KANNAPOLIS – A Kannapolis Christmas returns this holiday season with events that have become treasured family traditions in the region.

The official kick-off will be the annual tree lighting ceremony and Celebration of Lights at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Village Park at 700 West C Street.

There will be a fireworks display at approximately 6:15 p.m. with live musical performances and much more.

The Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express will then open and run through Dec. 30.

The annual tradition of the Celebration of Lights includes hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights in dozens of displays throughout Village Park. Adults and children are welcome to ride one of two Winterland Express trains and count down the 12 Days of Christmas as they view unique holiday light displays from the popular song.

Attendees will also be able to ride the Village Park Double Decker Carousel. Manufactured in Italy, it features 1,800 lights, Brazilian oak decking, and charming hand-painted Venetian murals that are sure to get visitors into the spirit of the holidays.

Santa Claus arrives during the Tree Lighting Ceremony and will be at the park every evening for children of all ages to visit him and have their photos taken for free. Bring your phones and cameras for plenty of selfies.

Maestro Leonard Bearstein and the famed Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra is back this year, spreading their holiday magic in Kannapolis. The 18 animatronic bears will delight children and adults alike with their witty banter, inspiring instrumental pieces, and traditional favorite holiday songs. Visit the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra inside the Village Park multi-purpose room throughout the Celebration of Lights.

The Celebration of Lights also features performances from the Kannapolis Singing Bears, the Chuckles Quartet, who will entertain you with a Christmas Carol performance. The Chuckles Quartet is housed outside in Village Park. Both sets of Christmas Bears have an impressive lineup filled with holiday banter, music and fun.

Throughout December, area choirs, a holiday marketplace with area artisans, and various local food trucks will also be on hand to make the visit more enjoyable.

Food and drink are available for purchase at the concession stand. Enjoy the fire pit and making s’mores.

Admission to the park and viewing of the lights and bears is free but tickets are required to ride the carousel and train. Purchase carousel tickets onsite at Village Park. They will be available on a first-come basis each evening. Reserve a seat on the Winterland Express, Sunday through Thursday, by purchasing tickets online at www.kannapolisnc.gov/Christmas. Walkup onsite tickets will be available if space allows. During the Tree Lighting Ceremony and every Friday and Saturday tickets may be purchased onsite at Village Park on a first-come basis for the Winterland Express.

Tickets are $2 per person for the train and $2 per person for the carousel.