Find festive holiday events, light displays and other seasonal fun in the Charlotte area
Holidays 2023, here we come. It’s time for visits with Santa, light displays, concerts and all kinds of winter activities in the Charlotte area.
Listed below are plenty of ways to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy the season in Charlotte with this guide to seasonal events. (And watch this space, as we’ll keep it updated through the rest of the year as more details become available.)
Belmont Festival of Trees
Location: 24 S. Main Street, Belmont, NC 28012
When: Now through Dec. 31
The Festival of Trees kicked off following the annual tree lighting ceremony, filling downtown Belmont and Stowe Park with a display of festive trees for all to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Candy Cane Crawl and Tree Lighting
Location: Plaza Midwood business district
When: Dec. 17, 2-7 p.m.
The Plaza Midwood Merchants Association is holding its annual Candy Cane Crawl and Tree Lighting with over 20 participating locations and activation sites throughout the Plaza Midwood business district. New this year, kids can hop on plush animal scooters with Little Zoomers in the Two Scoops Creamery parking lot from 2-5 p.m., plus enjoy a mistletoe pop-up market curated by Pop Culture in Gordon Street Alley from 2-6 p.m. The festivities conclude with the tree lighting on the lawn at The Pizza Peel at 6:30 p.m., preceded by live music, hot chocolate, and s’mores.
Candy Cane stops include:
Carolers parading throughout the district from 2-5 p.m.
- Pictures with Santa - Meet Saint Nick from 3-5 p.m. at Sip City or get pictures with Track Suit Santa (kids and fur kids) from 2-6 p.m. at Snug Harbor, with proceeds benefiting the Humane Society
- Drink specials, tastings, giveaways, and more at 10+ bars and restaurants
- Holiday Kids Craft at Betty
- Appearance by The Grinch at Whiskey Warehouse
- A Mrs. Claus self-care stop at QC Beauty Studio
Cost: Free to attend, but activities may vary
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
Location: Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House RdCharlotte, NC 28277
When: Now through Dec. 30, nightly
At the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, walk through a half-mile outdoor trail filled with over a million illuminated lights and festive holiday scenes, plus music. You’ll also find a live Santa every night through Dec. 23, ballerinas and other performers on select nights, plus face painters for the kids, a Moon Bounce and a Holiday Village offering shopping and food trucks.
Add-on experiences include:
- The Alpine Avalanche Snow Tube Slide, with unlimited slides ($12)
- A Snowflake Wand that you can use throughout the event to interact with some of the scenes ($19)
- Holiday Spirits Wine Stroll Night on Dec. 27 with curated champagne, wine, beer and spirits in a tasting format as you stroll through the exhibit. The ticket includes a glass and 12 spirit tasting stations. Tastings will end at 9:30 p.m. ($30).
Cost: Ticket prices start at $10 per person for Monday-Thursday and $15 for Friday-Sunday. VIP admission starts at $39 and includes a souvenir hot chocolate mug with bottomless hot chocolate during the event, access to the VIP Lodge & Bar, along with VIP restrooms, and a special VIP entrance line.
Carolina Pro Musica Holiday Concert
Location: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1001 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
When: Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Carolina Pro Musica’s annual Holiday concert at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church will feature music of the 18th century, plus carols for all to sing together and seasonal readings.
Cost: Tickets are $8-16, available online or at the door.
Gingerbread Lane
Location: The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Now through Dec. 24, daily from 9 a.m.-6:30 pm.
Attendees may vote on their favorite entries at The Ballantyne hotel’s annual Gingerbread Lane contest, which benefits Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. Festive hot cocoa and libations will be offered from the hotel’s life-sized gingerbread hut.
Cost: $1 minimum donation per vote.
Holidays at Cabarrus Arts Council
Location: 65 Union St S, Concord, NC 28025
When: Dec. 20
An immersive arts experience will include tours of the Cabarrus Arts Council’s clay exhibition and hands-on activities led by Eliana Arenas, director of visual arts. Art Labs will take place Dec. 20, with Session 1 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and Session 2 from 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Art labs are $5/student — sign up for Session 1 or Session 2.
Holidays at the Garden
Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC
When: Now through Dec. 23, Tuesday through Sunday from 5-10 p.m.
You can wander through Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, transformed with millions of twinkling lights, while you snack on seasonal treats and sip hot beverages. This year’s activities will include themed nights featuring Krampus, bringing your pup to meet Santa, date nights with live music and more.
Cost: Adults are $25 + tax; 60+are $23 + tax; children 2-12 are $15 + tax and children under 2 are free. Members receive a 25% discount. Timed tickets are purchased online for 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. entry, although limited tickets may be available at the door.
Holiday Happenings at Optimist Hall
Location: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: Various events through Dec. 22
- Cocoa with Santa: On Dec. 9 from 10 a.m.-noon, you can grab a photo with Santa and enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate while supplies last.
- Ornament Making Class: On Dec. 9 from 12- 4 p.m., stop by Fonta Flora Brewery for an ornament decorating class available with the purchase of one beverage.
