December events by day in Charlotte: What to do this holiday season
The holiday season is in full swing across the Charlotte area, and there’s no shortage of festive events to get you in the spirit.
From dazzling light displays and gingerbread showcases to holiday markets, parades, and visits with Santa, you’ll have plenty of ways to celebrate throughout December.
Here’s a list of holiday events happening in Charlotte this month.
CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice: Holiday light displays
When: All season
Where: Around Charlotte
Every year, CharlotteFive readers send in pictures and addresses for the most dazzling, festive and downright over-the-top decorations at houses around Charlotte. Now, we’ve put together a guide featuring the best ones, so you can pack up the family in the car and go for a drive.
McAdenville: ChristmasTown USA
When: Dec. 1-26
Where: Main Street, McAdenville, NC 28101
Cost: Free
Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to wait in line in your car for this holiday tradition. Every holiday season, the town of McAdenville transforms into ChristamasTown USA. It kicks off with a tree lighting on Dec. 1, and there are events throughout the month. This year, look out for two new shops in town: Boinco and McAdenville Christmas Shop.
Belmont Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 1, 6 p.m.
Where: Old City Hall, 37 N. Main St, Belmont, NC 28012
Cost: Free
Kick off the holidays in Belmont at the town’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting, enjoy festive treats, sing along to merry carols, and spend time with friends and family.
VTGCLT Pop
When: Now through Dec. 23
Where: Elizabeth on Seventh, N Caswell Rd &, 1942 E 7th St #103, Charlotte, NC 28204
Cost: Free entry
VTGCLT’s annual vintage popup shop is back for the 11th year. This year, the shop is in Elizabeth at the Elizabeth on 7th complex. It’s a great place to pick up jewelry, clothing, candles, coffee mugs — and gifts full of nostalgia. Check out our TikTok to see details about what you can expect to find this year.
Christmas at the Carolina
When: Now through Dec. 23
Where: Carolina Theater, 230 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Varies. Buy tickets.
This holiday season, the newly restored Carolina Theatre is decked out for a month of festive fun, showing Christmas movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Elf” and also live music and two world-premiere productions, including “Franklin Presents: My Christmas” and “A Sainted Christmas Carol: Iced Scrooge.”
Photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops
When: Now through Dec. 24
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 8181 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 1000 Cabelas Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29708
Cost: Photo packages range from $20-$25. Reserve your spot.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops is back, offering families a festive holiday experience with photos with Santa, interactive games and seasonal activities for kids of all ages. Guests can also enjoy crafts, holiday treats and themed displays throughout the store.
Photos with Santa at Concord Mills
When: Now through Dec. 24
Where: Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
Cost: Packages range from $19.99-$59.99. Reserve your spot.
Concord Mills is kicking off the season with its Simon Photo Experience, where families can meet Santa starting Nov. 21 through Christmas Eve, with reservations encouraged. Shoppers can also enjoy a Santa arrival party, live holiday entertainment and a special sensory-friendly “Caring Santa” event for children with special needs.
Holidays at the Garden
When: Now through Dec. 27
Where: Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012
Cost: Adult tickets begin at $24; children aged 2-12 are $18, children under 2 are free.
Daniel Stowe Conservancy’s Holidays at the Garden is a holiday tradition around Charlotte. Tickets are on sale now for the dazzling display featuring millions of lights. Take your family holiday photo in front of the Christmas tree, warm yourself by the fire or shop for presents at the gift shop. The holiday trackless train will be running on Saturdays from 6-8 p.m. until Dec. 20. Visits with Santa will be on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. until Dec. 20. Live music and food trucks will be on site on select days — and don’t miss the adults-only speakeasy with holiday cocktails!
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights
When: Now through Dec. 30
Where: Village Park, 700 W. C St, Kannapolis, NC 28081
Cost: Free, but there is a fee for the train ride and carousel. Buy tickets.
Head to Kannapolis’ Celebration of Lights at Village Park to enjoy festive lights, meet Santa and make holiday crafts. On weekends, shop local artisans, grab bites from food trucks, or toast s’mores by the fire pit.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
When: Tonight through Dec. 30. Closing early Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day
Where: Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Cost: General admission tickets begin at $10. Check website for details.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular features over a million lights, music and snow globes at Ballantyne’s Backyard. Explore the trail with interactive scenes, ride the Ferris Wheel and more.
Forest City, NC
When: Now through Jan. 1
Where: Main Street, Forest City
Cost: Free
Forest City, North Carolina is a small town just 60 miles west of Charlotte. Take a drive through Main Street to see over one million Christmas lights, though the experience is even better if you decide to get out and walk. While you’re there, you can take a carriage or hayride, visit with Santa, go ice skating and more.
