A day-by-day guide to holiday events happening around Charlotte this year
You can feel the holiday spirit every day of the week with this day-by-day guide. Know of an event we missed? Let us know by emailing charlottefive@charlottefive.com. And bookmark this story as we’ll be updating it regularly as we learn about more events.
Monday, November 30
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Belmont Christmas Tree Lighting
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Tuesday, December 1
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
Belmont Christmas Parade - Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Mecklenburg Historical Association Docents program on the history of Christmas carols
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
Wednesday, December 2
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Santa’s Bag
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- 7th Street Public Market Sip & Shop
- Tinselbox: A Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Foundation for the Carolinas
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- SouthPark Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 3
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Duke Energy Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show at Phillips Place
- Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Santa’s Bag
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- 8th Annual Community Nativity Festival
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Christmas in Davidson Festival
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Lights on the Square: Uptown Tree Lighting
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Tinselbox: A Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Foundation for the Carolinas
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Bechtler Young Visionaries Holiday Party
Friday, December 4
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Santa’s Bag
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- 8th Annual Community Nativity Festival
- Holiday concert at Belmont Abbey
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Opera Carolina sings traditional carols in Davidson
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Christmas in Davidson Festival
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- WDAV Holiday Open House
- Huntersville Town Center Tree Lighting Celebration
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Hope for the Holidays: live holiday music at Birkdale Village. Gift-wrapping in exchange for donation.
- OMB Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
- Tinselbox: A Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Foundation for the Carolinas
- Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- “Home Alone” at First Friday Foot Truck and Movie Night in Matthews
- “Scrooge the Musical” presented by Matthews Playhouse
- “The Heart of Christmas” Christmas Village/Living Nativity in Oakboro
- Jazz at the Bechtler: “Jingle Bell Jazz”
- The South End Holiday Party
Saturday, December 5
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Winter Wonderland at Wise Acres Organic Farm
- NoDa Krampus Krawl
- Candlelight Christmas at Historic Latta Plantation
- Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Santa’s Bag
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- 8th Annual Community Nativity Festival
- Jingle Jangle Art Sale at Ciel Gallery
- Christ Church Charlotte Annual Christmas Bazaar
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Opera Carolina sings traditional carols at Birkdale Village
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Christmas in Davidson Festival
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Live steel drum Christmas music and festive photo booth at Charlotte Premium Outlets
- Community concert at Sardis Presbyterian Church: The Sound of Christmas
- Hope for the Holidays: live holiday music at Birkdale Village. Gift-wrapping in exchange for donation.
- A Golden Christmas as Reed Gold Mine
- Christmas for the Birds at Town Creek Indian Mound
- Messiah Community Sing-Along with Charlotte Area Mormons
- Santa’s Craft Shop at Saint Matthew Catholic Church
- “Spirit of Christmas Past” at Kings Mountain Historical Museum
- Breakfast with Santa at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
- “Elf” at NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton
- “The Nutcracker” presented by Matthews Ballet
- Downtown Matthews Holiday Stroll & Kids Treasure Hunt
- “Scrooge the Musical” presented by Matthews Playhouse
- “The Heart of Christmas” Christmas Village/Living Nativity in Oakboro
Sunday, December 6
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Winter Wonderland at Wise Acres Organic Farm
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Opera Carolina performs Amahl and the Night Visitors in Statesville
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Providence Chamber Music Christmas Concert, including Messiah sing-along
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- NoDa Tree Lighting Celebration
- SouthPark Hanukkah Celebration
- Homemade Holiday Gift Exchange at Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop
- Moravian Love Feast at Queens University of Charlotte’s Belk Chapel
- “Elf” at NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton
- “The Nutcracker” presented by Matthews Ballet
- “Scrooge the Musical” presented by Matthews Playhouse
- “The Heart of Christmas” Christmas Village/Living Nativity in Oakboro
Monday, December 7
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas (with “Paper Angels” screening)
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- “Sing the Wonders” Christmas Concert by North Mecklenburg Community Chorus
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
Tuesday, December 8
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Public Menorah Lighting at Stonecrest at Piper Glen
- First Ward Park Lights Up
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
Wednesday, December 9
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Public Menorah Lighting in Downtown Waxhaw
- Uptown Charlotte Hanukkah Celebration
- Davidson College Messiah Sing-Along
- Menorah Lighting in Uptown Charlotte
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
Thursday, December 10
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Duke Energy Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show at Phillips Place
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- 3rd Annual Charlotte Nativity Festival
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
Friday, December 11
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- 3rd Annual Charlotte Nativity Festival
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Ugly Sweater Contest at Blackfinn Ameripub
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- “Scrooge the Musical” presented by Matthews Playhouse
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
- “Clara’s Trip: A Nutcracker Story” at the Booth Playhouse