- Deck the Halls: On Dec. 15 from 6-10 p.m., you can enjoy festive music in the courtyard, as well as food and drink specials. (There are also hints that you might just see some snow inside the hall.)
- Evening Evergreens: A Wreath Making Workshop: On Dec. 15, during the Optimist Hall’s Deck the Hall event, Paradiso Plant Shop will be hosting a one-hour workshop where you can create a 20-inch hand-crafted wreath. Sessions begin at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online.
Holiday Gift Basket Giveaway: Any guest who spends over $50 at Archer Paper this holiday season will be entered into a raffle for a holiday gift basket announced on Dec. 22.
Throughout December, Suarez Bakery will be serving up seasonal specials for sale including Eggnog Donuts and Gingerbread Cupcakes.
Cost: Varies
Ice Skating at Camp North Pole
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: Now-Jan. 7, Monday-Thursday from 4-9 p.m.; Friday from 4-10 p.m.; Saturday from noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday from noon-9 p.m.
Ice skate at Camp North End’s Camp North Pole, then wander into The Ford Factory, which will be decorated as a cozy chalet. NoDa Company Canteen will also offer seasonal drinks and snacks daily
Cost: Walk-up tickets only. General admission is $15 per person, with children 5 and under $10. Skate rentals are included in the price of admission, but guests can use their own skates.
Light the Knights
Location: 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Now-Jan. 1, with hours varying
Light the Knights will fill Truist Field with a winter wonderland of ice skating, snow tubing, holiday shopping in The Market, Christmas decorations and lights.
Cost: $10 for general admission
Living Kitchen Winter Party
Location: Atherton Mill, 2000 South Blvd Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28203
When: Dec. 16, 5-10 p.m.
Enjoy live music and dinner at Living Kitchen’s Winter Party. Featured artists will include Brosnan Granger, Emaejai and Chelsea Locklear. The meal will include soup and salad choices, shareables and entrees such as burgers, nachos, tacos or a spicy black bean bowl. Dessert selections will include cheesecake, turtle cake and a caramel brownie.
Cost: Option #1 is a five-course meal for $55/person, and Option #2 is a five-course meal plus two drinks for $75/person. No RSVP is required.
McAdenville Christmas
Location: 102 Main St., McAdenville, NC 28101
When: Now through Dec. 26, with the Yule Log ceremony Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.
McAdenville’s annual tree lighting ceremony will start at 5:30 p.m. Dec., 1, with the switch being pulled to begin the Christmas Town USA season at 6 p.m. The annual Yule Log ceremony will take place Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. on the lawn of the Pharr Corporate Office, 100 Main St, McAdenville, NC 28101. A two-block parade will start at about 5:50 p.m., and will end at Legacy Park with the lighting of the Yule Log at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Merry Market with Santa at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Location: 13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
When: Dec. 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Merry Market offers shopping for handcrafted gifts by local artisans, and Santa will be making an appearance.
Cost: Free
Mistletoe Market
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: Dec. 16, 3-8 p.m.
Vintage Charlotte and Studio Cultivate will come together at Camp North End to create an event where you can shop, get pictures taken, eat, drink and be merry. Seasonal programming will include live music for all ages and crafting activities.
Cost: Free
NC Christmas Festival
Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 State Hwy 49, Concord, NC 28025
When: Dec. 16, 1-5 p.m.
Enjoy free pictures with Santa Claus, a toy giveaway and free gift wrapping, along with children’s activities like ornament decoration. You’ll also find vendors, entertainment from local dance groups and more while you show your holiday cheer by wearing family ugly Christmas sweaters.
Cost: Free
OMBs Christmas Market
Location: The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten, 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 17. Hours vary but are generally 12-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 12-7 p.m. Sundays.
Experience OMB’s festive Christmas Market (or Weihnachtsmarkt), featuring shopping, warm fire pits, lights and festive music, plus traditional huts. You can also take a break to eat and sip on and holiday drinks like hot cocoa, Glühwein and Yule Bock seasonal beer.
Cost: Free
Polar Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Location: Bryson City Depot, 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC 28713
When: Now-Dec. 31
Expect a 1¼ hour round-trip train excursion departing from Bryson City Depot for a visit to the North Pole, set to the motion picture soundtrack. Guests can sip warm cocoa and snack on a treat while listening and reading along with the story. Santa Claus will board the Polar Express, greeting each child and presenting them with a silver sleigh bell.
Cost: $44-$99. Reservations are required.
Santa at SouthPark Mall
Location: 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
When: Now-Dec. 24
See Santa at SouthPark and get professional photos taken. Other events will take place nearby throughout the holiday season, including:
- Charlotte Ballet performance in Circle Court – Saturday, Dec. 2
- Caring Santa for a private, sensory-friendly photo experience – Sunday, Dec. 3 from 9-10:30 a.m.
- Holiday Hop Breakfast with Santa hosted by SouthPark Community Partners – Saturday, Dec. 9, 9-10 a.m., and hot cocoa at Suffolk Punch from 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Pet Photos – Sunday, Dec. 10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Varies, with required reservations for Santa photos starting at $19.99.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
Location: Bass Pro Shop, 8181 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
Location: Cabela’s, 1000 Cabelas Dr, Fort Mill, SC 29708
When: Now-Dec. 24, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Reservations are available.
