# Kannapolis Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express

> Event for families in the Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia area (NC / SC). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Nov 21 – Dec 30 · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Where: Village Park, 700 W C St, Kannapolis, NC 28081
- Ages: All ages (Winterland Express miniature train and double-decker carousel are huge family hits)
- Price: Free admission to Village Park to walk and view lights; Train tickets $2.00 per person; Carousel rides $2.00 per person.
- Organizer: City of Kannapolis Parks & Recreation
- Official page: https://www.kannapolisnc.gov/Community/Calendar/ModuleID/650/ItemID/442/mctl/EventDetails
- Last checked: Thu, Nov 5

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/charlotte/activities/kannapolis-celebration-of-lights-and-winterland-express--listing-bc924090fe0d5bd228d67b13

## About

The Kannapolis Celebration of Lights at Village Park features more than 250,000 sparkling LED lights arranged in whimsical holiday displays. The signature attraction is the Winterland Express—the park's historic G-24 miniature train that carries passengers through an enchanting illuminated route filled with animated snowmen, dancing bears, and glowing arches. Back in the park, children can ride the vintage Italian double-decker Venetian carousel, visit with Santa in his workshop, roast marshmallows over outdoor fire pits, and watch the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra—an animatronic 18-piece bear orchestra that performs charming holiday classics.

Village Park is fully ADA accessible with paved concrete paths throughout, making it an easy experience for parents pushing strollers or wagons. Restrooms with baby changing stations are located at both the train depot and the central playground pavilion. The park's well-lit perimeter and enclosed fencing give parents of active toddlers extra peace of mind.

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