December 7, 2022
No holiday season is complete without watching your favorite festive movie.
This year, bring the magic of those movies to life and celebrate the holidays in Cabarrus County with classic winter activities and backdrops that will make you feel like you’re on set! From indoor snow showers reminiscent of the North Pole to twinkling lights and a magical train ride to visit Santa, you’ll find holiday enchantment for the young–and young at heart–in Cabarrus County!
If you like The Santa Clause…
… book a stay during Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge. In this holiday classic, Scott Calvin and his son, Charlie, are whisked away to Santa’s factory where they meet his top elves. For a taste of the North Pole right here in Cabarrus County, visit Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge, a winter wonderland complete with indoor snow showers, visits from Santa and the best hot cocoa around.
If you like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation…
… zip around Speedway Christmas. Charlotte Motor Speedway gives Clark Griswold a run for his money with more than four million LED lights strung around a 3.75-mile route and timed to holiday music. On Thursday-Sunday, visit the Christmas Village to enjoy holiday activities like photos with Santa, shopping for gifts, and making s’mores by the fire, and then cozy up to popular drive-in movies on the 16,000-square-foot Speedway TV.
If you like Jingle All the Way…
… shop for the hottest toys and gifts at Concord Mills. North Carolina’s largest outlet and value retail shopping and entertainment center has more than 200 stores where you can check everyone off your list. Don’t be like Howard and wait until Christmas Eve! Concord Mills is open special hours throughout the season providing plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Looking for more ways to make holiday shopping in Cabarrus County special? Plan an entire adventure around completing your gift list!
If you like The Polar Express…
… ride The Winterland Express at Village Park. All aboard! Enjoy thousands of twinkling lights on a picturesque train ride through the park during the City’s annual Celebration of Lights. Once you arrive in the North Pole, kids can visit Santa, see performances, roast s’mores, make a holiday craft and more! Train lovers should be sure to also visit Lionel at Concord Mills – the brand’s only retail store – to see model train displays and pick up collector’s items including your very own Polar Express train!
If you like Miracle on 34th Street…
… see one of Cabarrus County’s fantastic Christmas parades featuring bands, floats and Santa himself. 2022 marks the 94th year of the Concord parade, making it one of the oldest Christmas parades in North Carolina. And don’t miss the glowing nighttime parade in Downtown Kannapolis! Then, throughout the rest of the season, bundle up, walk the charming streets and shop for gifts at local boutiques and specialty stores.
If you like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York…
… head to one of Cabarrus County’s annual tree lightings. If you share Kevin McCallister’s love of Christmas trees, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit! Cabarrus County offers tree lighting ceremonies in Concord, Kannapolis, Mt. Pleasant and Harrisburg. The events feature a variety of activities from live music and entertainment to fireworks, and trees remain lit through the holiday season for all to enjoy.
If you like A Christmas Carol…
… immerse yourself in Christmas Past and step back in time with holiday celebrations like the Christmas Show at Historic Bost Grist Mill. History and holiday enthusiasts will also enjoy events including the Christmas Tour of Homes in Mt. Pleasant and the Holiday Tour of Homes in Historic Downtown Concord.
If you like The Nightmare Before Christmas…
… you won’t want to miss the Nightmare Before Christmas Story Time at Editions Coffee and Bookstore on December 17! Located in downtown Kannapolis, the local coffee shop is hosting a free, family friendly event where participants can also decorate their own special ornament. Plus, sip coffee while you pick up any last-minute gifts on your list.
Write Your Own Script
Celebrate the holidays in Cabarrus County, North Carolina with a festive trip for the whole family and bring your favorite holiday movies to life! Start planning your visit with these Places to Stay.
