November 27, 2024
Searching for classic holiday experiences with picture-perfect backdrops? In Cabarrus County, there’s no need to look far. Throughout the region, seasonal celebrations serve up festive fun and set the stage for spur-of-the-moment snapshots with all the trappings of a Hallmark holiday movie.
Have your camera ready while exploring these five festive places and be sure to tag @ExploreCabarrus and use #CabarrusChristmas on social media.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Every November, Charlotte Motor Speedway morphs into a veritable winter wonderland featuring a dazzling display of five million lights sprawling over four miles.
Known as Speedway Christmas, the spectacle runs into the New Year and draws thousands of holiday lights lovers from around the country to revel in the Christmas spirit: sipping hot chocolate, noshing on spiced donuts, shopping the Christmas Village, watching drive-in holiday movies and taking memorable pictures at the numerous photo vignettes set up throughout the Speedway.
Concord Mills
Santa Claus makes a much-anticipated annual appearance at Concord Mills, North Carolina’s largest retail shopping center and outlet mall. This means that you can make progress on your holiday shopping list plus score photos of the kiddos with Santa. Afterwards, make your way to SEA LIFE Aquarium. Located inside Concord Mills, the aquarium takes the Christmas celebration underwater with Twinkling Tides, an enchanted world of 10 dazzling, decorated zones tucked among the waves.
Great Wolf Lodge
From Thanksgiving to after New Year’s, Great Wolf Lodge hosts its annual Snowland, a magical event that includes Snowland Bingo, a Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, holiday-themed games, and a Snowland scavenger hunt. In addition to festive surroundings throughout the resort, guests will find the ultimate picture-perfect experience as little ones will also have the opportunity to share their gift lists and meet Santa Claus himself.
Downtown Districts
Concord | Harrisburg | Kannapolis | Mount Pleasant
The Town of Harrisburg celebrates the first week of December with the official lighting of the town’s Christmas tree, accompanied by horse-and-carriage rides, food trucks, and live performances.
The first week of December is also when downtown Mount Pleasant kicks off holiday celebrations with the town’s Christmas parade and tree lighting. The parade offers many chances for photos in front of the brilliantly lighted floats, antique cars, and Santa riding atop a fire engine.
In Concord, the lighting of the tree took place in November at a family-friendly event in Courthouse Plaza. While exploring all that historic Downtown Concord has to offer, from local shops to independent eateries, opt for photos in front of the dazzling tree.
In Kannapolis, the spectacular nighttime Christmas parade will take place on December 14 this year where dozens of glittering floats wind through the streets of downtown, inspiring photo ops at every turn. Continue reading for more on the festive atmosphere in Kannapolis!
Village Park
Village Park plays host to the Kannapolis Celebration of Lights, an event featuring more than 250,000 lights that runs from November to January. Take rides on the Winterland Express train, pose for photos on the carousel and enjoy meet-and-greets with Santa. Don’t miss the park’s Kannapolis Singing Bears, who entertain with a rollicking Christmas carol performance.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Keep the family photogenic by ensuring plenty of rest. The best way to do that? Book the right accommodations. Browse our list of places to stay to find the Cabarrus County hotel for you.
