Just a short trip outside Charlotte, a Hallmark movie-style holiday awaits in Kannapolis

Heidi Finley
·4 min read

A charming — and walkable — downtown district awaits just short drive away from Charlotte this holiday season in Kannapolis.

Kannapolis offers can’t-miss Christmas events on the calendar this season, quaint shops and a small town feel that offers a bit of that Hallmark holiday movie vibe. In fact, if movies are your thing, the historic Gem Theatre has recently undergone a few renovations and is now open for you to catch a show.

Walk through an illuminated fountain in downtown Kannapolis.
Walk through an illuminated fountain in downtown Kannapolis.

Downtown shops and boutiques offer plenty of places to pick up holiday gifts or browse items for yourself. There is even a Holiday Elf Scavenger Hunt taking place through Dec. 24 where participants can enter to win a gift basket by taking selfies at each store.

From Charlotte, Kannapolis is a quick trip: It’s only 26.6. miles away by car. But driving isn’t even necessary — travelers can hop on an Amtrak train and be there in just about the same amount of time. (If you do drive, there’s free public parking on several downtown streets and lots, but there is a paid parking garage, as well.)

A mural showcases Kannapolis’ Amtrak station.
A mural showcases Kannapolis’ Amtrak station.

Here are the details on a few festive things the Cabarrus County town has in store for Charlotte-area residents and visitors this holiday season:

Friday Night Live

Location: West A Street, Kannapolis NC 28081

When: Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m.

Shop vendors and small businesses, then meet Santa from 6-7 p.m. Jonathan Inman will provide live music for all to enjoy, and kids activities including face painting, crafts and a bounce house will keep children busy. Hot chocolate will be available, too.

Cost: Free

Gem Theatre

Location: 111 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081

When: Daily, show times vary

The Gem Theatre, one of the oldest single-screen theaters still in operation in the United States, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Renovations began last December, and among the updates now are new and refurbished seats, refinished stage and floors, and a new screen to watch the show on. It’s also one of the most affordable places to see a movie in the Charlotte area, with ticket prices under $5.

Cost: Tickets — available online — are $4.67 for adults and $3.74 for children and senior citizens.

The Gem Theatre is at 11 Laureate Way in downtown Kannapolis.
The Gem Theatre is at 11 Laureate Way in downtown Kannapolis.

Kannapolis Celebration of Lights

Location: Village Park, 700 West C St., Kannapolis, NC 28081

When: Now through Dec. 30 (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Winterland Express hours: Sunday-Thursday, 6-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 6-10 p.m.

Tickets to ride the Winterland Express train are $2 per person and can be purchased online in advance to ensure a spot.
Tickets to ride the Winterland Express train are $2 per person and can be purchased online in advance to ensure a spot.

At the Kannapolis Celebration of Lights, visitors can explore Village Park, all dressed up in twinkling lights and holiday displays. You can also catch a ride through the park on the Winterland Express train to spot the 12 Days of Christmas.

Other activities include roasting marshmallows, visiting Santa and watching the Kannapolis Singing Bears belt out Christmas carols. The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra and the Chuckles Quartet will also provide 30-minute Christmas Carol performances each hour on the hour.

Cost: Park admission and parking is free. Tickets are required to ride train and cost $2 per person. Carousel rides are also $2 per person and are purchased on site..

Carousel rides at Kannapolis Celebration of Lights are $2 per person, first-come, first-served.
Carousel rides at Kannapolis Celebration of Lights are $2 per person, first-come, first-served.

Kannapolis Christmas Parade

Location: Downtown Kannapolis, 115 W. Ave. Kannapolis, NC 28081

When: Dec. 14, 6 p.m.

Santa will ride through downtown during the Kannapolis Christmas Parade.
Santa will ride through downtown during the Kannapolis Christmas Parade.

The Kannapolis Christmas Parade is a festive event filled with lights, colorful floats and marching bands stepping to the beat down Laureate Way and West Avenue in downtown Kannapolis. Paradegoers will want to consider bringing a chair or blanket to sit during the parade. All streets will reopen immediately after the parade has finished.

Pro tip: Earlier in the day, the Merry Mingle will offer a chance to shop vendors downtown before the parade from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: Free

Paradegoers can expect to see Boomer, the mascot of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, joining the festivities.
Paradegoers can expect to see Boomer, the mascot of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, joining the festivities.

West Avenue Social District

Location: Portions of West Avenue, Oak Avenue, Vance Street, Laureate Way, Cannon Baller Way, West B Street and Main Street in downtown Kannapolis

When: 10 a.m. to midnight Monday-Saturday; noon to midnight on Sunday

Hanging decorations light up downtown Kannapolis.
Hanging decorations light up downtown Kannapolis.

Chophouse 101, Sabor and Old Armor Beer Company are among the places you can pick up a drink and stroll through the streets in Kannapolis’ West Avenue Social District, taking in the holiday lights or stopping for a rest on one of the oversized swings found along the sidewalks.

Cost: Varies, as purchases are a la carte at participating bars and restaurants.

Old Armor Beer Company at 211 West Ave. is part of downtown Kannapolis’ West Avenue Social District.
Old Armor Beer Company at 211 West Ave. is part of downtown Kannapolis’ West Avenue Social District.

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