Buddy’s Cocktail Workshop
When: Now through Jan. 3
Where: Supperland, 1212 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Cost: $175 per person. Buy tickets.
Now through January 3, take a break from the holiday rush with Buddy’s Cocktail Workshop: a four-course, Elf-inspired cocktail tasting featuring creative drinks and chef-driven dishes. Head mixologist and 2025 James Beard Nominee Colleen Hughes has crafted a playful, seasonal menu, and the Speakeasy will be decked out in festive decor to match the merry occasion.
Light The Knights Festival
When: Now through Jan. 4
Where: Truist Field, 324 S Mint Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: $14-$45. Buy tickets.
The Light the Knights Festival turns Truist Field into a winter wonderland, complete with tens of thousands of lights, a walk-through Christmas Village, ice skating and a 10-lane snow tubing hill. There’s also a festive market, visits with Santa and themed displays like Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen and a glowing tunnel of lights.
Speedway Christmas
When: Now through Jan. 4
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027
Cost: $57.93 per vehicle. Buy tickets.
Speedway Christmas is back at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with more than five million lights, a new four-mile drive-thru course and plenty of festive extras like the Christmas Village, holiday movies and photos with Santa. Visitors can also try the 250-foot tubing hill, join a record-breaking caroling event on opening night or pick up a season pass for unlimited trips through the lights.
.jpg "unnamed (2).jpg")
Upcycle Arts Holiday Pop-up Market
When: Dec. 2-23
Where: Next Door, 3046B Eastway Dr., Charlotte, NC 28205
Cost: Free
Visit Upcycle Arts’ Holiday Pop-Up Shop, where you’ll find finished craft kits, gift baskets and unique handmade items from more than 20 local Charlotte artists.
Pineville Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 4, 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: Pineville Town Hall, 505 Main St, Pineville, NC 28134
Cost: Free
This festive Pineville Tree Lighting will feature a visit from Santa, seasonal treats like s’mores and hot chocolate, and family activities including a train ride, a craft tent and a candy cane hunt.
Nutcracker
When: Dec. 5-21
Where: Belk Theater, 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Tickets start at $35.
See the world through young Clara’s eyes at the annual Charlotte Ballet performance of Nutcracker. You’ll visit the Land of Sweets and see the Sugar Plum Fairy. Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is performed live by Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, with Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s choreography.
Holidays with Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
When: Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 18 and 19-21
Where: Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: $49.06-$218.77. Buy tickets.
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is rolling out a full slate of holiday performances, from the classic power of “Handel’s Messiah” and the homespun charm of “A Carolina Christmas” to a joyful Festival of Lights Hanukkah concert created with local Jewish communities. The season wraps with “Cirque de Noël,” where acrobats and aerialists perform jaw-dropping feats alongside live holiday music for a show that’s become a family favorite.
Jingle Bowl
When: Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m.
Where: The Bowl at Ballantyne, 15119 Bowl St., Charlotte, NC 28277
Cost: Free, but guests can purchase photos with Santa. Pre-order now.
Get into the holiday spirit at The Bowl at Ballantyne’s Jingle Bowl, featuring selfies with Santa, Frozen Princesses, a live DJ, crafts and more festive activities for the whole family. Bentley’s Flower Truck will offer holiday bouquets and Christmas trees, and the first 50 guests get a free bouquet.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Christmas Market
When: Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21
Where: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Where: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 15025 Bowl St., Charlotte, NC 28277
Cost: Free
Spend three festive weekends at both locations of Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Christmas Market browsing 50+ local vendors, enjoying seasonal drinks like Gluhwein, cozying up by fire pits and soaking in holiday lights.
Photos with Santa at Blakeney
When: Dec. 5-20
Where: Blakeney Town Center, 9870 Rea Rd., Charlotte, NC 28277
Cost: Free, but donations are accepted
Snap holiday memories with Santa at Blakeney Town Center on select Fridays and Saturdays in December. Bring your camera, enjoy the festive fun and consider a $10 donation to their charity for each session.
Ballantyne Holiday Spectacular
When: Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Ballantyne Village, 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC 28277
Cost: Free
The 5th Annual Holiday Spectacular at Ballantyne Village invites families and friends to gather for a magical holiday celebration, featuring a holiday vendor market, a trackless train, cookie decorating, a balloon artist, hot cocoa, face painting, live music and more.
Fort Mill Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 6, 11 a.m.
