Get in the holiday spirit with light displays and other seasonal activities in Charlotte
It’s time to get dressed in your festive, seasonal attire and revel in the holiday mood this year with all kinds of winter activities in Charlotte.
You can order a Rudolph’s Rum Rhapsody at Sippin’ Santa at The Royal Tot or go ice skating at Birkdale Village or the U.S. National Whitewater Center, then stroll around the lights displays afterward.
(And be sure to check back, as this list will grow with more event announcements.)
Here are a few ways to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy the season in Charlotte:
Sippin’ Santa at The Royal Tot
Location: 933 Louise Ave Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28204
When: Through Dec. 31, Wednesdays-Sundays.
What: The Royal Tot will transform into the Christmas bar Sippin’ Santa, with weekly events and a holiday-themed menu.
Events include:
- Wednesdays: 6-9 p.m., music bingo
- Thursdays: 8-10 p.m., Bo White DJ (tropical holiday themed show)
- Fridays: 9-10 p.m. live burlesque
- Saturdays: 7-9 p.m., visits from Mr. & Mrs. Claus
- Sundays: 2-6 p.m. Live DJ
Menu: The craft cocktail menu is full of fun drinks:
- Rudolph’s Rum Rhapsody (for 2): Jamaican and Puerto Rums, lime, orange, pineapple, passion fruit, falernum, honey, ginger, angostura aromatic bitters.
- Sippin Santa: Aged Demerara rum, amaro, lemon, orange, gingerbread mix
- Kris Kringle Colada: Dark Jamaican rum, amaro, allspice liquer, lime, pineapple, cream of coconut
Price: Free entrance. The Royal Tot no longer takes reservations, so all service will be walk-in only.
VGTCLT Pop
Location: 1100 Metropolitan Avenue #160, Charlotte, NC 28204
When: Open daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 22.
What: VTGCLT Pop is a pop-up shop that will feature products from 90+ of the best local and regional vintage and handmade vendors.
Price: Free
Santa at SouthPark Mall
Location: SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
When: Through Saturday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays
What: Visit with Santa and get photos taken. Additional events include a free 9 a.m. Breakfast With Santa on Saturday, Nov. 19 (reservations required), sensory-friendly visits for children with special needs with Caring Santa on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9-10:30 a.m. (reservations required) and Pet Photos With Santa on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 6-8 p.m.
Price: Reservations are recommended and photo prices vary depending on package chosen, starting at $39.99.
Ice skating at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
When: Now through mid-February
What: The Whitewater Center’s ice rink is split into four skating areas, with two ice trails and two free skate zones. An on-ice Airstream in the center sells hot and cold beverages.
Price: $25 with a single activity pass, plus $6 per vehicle daily parking
Lights at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
When: Evenings now through mid-February
What: Lights features more than 50 installations and assets throughout the southern portion of the Whitewater Center facility in the Ridge and Canyon activity areas.
Price: Free, with $6 per vehicle daily parking
Speedway Christmas
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway, Concord, NC 28027
When: Through Jan. 8, open 6-10 p.m., rain or shine
What: Speedway Christmas features 4 million lights across a 4-mile course, with hundreds of creative displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music. The show also features synchronized lights to music on 101.3 FM.
Price: Tickets for a car pass start at $30 Monday-Wednesday and $40 Thursday-Sunday with a maximum of 14 passengers. For $70, guests can skip the line and use the Express Lane at Entrance P off of Morehead Road. Purchase online.
Pro tip: On opening night, Eli Lilly will cover the cost of the first 250 vehicles through the general admission line. On Saturday and Sunday nights, Atrium Health will provide the first 250 vehicles with a commemorative Speedway Christmas ornament as a keepsake.
Zootastic Park
Location: 385 Ostwalt Amity Road, Troutman NC 28115
When: Through Jan. 1, Sunday to Thursday from 6-9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 6-10 p.m.
What: Zootastic Park Christmas Wonderland of Lights is a drive-thru holiday event with over 4 million lights. Guests also have the option to get out of their cars for seasonal treats, photos with Santa and a baby kangaroo, and more.