- “The Heart of Christmas” Christmas Village/Living Nativity in Oakboro
Saturday, December 12
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Kannapolis Christmas Parade
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Downtown Christmas Village in Belmont
- Mistletoe at Morrison
- Winter Wonderland at Wise Acres Organic Farm
- Ballantyne Village 2nd Annual Holiday Open House
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Opera Carolina performs Amahl and the Night Visitors at Sharon Presbyterian Church
- Opera Carolina sings Green and English carols at St. Nektarios Church
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- 3rd Annual Charlotte Nativity Festival
- Huntersville Christmas
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Face painting and balloon twisting at Charlotte Premium Outlets
- Live steel drum Christmas music and festive photo booth at Charlotte Premium Outlets
- “Sing the Wonders” Christmas Concert by North Mecklenburg Community Chorus
- Annual Holiday Boat Parade and Christmas by the Lake at Lake Wylie
- Tuba Christmas Concert at Concord Mills
- Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Kings Mountain Historical Museum
- Light Up Millbridge Holiday Lights Spectacular in Waxhaw
- “A Christmas Carol” at NASCAR Hall of Fame
- The 61st annual Singing Christmas Tree at Knight Theater
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton
- “Scrooge the Musical” presented by Matthews Playhouse
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
- “Clara’s Trip: A Nutcracker Story” at the Booth Playhouse
- “The Heart of Christmas” Christmas Village/Living Nativity in Oakboro
- Safe Alliance’s Jingle Bell Ball at the Bechtler
- Breakfast with Santa at The Rusty Bucket
Sunday, December 13
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Winter Wonderland at Wise Acres Organic Farm
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Family Hanukkah Concert with Shira Kline
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Opera Carolina performs Amahl and the Night Visitors in Concord
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- “A Christmas Carol” at NASCAR Hall of Fame
- The 61st annual Singing Christmas Tree at Knight Theater
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton
- Cocoa Lab at The Ritz-Carlton: Classic Holiday Desserts
- “Scrooge the Musical” presented by Matthews Playhouse
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
- “The Heart of Christmas” Christmas Village/Living Nativity in Oakboro
Monday, December 14
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- “Sing the Wonders” Christmas Concert by North Mecklenburg Community Chorus
- Messiah concert by Northwest School of the Arts, with University City United Methodist Church
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Tuesday, December 15
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Messiah concert by Northwest School of the Arts, with University City United Methodist Church
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Wednesday, December 16
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- “The Birth” at Duke Energy Theater
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
Thursday, December 17
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Duke Energy Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show at Phillips Place
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- “The Birth” at Duke Energy Theater
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- Cocoa Lab at The Ritz-Carlton: Traditional Holiday Cookies
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
Friday, December 18
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Santa’s Sleepover at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
- “The Birth” at Duke Energy Theater
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- Gingerbread House Creation at The Ritz-Carlton
- “Scrooge the Musical” presented by Matthews Playhouse
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
- All Arts Market at Center Stage in NoDa
Saturday, December 19
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Opera Carolina sings traditional carols at Spirit Square
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Live steel drum Christmas music and festive photo booth at Charlotte Premium Outlets
- Breakfast with Santa at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
- “The Polar Express” at NASCAR Hall of Fame
- “The Birth” at Duke Energy Theater
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton
- “Scrooge the Musical” presented by Matthews Playhouse
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
- All Arts Market at Center Stage in NoDa
Sunday, December 20
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble plays free concert at Morningstar Lutheran Church
- “The Polar Express” at NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton
- Cocoa Lab at The Ritz-Carlton: Holiday Eclairs and Croquembouche Pastry Shell Tree
- “Scrooge the Musical” presented by Matthews Playhouse
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
Monday, December 21
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble plays free concert at First United Methodist Church
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Tuesday, December 22
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
Wednesday, December 23
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Christmas at Billy Graham Library
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
- Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
Thursday, December 24
- Speedway Christmas
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Friday, December 25
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Saturday, December 26
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- Undeck the Hall at NASCAR Hall of Fame
- “Frozen” at NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Christmas Town USA in McAdenville
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Sunday, December 27
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Train to Christmas Town
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
- “Frozen” at NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Monday, December 28
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Tuesday, December 29
- Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express in Kannapolis
- Speedway Christmas
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Wednesday, December 30
Thursday, December 31
- CLT New Year’s Eve
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic Symphony Orchestra perform at Founders Hall.
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Friday, January 1
- First Footin’ at Historic Rural Hill
- Outdoor skating at Holiday on Ice
- Holiday at the Garden–Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Saturday, January 2
Sunday, January 3
This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 5:00 AM with the headline "A day-by-day guide to holiday events happening around Charlotte this year."