas you will have the opportunity to experience the beautiful lights on a horse-drawn wagon ride through the heart of campus. Gather with your family and friends by one of our bonfires, and enjoy a complimentary cup of fresh, hot chocolate.

Learn more about the Christmas story by watching a live nativity scene presented by our children and other volunteers.

Bring a little extra spending money so you can purchase baked goodies and other items that support mission trips for our children!

Finally, you can enjoy one of our special musical performances in Connie Maxwell Baptist Church each evening at 6:30 pm. This evening we are featuring a performance by Shandon Baptist Church Choir and Orchestra.

Admission is free!

​

 The Village will be open:

•  BEGINNING THIS YEAR ON FRIDAY, 11/22 11 am to 9 pm

• Tuesdays & Wednesdays 11 am to 7 pm

• Thursdays*, Fridays, & Saturdays 11 am to 9 pm 

• Sundays 11 am to 6 pm

• *THANKSGIVING DAY, Th., 11/28  after parade- 5 pm 

• Christmas Eve 11 am to 5 pm

• Closed Mondays

• Cider, Glühwein, Wine & Beer sales begin at 11 am

​

 The aromas of specialty foods will drift across the village, from classic Austrian strudels, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, and glazed nuts. Visitors can also enjoy hot mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate and alcoholic-free Glühwein in a souvenir village mug!

​​

 Visit "The Village Bakery" featuring traditional sweets like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Austrian style strudel, hand twisted pretzels, cookies and other confections!

November 22 – 24

The 30th Festival of Trees will be held at the South Carolina State Museum. Festival of Trees features decorated trees, wreaths, stockings and other holiday items that will be up for bid during a weekend-long silent auction. Thousands of people will attend from across the Midlands to enjoy the holiday cheer as well as wonderful activities and entertainment — local choirs, dance groups, visits with Santa and area mascots. Proceeds will benefit Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands. 

November 22, 7-10 p.m.:
Auction Preview

November 23, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.:
Santa & Me

November 24, 12-4 p.m.:
open to the public | no admission fee
Mascot Madness Parade, 1 p.m.

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum

November 22, 2019 – January 4, 2020

6 – 10 p.m. Nightly

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition atWinter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Walk through the Arboretum’s gardens and enjoy unique displays and landscapes dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Perfect for the entire family, Winter Lights includes interactive games, a model train exhibit, free crafts, a nature-themed animatronic children’s program and more! As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event, proceeds generated from Winter Lights help support the Arboretum’s educational programs and exhibits year-round.

November 22 – December 31

  Guests are invited to see a variety of holiday decorations and experience past traditions at the Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Tour guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Admission includes a guided tour of both the Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Tours will be offered Tuesday – Saturday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The Florence Center announces the return of the Jingle Bell Market, the Carolinas’ Premier Holiday shopping event, November 22–24 at the Florence Center. The Jingle Bell Market is an indoor holiday extravaganza filled with Christmas gift ideas, vintage finds, apparel, jewelry, beauty and wellness products and gourmet treats. Shopping hours are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The other areas of the show include Festival of Trees Silent Auction, Jingle Bell Junction and Kringle’s Korner, Christmas Cafe, Vintage Holiday Market,  Moose is Loose Photo Booth, and the Shop N Drop Station. The Jingle Bell Bus will help shoppers get to their cars.  There is something for everyone on your shopping list!

• Active Military & Veterans – Free Admission with Military ID. Only available at the Florence Center Box Office

• First Responders, Medical Staff & Teachers / Educators – 1/2 off single day admission with company id. Only available at the Florence Center Box Office.

November 20-24

The Carolina Hotel, Pinehurst

The 23rd Annual Sandhills Children’s Center Festival of Trees is sure to delight the young and the young-at-heart.  Join us at The Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst as we turn The Carolina Hall into a sparkling winter wonderland!  Admission is by any monetary donation at the door.  

• Silent Auction

• Raffle

• Gift Shop sponsored by First Bank

• Holiday Photo Booth

• Angel Tree

• History

November 15, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Monday - Sunday: 6pm - 11pm

Festival of Lights is open nightly, Friday, November 15th, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1st, 2020 from 6PM to 11PM, with the exception of Tuesday, December 31, when the show closes at 10PM.

The Gift Shop closes at 11PM Sundays-Thursdays and at 12AM on Fridays and Saturdays, with the exception of Tuesday, December 31st when it closes at 10PM.

Thursdays-Sundays are very popular nights at Festival of Lights. During these nights, long lines and wait times should be expected. Weekends are especially busy and 4 hour wait times should be expected. Also, if visitors are not inside the park gate by 11PM, they may not get into the show before it closes.