Cost: $10 per person (ages 2 and up)
Birkdale on Ice
Location: The Plaza at Birkdale Village, Sam Furr Road and Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville, NC 28078
When: Through Monday, Jan. 16
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m.; with holiday hours Nov. 21-25 and Dec. 20-Jan. 3 and Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Birkdale Village is hosting an ice skating rink for the first time this year. Guests must book ice skating reservations in advance to ensure a skating time slot, although walk-ups are welcome if space remains. (Checking the weather beforehand is recommended, too.)
Price: General admission is $18/person plus tax, which includes skates; Children 12 and under are $14/child plus tax, which includes skates. All ticket sales are final, with no refunds or transfers allowed.
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights
Location: 700 W. C Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081
When: Through Dec. 30, Sunday-Thursday from 6-9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 6-10 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
What: Kannapolis Celebration of Lights is a month-long holiday event with over 250,000 lights, live music, train rides on the Winterland Express and more.
Cost: Free
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Santa at Birkdale Village
Location: Santa’s Cottage is located near the fountain area across from Starbucks at Birkdale Village, Sam Furr Road and Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville, NC 28078
When: Friday-Sunday through Dec. 24
Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus Dec. 8 and Dec. 22, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.;
Holiday hours: Christmas Eve, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Visit Santa for photos at a North Pole-inspired cottage. Appointments are recommended, as walk-ups will be accepted only if time allows. The appointment includes time with Santa and eight digital images from the professional photographer.
Price: $45
Carowinds Winterfest
Location: 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
When: Select days through Sunday, Jan. 1
What: Immersive yourself in the lights and sights of Carowinds, all decked out for the holidays. You’ll find carolers, freshly baked treats, specialty shops and live shows, plus rollercoasters, Santa sightings and more.
Price: Tickets start at $32.99. Order online.
Charlotte Christmas Village/Light the Knights
Location: Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Through Friday, Dec. 23
What: Visit with Santa, drink Glühwein or nonacoholic Kinderwein, see live music and other performances and browse vendors for gifts at this holiday market taking place at Truist Field. Tickets include all the Light the Knights displays, and you can also go ice skating or snow tubing.
Price: Purchase tickets online or at the stadium ticket window. Tickets are $5 per person before 5 p.m., and $10 afterward. Season passes are available for Light the Knights for $39 for admission only or $99 for all activities.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s Holidays at the Garden
Location: 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC 28012
When: Wednesdays-Sundays through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m.
Holiday hours: Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
What: Enjoy lights, fountains and holiday decor, then gather around a fire to make s’mores, eat at a food truck or enjoy a warm beverage. You can also shop at the Garden Store.
Price: Adults, $20; seniors 60+, $18; children 2-12, $10; children under 2, free; and members receive a 25% discount. Purchase online, as tickets are timed and limited at the door.
Belmont Festival of Trees
Location: 24 S. Main Street, Belmont NC 28012
When: Through Jan. 3
What: Festival of Trees in Historic Downtown Belmont is an annual opportunity to admire festive trees adorned with holiday lights in Stowe Park and along Main Street. This year, the festival will also feature a special display of “Oh Starry Night” — a luminary display presented by Strong Like AK located on the upper field of Stowe Park.
Cost: Free; $20 to purchase a luminary
McAdenville Christmas
Location: 102 Main St. McAdenville, NC 28101
When: Through Dec. 26, 5:30-10 p.m.
What: A McAdenville Elementary School student will flip the switch to officially start another season of Christmas Town USA at 5:30-6 p.m., Dec. 1. Afterward, the town’s lights will glow nightly through Dec. 26, and you can drive — or walk — around to view them.
Price: Free
Tinsel Town at Billy Sunday
Location: Billy Sunday, 1115 N. Brevard Street, Unit 1, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: Through Jan. 2
What: Billy Sunday will transform into a holiday bar with themed cocktails, a decked out space and a Kris Kringle pop-up market. The Optimist Hall spot will also hold movie nights, cocktail classes and s’mores on the patio throughout the season, so watch its social media for more details.
Price: Free admission
Mistletoe Market
Location: Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: Dec. 17, 4-8 p.m.
