September 26, 2024
No holiday season is complete without watching your favorite festive movie. From indoor snow showers reminiscent of the North Pole to twinkling lights and a magical train ride to visit Santa, you’ll find silver screen-style holiday enchantment for the young–and young at heart–in Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
If you like The Santa Clause…
… book a stay during Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord. 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, Snowland is 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…
… plan a family outing to Speedway Christmas. Located in Concord, Charlotte Motor Speedway gives Clark Griswold a run for his money with more than five million LED lights strung around a 4-mile route and timed to holiday music. On Thursday-Sunday, visit the infield Christmas Village to enjoy holiday activities like photos with Santa, shopping for gifts, and making s’mores by the fire. 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 off your entire gift 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 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 hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights on a picturesque train ride through the park during the city’s annual Celebration of Lights. Once you arrive, kids can visit Santa, see performances by Maestro Leonard Bearstein and the famed Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra, roast s’mores, and so much more.
Train lovers should be sure to also visit Lionel at Concord Mills – one of only two Lionel retail stores – 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…
… bundle up and grab a seat for one of Cabarrus County’s fantastic Christmas parades. These holiday traditions feature bands, floats, and Santa himself. 2024 marks the 96th year of the Concord Christmas Parade, making it the oldest Christmas parade in the state of North Carolina. And don’t miss the glowing nighttime parade in Downtown Kannapolis. Before or after these special celebrations, bundle up and stroll the charming streets of downtown to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, and shop for unique 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 than marveling at a towering evergeen tree aglow. Cabarrus County’s tree lighting ceremonies take place in Concord, Kannapolis, Mount 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. History enthusiasts should stay tuned for details on holiday celebrations such as the Christmas Show at Historic Bost Grist Mill. History and holiday enthusiasts will also enjoy events including the Holiday Tour of Homes which will return to Historic Downtown Concord in December 2025.
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.