Celebrate Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s for a winter experience including Santa’s arrival, a Christmas toy shop and more.
Cost: Free
Scrooge the Musical
Location: Matthews Playhouse, 100 E McDowell St, Matthews, NC 28105
When: Dec. 8-17, with varying times
“Scrooge the Musical,” a song-filled adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is taking the stage at Matthews Playhouse.
Cost: $18-$24 per ticket; Dec. 13 is pay-what-you-can night.
Sea of Lights at Sea Life Charlotte-Concord
Location: Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
When: Now through Jan. 3
This holiday season, SEA LIFE Aquarium in Concord Mills will be transformed into a winter wonderland for Sea of Lights. The aquarium will be decked out with thousands of holiday lights and over 25 decorated Christmas trees.
Cost: $18.99 for adults, $15.99 for kids
A Soulful Holiday: Charlotte Youth Choir in Concert
Location: First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
The Charlotte Youth Choir at Arts+ — made up of kindergarteners through 12th graders — will present its signature winter event “A Soulful Holiday: Charlotte Youth Choir in Concert.” The choir is collaborating with guest singer/songwriter Ke’Andra “Kea” Davis for the concert blending holiday music and R&B.
Cost: Tickets are $10 for children 12 and under and $15 for those 13 and older. Purchase online at artsplus.org or at the door with card or cash. Attendees can get validated parking at the garage at 163 W. 9th St., between Tryon and Church streets.
Speedway Christmas
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway, Concord, NC 28027
When: Now-Jan. 7, open 6-10 p.m., rain or shine. (Closed Dec. 24)
What: Speedway Christmas features nearly 5 million lights across a 4-mile course, with hundreds of creative displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music.. This year’s theme is Santa’s Beach Party. The infield Christmas Village is open Thursday-Sunday nights, with attractions including:
- a new, illuminated walking trail
- a 360-degree selfie camera in Victory Lane
- photos with Santa
- merchandise vendors
- food and beverages
- fire pits for roasting s’mores.
The Cook Out Tubing Hill will be open every Thursday through Sunday from 6-10 p.m., with four 250-foot lanes. It’s $20 or $15 with a discount coupon if you’ve been to Speedway Christmas. Kids 12 and under are $10.
When the infield is open, Queen City News will host movie nights:
- Dec. 14-19: “Elf” presented by AutoBell
- Dec. 20-23: “Polar Express” presented by Cook Out
- Dec. 26-27: “Nutcracker”
- Dec. 28-31: “Home Alone.”
Cost: Tickets for a car pass start at $35 Monday-Wednesday and $45 Thursday-Sunday with a maximum of 15 passengers. For $75, guests can skip the line and use the Express Lane at Entrance P off of Morehead Road. Purchase online.
Tosco Holiday Music Party
Location: Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Join the annual Tosco Holiday Music Party for live music from more than a dozen performers, plus singalongs.
Cost: $29.50 to $59.50. Purchase tickets online.
VTGCLT Pop
Location: Camp North End, 201 Camp Road, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: Now-Dec. 23, open daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
VTGCLT Pop is a pop-up shop offering handmade and vintage wares from 90+ local and regional creatives. VTGCLT Pop will be open for six weekends until Christmas Eve.
Cost: Free.
Winter at Whitewater
Location: US National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
When: Canyon at Night, ice skating, pond hockey and Skate and Date adventure dining began Nov. 17. Christmas trees are also available now.
Winter at Whitewater encompasses multiple experiences, including ice skating, hockey, dinner dates, nighttime canyon activities and purchasing Christmas trees.
- Ice skating: A 24,000 square-foot ice rink is split into four distinct skating areas, including two ice trails, two free skate zones and an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages.
- Hockey: Shred some ice this winter in the Whitewater 3-on-3 adult Pond Hockey league. Join the recreational division just for fun, or compete in the competitive division for top honors. Spectators are welcome to watch from the rocks above the pond. Registration closes Nov. 20 for free agents and Nov. 29 for teams.
- Adventure Dining: Skate and Date and Craft Dinner dates are available for reservation.
- Illuminated activities in the Canyon include: Reservation-only experiences traversing spans of wooded canyon via suspension bridges, ziplines and accompanying rope bridges and the Canyon Night Trail, where you can explore the woods at night with a walking trail featuring obstacles, play structures and discoveries for all ages.
- Christmas trees sourced from the Blue Ridge highlands of Virginia will include freshly cut 2- to 9-foot Fraser fur trees, along with holiday goods and wreathes and wares will also be available for purchase.
Cost: Activities you can participate in with a $25 all-activities pass include ice skating, and skate-and-date night adventure dining is $65/person. Night Canyon activities require a $30 all-activities pass. The hockey league is $135/person. Tree prices will vary.
This story was originally published November 13, 2023 at 5:15 AM with the headline "Find festive holiday events, light displays and other seasonal fun in the Charlotte area."
