Winterfest: A German Christmas Marketplace

Soak up the sights and sounds of Christmas as you meander through our market of sparkling lights, trees, and merry music.

Shop for unique gifts and watch as artisans delight you with live demonstrations. Lace up your skates or head over to the Kid’s Corner. View the lighting of the Town Tree as you enjoy delicious food, beer or hot chocolate. Come back again, and again, to explore all festivities in our beautiful Christmas Marketplace.

Opening Ceremony and Tree Lighting :

Enjoy the dazzling performance by the Rowdy Rowan Dancing Wranglers as they open Winterfest 2024, on Friday, December 6 at 5:00 pm. Then at 5:45, young and old alike, join the Doo Dah parade and make your way to the Market Square. The parade culminates with the magical lighting of the Town Tree. Enjoy the professional performances of Josh Sanders and Ricky Howsare, igniting the Christmas spirit in every heart with sparkling renditions of holiday favorites.

Santa’s House: Pictures with Santa :

Children of all ages, visit with Santa in the new NC Museum of Dolls, Toys and Miniatures.

Bring your phone or camera to snap a memory of your special visit with Santa!

Doo Dah Parade :

Come One Come All for a unique event the entire family will enjoy. Help kick off the entire Winterfest event on Friday, December 6 with a parade that will culminate with the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree.

Bring your bike, wagon, scooter, stroller, or anything with wheels. Meet at the Kid’s Corner activity tent from 5:00 to 5:30 pm to decorate your wheels or make a craft to carry along the parade route. Ride, walk or dance your way along the parade route as it winds its way through the marketplace.

Market Square Entertainment :

The entertainment at Market Square will be highlighted by Josh Sanders, Ricky Howsare, the Piedmont Community Band, and Divided by Four.

Ninety-five percent of our Main Stage performances are local talent: Rowdy Rowan Dancing Wranglers; Salisbury Dance Academy; Dimensions Dance Arts; To the Pointe Dance Company; Nebulux Music School; Phoenix Readers; Middleshire; Moonglows; North Hills Christian School Band; Radical Pursuit; and Kindred Spirits Praise Band.

Schedule :

5:00pm - Rowdy Rowan Dancing Wranglers

5:45pm - Doo Dah Kid's Parade Santa Arrives

6:00pm - Lighting of the Christmas Tree

6:30pm - Dimensions Dance Arts

7:00pm - Josh Sanders

8:00pm - Ricky Howsare

6:00- 8:00pm Santa's House