Your ultimate holiday resource for Charlotte is here! Explore our guide for all the best festive events and activities. For Charlotte experts and novices, our guide is the key to unlocking the city's holiday treasures.
Get ready to experience the magic of WinterFest at Carowinds, where you can enjoy thrilling rides adorned with holiday lights and festive decorations. Meanwhile, Speedway Christmas invites you to a spectacular display of over 4 million lights that illuminate the racetrack in a breathtaking show. And the Holidays at the Garden is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering stunning light displays nestled within the beauty of nature. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Charlotte
- WinterFest at Carowinds
- Speedway Christmas (Concord)
- Southern Christmas Show
- Light the Knights Festival (Fort Mill)
- Holidays at the Garden (Belmont)
- Christmas at the Library
- Christmas Town USA (McAdenville)
- Mistletoe Market
- Polar Express Train Ride (Spencer)
- Elf in Concert Charlotte Symphony
See these and even more events listed below!
Charlotte Holiday Light Displays
WinterFest at Carowinds
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday event with diverse activities and attractions.
Description:
Carowinds WinterFest offers a holiday celebration with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, and holiday-inspired comfort food.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: WinterFest at Carowinds
Speedway Christmas
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on a four-mile course.
Description:
Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health features over five million lights on a four-mile course, including the legendary oval, pit road, and infield road course. The show is open 6-10 p.m. rain or shine, with synchronized lights-to-music on 101.3 FM and drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night.
Where: Concord | More Info: Speedway Christmas
Holidays at the Garden
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and dancing fountains create a festive atmosphere.
Description:
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, dancing fountains, and festive holiday spirit. Enjoy the cozy glow of outdoor fires, indulge in delectable delights, and explore the Garden Store for unique gifts. Capture the magic by striking a pose in front of the radiant Orchid Tree.
Where: Belmont | More Info: Holidays at the Garden
Christmas Town USA
What to Expect:
Historic downtown area with synchronized light displays and holiday music.
Description:
McAdenville transforms into a vibrant holiday destination each December, featuring over half a million twinkling lights, historic decorations, and festive music.
Where: McAdenville | More Info: Christmas Town USA
Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
50-foot-tall Norway Spruce tree lit with over 50,000 string lights.
Description:
The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC host an annual Tree Lighting Festival at Bank of America Stadium, featuring a 50-foot-tall Norway Spruce tree lit with over 50,000 string lights. Guests enjoy special guest appearances, performances, and interactive stations like fleece-making and a Color-Your-Own Snow Globe station. The event is free, with mobile tickets required, and encourages donations of winter accessories.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Tree Lighting
Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and live bear performances.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with over 250,000 lights at Village Park, featuring the Winterland Express train ride and live performances by the Kannapolis Singing Bears and Chuckles Quartet.
Where: Kannapolis | More Info: Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express
Charlotte Holiday Markets and Shopping
Southern Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Interactive Vendor List with local businesses.
Description:
The Southern Christmas Show is a premier holiday event featuring over 420 vendors offering holiday décor, apparel, toys, and more. Attendees can explore Christmas Tree Lane, sample festive foods, and enjoy special events like the debut of Karolyn Grimes as Zuzu from "It's a Wonderful Life."
Where: Charlotte | More Info: Southern Christmas Show
Mistletoe Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with ice skating and live music.
Description:
Mistletoe Market at Camp North End features shopping across 76 acres with special holiday pop-ups, ice skating, and musical performances.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: Mistletoe Market
Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Local artisan market with regional vendors.
Description:
The 2024 Winter Holiday Market at Anne Springs Close Greenway offers a full day of fun with regional vendors, fresh air, and food and beverage options from the on-site restaurant, the Gateway Canteen. Shop local artisan markets featuring home décor, candles, soaps, holiday gifts, and family items.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: Holiday Market
German Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional German food and mulled wine.
Description:
The Charlotte Christmas Village offers a European-inspired holiday market with woodshed-style huts selling handmade crafts, traditional German food, and sweets. Enjoy festive lights, seasonal music, and holiday performances. Savor a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine, and explore unique holiday gifts.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: German Christmas Market
Millstone Creek Orchards
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with festive highland cows.
Description:
Millstone Creek Orchards offers a variety of holiday activities, including local shopping, Santa and Mrs. Claus visits, wreath making workshops, and hot apple cider donuts. Meet adorable highland cows, enjoy festive hayrides, and participate in Christmas cookie decorating and letter writing.
Where: Ramseur | More Info: Millstone Creek Orchards
Charlotte Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Elf in Concert Charlotte Symphony
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of Elf's memorable score.
Description:
The Charlotte Symphony presents a captivating concert featuring the iconic score of Elf, with Buddy the elf's journey to New York City performed live by the symphony orchestra.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: Elf in Concert Charlotte Symphony
Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday storytelling with hot chocolate and sleigh bells.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride at the North Carolina Transportation Museum features a festive holiday experience where families can enjoy a reading of Chris Van Allsburg's classic, The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers deboard to watch Santa present the first gift of Christmas. Before exiting the train at Candy Cane Lane, all passengers who BELIEVE will receive their own sleigh bell. The event includes hot chocolate and cookies served on board, along with holiday entertainment that makes for an annual family tradition.
Where: Spencer | More Info: Polar Express Train Ride
Charlotte Other Holiday Activities
Light the Knights Festival
What to Expect:
Expanded 10-lane snow tubing hill.
Description:
The Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field features an NHL-sized outdoor ice rink, a 10-lane 150-foot snow tubing hill, holiday lights, and a variety of activities including ice skating shows, shopping at the Holiday Market, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Fort Mill | More Info: Light the Knights Festival
Christmas at the Library
What to Expect:
Live nativity scene with real animals.
Description:
Celebrate the Savior's birth at the Billy Graham Library with live nativity, petting zoo, horse-drawn carriage rides, story time, and a traditional Christmas dinner.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: Christmas at the Library
Birkdale Village on Ice
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating with punch card options.
Description:
Birkdale Village on Ice features an outdoor ice skating rink where guests can enjoy a 75-minute skate session. The event offers punch cards for frequent skaters and recommends checking the local forecast to ensure optimal ice conditions.
Where: Huntersville | More Info: Birkdale Village on Ice
US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating
What to Expect:
Unique outdoor ice skating experience with multiple skating areas.
Description:
The US National Whitewater Center offers an outdoor ice skating experience with over 24,000 sq. ft. of unique skating space, including two ice trails and two free skate zones. The rink is centered in a converted pond with an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages. Cask Curling is also available with mini keg sliding competitions.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating
Christmas at Billy Graham Library
What to Expect:
Live nativity scene with real animals.
Description:
Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at the Billy Graham Library with a live nativity, petting zoo, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Christmas dinner. Enjoy family-friendly activities and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: Christmas at Billy Graham Library
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Matthews (10 miles)
- Mint Hill (12 miles)
- Huntersville (13 miles)
- Indian Trail (14 miles)
- Cornelius (18 miles)
- Concord (19 miles)
- Gastonia (20 miles)
- Kannapolis (22 miles)
- Rock Hill (23 miles)
- Monroe (24 miles)
- Mooresville (25 miles)
- Salisbury (37 miles)
- Statesville (38 miles)
- Shelby (39 miles)
- Hickory (45 miles)