Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Charlotte
Celebrate the holiday season with the whole family at these events.
by Arielle Patterson Nov 13, 2024
The Queen City celebrates the holiday season with festive performances, jolly markets and dazzling light displays. From age 1 to 100, everyone will be in the holiday spirit with these family-friendly events in Charlotte.
Host the perfect holiday gathering with ease, creating memories that shine all season long.
The Real Christmas Story
When: Nov. 1-Dec. 28
Area: Fort Mill, S.C.
Enjoy dinner and a show at NarroWay Production’s retelling of the story of Christmas. Indulge in a traditional Christmas dinner, complete with turkey and pumpkin pie, as you’re captivated by the talented actors, live animals and inspiring music on stage.
The Polar Express Train Ride
When: Select night Nov. 8-Dec. 23
Area: Spencer, N.C.
All aboard the Polar Express! Inspired by the hit holiday film, the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, less than an hour north of Charlotte, is offering festive train rides set to the movie’s soundtrack. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies on your way to the North Pole.
Southern Christmas Show
When: Nov. 14-24
Area: East Charlotte
The largest Christmas show in North America returns to the Park Expo and Conference Center for 10 days of holiday shopping. Browse the vendors to find gifts for everyone on your list, marvel at the ornate trees on Christmas Tree Lane, nibble on festive snacks and let the kids take a picture with Santa.
WinterFest
When: Select nights Nov. 15-Jan. 4, 2025
Area: South Charlotte
WinterFest at Carowinds is one of the most immersive holiday events in the Carolinas. See the theme park decked out with shimmering lights as you enjoy the live entertainment, holiday-inspired food and drinks, ice skating, shops and the nightly WinterFest Wonderland Parade.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
When: Select nights Nov. 22-Dec. 22
Neighborhood: Uptown
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical,” a hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy for families of all ages, at the McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn. Find out what happens when the “worst kids in the history of the world” audition for the annual Christmas pageant.
Speedway Christmas
When: Nov. 22-Jan. 5, 2025
Area: Concord
Charlotte Motor Speedway glitters with more than five million lights on a four-mile course during Speedway Christmas, the largest drive-thru holiday light show in the Southeast. Thursday through Sunday, shop the infield Christmas Village or watch a holiday movie on the Speedway’s giant TV.
Ice Skating at Camp North Pole
When: Nov. 22-Jan. 5, 2025
Neighborhood: Camp North End
Camp North End becomes Camp North Pole during the holiday season complete with events and activities like the popular ice skating rink. When you aren’t gliding along the ice, stay warm by the fire pits, visit the on-site food and drink vendors, and start your holiday shopping.
UCity Lights Winter Celebration
When: Nov. 23
Neighborhood: University City
Kick off the holiday season at The Shoppes at University Place for an evening of festive fun. Don’t miss the tree lighting that will feature a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Clause. Kids can create their own ornaments, sip hot chocolate and go for a ride aboard the Polar Express.
Movies in the Park
When: Nov. 23, Dec. 14
Area: Belmont
Grab some blankets and chairs and head to Stowe Park, in the city of Belmont located 30 minutes from Uptown, for holiday movies. A jumbo outdoor screen will display “Gremlins” on Nov. 23 and “A Christmas Story” on Dec. 14.
Light the Knights
When: Select nights Nov. 27-Jan. 3, 2025
Neighborhood: Uptown
Experience the holiday season at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights. The playing field is transformed into an NHL-sized outdoor rink where you can ice skate, learn to play hockey and watch ice skating shows. This event also features a market on the concourse, walk-through light show, snow tubing and more.
Holidays at the Garden
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 29
Area: Belmont
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden dazzles during the holidays with light displays throughout the garden. As you make your way along the lighted paths, passing ornate decorations, stay warm with hot chocolate and cider then stop at one of the on-site food trucks for a bite to eat.
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
When: Nov. 29-30
Neighborhood: East Charlotte
Experience Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale as only the Muppets can tell it, with Kermit and the gang helping Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) rediscover his holiday spirit on one fateful Christmas Eve. Watch this heartwarming family film on the big screen at Ovens Auditorium as your Charlotte Symphony brings the memorable score to life. It's a holiday tradition perfect for all ages.