What: Camp North End is hosting its annual Mistletoe Market over three Saturdays in December, turning the historic site just north of uptown Charlotte into a holiday experience. Stores and market vendors, local art galleries and more will sell gifts. Camp North Pole igloos will be on site, and there are fire pits are all around the area. Photo opps abound with decorations by Studio Cultivate. You can also do seasonal crafts, watch a holiday movie, listen to live music and look for Reindogs on parade. (And yes, you can bring your own dogs, too!)
Price: Free
Ugly Holiday Sweater at Supperland Speakeasy
Location: 1212 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
When: Through Jan. 7, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
What: Head to the Supperland Speakeasy for a four-cocktail tasting menu featuring gin, spiced whisky, aged rum and tequila. Each drink — created by head mixologist Colleen Hughes and bar manager Rhea Buck — will be paired with a dish created by chef Chris Rogienski and the Supperland culinary team.
Speakeasy attendees are encouraged to dress in their best ugly holiday sweater and enter a contest for a chance to win a $100 Supperland gift card by posting a photo of themselves on Instagram using #supperland. The restaurant will choose a winner in January based on creativity and holiday spirit. (Note: Your Instagram profiles must be public or your photo won’t be seen.)
Price: $140 plus tax and tip. Group ticket sales launch online Nov. 7 at 11:11 a.m., and individual tickets go on sale Nov. 9 at 11:11 a.m.
December to Remember
Location: Promenade On Providence, 10844 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Saturday, Dec. 17
What: Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Promenade on Providence, and see if there are openings for a carriage ride. (All are filled now, but that could change.) The first 200 people will also receive a cookie and craft.
Price: Free
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
Location: Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Dec. 12-31, 5–10 p.m.
What: Ballantyne’s Backyard will transform with a walking trail filled with more than a million lights and holiday installations, plus an Alpine Avalanche Snow Tube Slide, Santa and ballerinas You’ll also find a Christmas village complete with vendors and food trucks, plus scheduled live performances.
Price: Ticket prices start at $15 per person for general admission Monday–Thursday and $20 on Friday–Sunday; or $25 for Any Night General Admission tickets and $35 for VIP Admission tickets. VIP admission includes hot chocolate, candy canes, a souvenir swag bag, the Alpine Avalanche Snow Tube Slide tickets, an expedited VIP line to enter and admission to a special VIP toilet trailer.
General admission ticketholders can add on The Alpine Avalanche Snow Tube Slide for $10 (includes 3 slides down the Alpine).
Moxie Mercantile’s Holiday Sip & Shop
Location: 2008 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 202 S. Main St. Davidson NC 28036
Location: 19 N. Trade St Matthews NC 28105
When: Thursday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
What: Visitors can stop by all Moxie boutiques for drinks as they browse curated goods handcrafted by local artists.
Price: Free: Tickets are not required.
Clara’s Trip
Location: Booth Playhouse, 130 North Tryon Street , Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Dec. 15-20, with a variety of afternoon and evening performances
What: Caroline Calouche & Co. offers a contemporary twist on the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” in this show mixing whimsical dance and cirque.
Price: Tickets start at $22.50 and reach $45. Purchase tickets online.
Holiday Pops
Location: Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Friday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. (1-hour family performance) and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
What: You can sing along to holiday favorites at this immersive concert, where Santa will make his appearance. (Hint: You might see a little snow, as well.)
Price: Purchase tickets online, with prices starting at $19-$86.
Tosco Music Holiday Party
Location: Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Monday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
What: Enjoy holiday tunes and traditional Christmas carols with an eclectic mix of performers from multiple genres.
Price: Purchase tickets online. Prices start at $18.50-$52.50
Cirque de Noel
Location: Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m.
What: Cirque de Noel is a performance involving acrobatics set to musical holiday favorites, played by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
Price: Purchase tickets online, with prices starting at $10-$138.
The Hip-Hop Nutcracker
Location: Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Monday, Dec. 26, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
What: This contemporary mashup of the classic Nutcracker blends hip hop dance with familiar music by Tchaikovksy. The cast includes a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Kurtis Blow.
Price: Purchase tickets online. Tickets start at $19.99-$59.99.
This story was originally published November 2, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
