Holiday Happenings Across Rowan County & Beyond

Your running guide to local Christmas lights, parades, and seasonal fun

As the holidays draw near, festive lights, hometown traditions, and seasonal events are filling up the calendar. This running article will stay updated all season long — bookmark it and check back often for new additions and schedule updates as more events are announced.

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 (Closed Christmas Eve)
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, NC
Tickets and Details: charlottemotorspeedway.com

Charlotte’s favorite holiday tradition returns as Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health lights up America’s Home for Racing with dazzling displays and festive family fun.

Now in its 16th year, the show transforms the track into a winter wonderland of more than five million lights, spanning a new four-mile drive-through course featuring themed displays from Jingle Jungle to Magical Garden.

The Christmas Village sparkles Thursday through Sunday nights, offering local vendors, festive treats, photos with Santa presented by Cook Out, and movies like Elf and The Polar Express on the 16,000-square-foot SpeedwayTV.

Feeling adventurous? Don’t miss the Cook Out Tubing Hill, a 250-foot slope open nightly when the Village is open. Plus, The Joyful Noise Project kicks off opening night, aiming to set a state record for the most carolers gathered in one place.

Tickets start at $46 per car Monday through Wednesday with dynamic pricing and season passes available.

Spectacular in the Park

Saturday, November 22, 2025
Location: Bell Tower Green, Downtown Salisbury

Kick off the holiday season with live entertainment, local vendors, and festive activities during Spectacular in the Park. This annual celebration brings the community together for an afternoon of holiday spirit and fun in the heart of downtown Salisbury.

’Tis the Season Spectacular: Salisbury Christmas Parade & Celebration

Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Salisbury, concluding at Bell Tower Green
Details: tistheseasonspectacular.com

The holiday season officially kicks off in Salisbury with the annual ’Tis the Season Spectacular Parade — also known as the Salisbury Christmas Parade. This cherished community event brings together marching bands, dancers, floats, and local organizations for one of the area’s biggest holiday celebrations.

The parade begins in historic downtown Salisbury and travels along Main Street, ending at Bell Tower Green for an evening filled with live music, food trucks, and the lighting of the community Christmas tree.

This free, family-friendly celebration captures the spirit of the season with small-town charm, festive lights, and a joyful start to the holidays in Rowan County.

Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 29, 2025
Location: Downtown Salisbury

Support local this holiday season by shopping small in historic Downtown Salisbury. Participating businesses will offer special promotions, giveaways, and extended hours — a perfect opportunity to find unique gifts while supporting local merchants and makers.

Winter Fun on the Farm at Patterson Farm Market & Tours

Select Dates: November – December 2025
Location: Patterson Farm Market & Tours, 10390 Caldwell Road, Mount Ulla, NC
Tickets: pattersonfarmmarkettours.ticketspice.com/winter-fun-on-the-farm-2025

Head out to Patterson Farm for a seasonal outdoor experience filled with family fun, farm attractions, and festive cheer. Winter Fun on the Farm features the Winter Barn and Playground, Holly Jolly Farm Days, and more — all decked out in Christmas spirit. Visitors can enjoy hayrides, holiday photo ops, seasonal treats, and activities perfect for kids and families.

Holiday Night Out & Santa’s Grand Entrance

Friday, December 5, 2025
Location: Downtown Salisbury

Downtown Salisbury glows with holiday magic during this festive evening of shopping, dining, and family fun. Stroll through twinkling lights, enjoy live performances, and catch Santa’s Grand Entrance to kick off the Christmas season. Many shops and restaurants will feature specials, tastings, and giveaways.

A Walk Through Bethlehem

December 5–7, 2025 • 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Mount Hope Church, 7004 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC 28146
Admission: Free

Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of ancient Bethlehem at Mount Hope Church’s annual A Walk Through Bethlehem. Visitors can take part in the census decreed by King Herod, visit the Inn, explore the bustling marketplace, and witness the Nativity scene — where a very special baby was born in a stable.

The presentation offers a meaningful reflection on the birth of Christ, “the greatest gift that has ever been given.” A golf cart will be available for transport assistance, and food will be offered at the end of the journey.

Please note: The event is free, and there will be no vendors. Only contact the organizers through the official event page to avoid scams.

NYE at the Bell Tower

Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Location: Bell Tower Green, Downtown Salisbury

Ring in the New Year in the heart of Salisbury. NYE at the Bell Tower features live music, food trucks, and a family-friendly countdown to midnight. Bundle up, bring your friends, and welcome 2026 with music, lights, and celebration under the stars.

Upcoming Additions

Stay tuned — more holiday events will be added here soon, including:

Local tree lightings and Christmas markets

Have a holiday event you’d like to add?
Message Rowan County Weather on Facebook or through our website to have your event considered for inclusion in this guide.