Where: Downtown Fort Mill
Cost: Free
Celebrate the season at the 78th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade, winding through Historic Downtown Fort Mill with floats, marching bands, community groups and of course, Santa. Enjoy festive competitions, and a chance to cheer on local schools, churches, businesses, and more in this beloved holiday tradition.
Mistletoe Market at Camp North End
When: Dec. 6, 13 and 20
Where: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd., Charlotte, NC 28206
Cost: Admission is free, and tickets for ice skating range from $16-$20. Buy tickets.
Mistletoe Market returns to Camp North End this December with 25 vendor huts, festive food and drinks, live entertainment and family-friendly activities across three Saturdays. Highlights include the Reindog Parade, the Hunnid Dollar Art Fair and plenty of cozy photo spots.
Santa Brunch at Dilworth Tasting Room
When: Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14
Where: Dilworth Tasting Room, 1413 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Cost: Varies. Reserve your spot on Resy.
Santa is heading back to DTR Plaza Midwood for a holiday-themed brunch weekend packed with festive fun, photo ops and family-friendly favorites. On Sunday, the celebration continues with the Merry Midwood Market from 12-4:30 p.m., featuring local vendors, and wraps up with the Plaza Midwood Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m.
Holidays on the Homesite
When: Dec. 12, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215
Cost: Free. Get tickets.
At Holidays on the Homesite, you’ll get into the holiday spirit at the 1774 Rock House, decked out for the season and open for a free, family-friendly evening. You’ll find live music, crafts, local vendors, food trucks, a historic kitchen cooking demo and even a traditional Yule log burning. Plus, visitors can check out “America’s Tapestry,” an interactive embroidery project that shares stories from the nation’s founding.
Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More
When: Dec. 13, 18-20
Where: Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Cost: $47.70-$58.50. Buy tickets.
Candlelight, known for making live music accessible in unique venues, is bringing its signature glow to Charlotte this holiday season with a string quartet performing classic carols and selections from “The Nutcracker.”
Holiday market at The Ellis
When: Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 512 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Free
Kenna Kunijo is hosting a holiday market at The Ellis, featuring more than 30 local vendors offering food, beverages and gifts.
Lake Norman Public Menorah Lighting & Hanukkah Celebration
When: Dec. 14, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Dr #202, Huntersville, NC 28078
Cost: Free
Chabad of Lake Norman will celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with the lighting of a 9-foot menorah, plus festive holiday music, family-friendly activities, hot drinks and traditional Hanukkah foods such as latkes, chocolate and doughnuts.
Waxhaw Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 14, 3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Waxhaw
Cost: Free
The Waxhaw Christmas Parade will showcase local school marching bands, floats and entries from 70 businesses and community groups, and a special appearance from Santa.
Gingerbread Lane and Cocoa House at The Ballantyne
When: Dec. 14-28 (not open Dec. 25)
Where: The Ballantyne, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277
Cost: Free
This December, The Ballantyne transforms into a holiday wonderland with Gingerbread Lane, featuring stunning gingerbread creations and a life-size Cocoa House serving festive drinks. Visitors can vote for their favorite masterpieces while supporting Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.
Kwanzaa at the Gantt 2025: Kujichagulia
When: Dec. 27, noon-4 p.m.
Where: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture at Levine Center for the Arts, 551 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Free
Activities at the Gantt’s annual Kwanzaa celebration include a food vendor pop-up, a learning station held in partnersip with Kwanzaa Charlotte, family photos, crafts, performances and more.
New Year’s Eve dinner at Fahrenheit
When: Dec. 31, 4-8 p.m.; New Year’s Eve Party from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Fahrenheit Charlotte,
Cost: $125++ for dinner; add $80 for NYE party, or $110 for the NYE party without dinner. Call for reservations or scan the code on Fahrenheit’s website.
Make a whole night out of the last day of 2025 by starting with a four-course prix fixe meal at Fahrenheit, featuring sea bass, filet and king crab, stuff lobster and more. Dinner will be followed by a 1980s glow party, where you can welcome in 2026 on the restaurant’s rooftop. A live DJ, open bar, party favors and a champagne toast are included. Must be 21+ for the New Year’s Eve party.
New Year’s Eve party at The Ballantyne
When: Dec. 31 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Where: The Ballantyne, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277
Cost: A hotel room; the party is exclusively for guests of The Ballantyne
Book a staycation at The Ballantyne if you want to welcome 2026 in close to home. The New Year’s Eve Party will include music, dancing and a cash bar. Want more? Stay tuned for our full New Year’s Eve guide, coming soon.
Melissa Oyler contributed.
This story was originally published November 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