Ice Skating at the Whitewater Center
When: mid-November through mid-February
Area: West Charlotte
Every winter, the U.S. National Whitewater Center transforms the Upper Pond into a one-of-a-kind ice skating experience for all ages and skill levels. Glide along the ice, divided into four skating areas, then warm up with a hot beverage from the on-site air stream.
Family Hanukkah Breakfast
When: Dec. 1
Area: South Charlotte
Celebrate Hanukkah at the Levine Jewish Community Center. This breakfast is free for children to attend and take part in Hanukkah games and activities. There will even be an appearance from Clifford the Big Red Dog – perfect for family photos.
Christmas at the Library
When: Dec. 2-23
Area: West Charlotte
One of the highlights of Christmas at the Library at Billy Graham Library is the live nativity scene, complete with animals. Other activities include horse-drawn carriage rides around the library grounds, Christmas carolers, a children’s story time and more.
Christmas Town USA
When: Dec. 2-26
Area: McAdenville, N.C.
People come from all over the country to visit Christmas Town USA in McAdenville, located less than 20 miles from Uptown Charlotte. Spend the evening walking along charming downtown McAdenville, including the historic area adorned with thousands of lights.
Festival of Trees
When: Dec. 2-Jan. 6, 2025
Area: Belmont
Stowe Park in Belmont is filled with festive trees throughout the month of December. This annual event kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 2. Find out which of the showcased trees took first, second and third place in each of the categories.
The Winter Wonderland Shop
When: Dec. 4-7
Neighborhood: Uptown
Give children a reminder that this is the season of giving as they shop for their own gifts at The Winter Wonderland Shop. This family-focused shopping event at Wells Fargo Playhouse allows kids to buy pre-wrapped gifts at a low cost to give to their loved ones.
Christmas in Davidson
When: Dec. 5-7
Area: Davidson
Celebrate the holiday season north of Charlotte in Davidson. For one weekend, Davidson’s Main Street is filled with roaming entertainment, brightly colored lights and holiday cheer for the whole family. Festivities also include the 42nd Annual North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
When: Dec. 5-29
Area: Ballantyne
Take a stroll through Ballantyne’s Backyard, outfitted with over one million holiday lights. Along the outdoor walking trail, you’ll find hundreds of Christmas trees, larger-than-life holiday installations, performers on select nights and an appearance from Santa himself.
Nutcracker
When: Dec. 6-22
Neighborhood: Uptown
Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition. Magic fills the stage with glittering snowfall, dancing sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Charlotte Ballet presents this whimsical show, at Belk Theater, with choreography from Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux.
The 70th Annual Singing Christmas Tree
When: Dec. 14-15
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Carolina Voices presents an evening of singing and merriment at Halton Theater on the campus of Central Piedmont Community College. The group will perform holiday favorites around a decorated 32-foot-tall tree. The dazzling stage will also feature whimsical dances, magic tricks and more heart-warming performances.
Cirque de Noël
When:
Neighborhood:
The magic of Cirque de Noël returns to Knight Theater with breathtaking aerialists soaring high above the orchestra and set to your favorite holiday music. Enjoy thrilling new acrobatic acts alongside cherished favorites in this annual celebration. It’s a spectacular way to share the wonder and joy of the season with your family.
North Carolina Christmas Festival
When: Dec. 21
Area: Concord
Take free photos with Santa at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center during the North Carolina Christmas Festival. This annual holiday experience also features a free toy giveaway for kids, free gift wrapping, Christmas-themed coloring sheets and word searches, ornament decorating and so much more.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
When: Dec. 26
Area: Matthews
Kick off Chanukah with the annual menorah lighting at Matthews Town Hall, presented by Chabad of Charlotte. This free, family-friendly event includes music, dreidels, Chanukah treats and more.
Kwanzaa Charlotte
When: Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2025
Neighborhood: Citywide
Celebrate Kwanzaa with historical, educational and artistic programs throughout Charlotte. Each day is inspired by one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
Celebrate the magic of the season with the people who mean the most.
Rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve
When: Dec. 31
Neighborhood: Uptown
Ring in 2025 at noon with live musical performances by Liz, Holly and the Jolly Lollies at ImaginOn. There will also be a sensory-friendly experience with noise-cancelling headphones, sensory objects and more for patrons to borrow.
Noon Year’s Eve
When: Dec. 31
Area: Concord
Let the kids have some fun on New Year's Eve before the ball drops at Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium. Explore the array of aquatic wildlife at the aquarium before the balloon drop, complete with a sparkling juice toast at noon.
