Holiday Light Displays in Charlotte

The Queen City is aglow with festive light displays during the holidays.

by Arielle Patterson Nov 24, 2025

Daniel Stowe Conservancy

This blog is brought to you in partnership with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Winter nights in Charlotte sparkle a little brighter during the holiday season. Whether you’re driving through festive scenes or walking along illuminated paths, these holiday light displays are sure to put you in the seasonal spirit.

Holidays at the Garden - Photo courtesy of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Holidays at the Garden

When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 27
Area: Belmont

Walk through dazzling light displays at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. The entire property is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland filled with lighted paths, ornate decorations and photo-ready backdrops. For even more holiday cheer, stay warm by the fire with hot beverages, take a ride on the trackless train on Saturdays, stop by for a visit with Santa Fridays and Saturdays, hear live music on select evenings and enjoy a holiday cocktail in the adults-only speakeasy.

WinterFest

When: Select nights Nov. 2 – Jan. 3, 2026
Area: South Charlotte

WinterFest at Carowinds is one of the most immersive holiday events in the Carolinas. Surround yourself in the warm glow of holiday lights throughout the theme park. Take photos in front of the giant Christmas tree adorned with lights, then watch a brilliant light display set to holiday music.

A Kannapolis Christmas

When: Nov. 15 – Dec. 30
Area: Kannapolis

Celebration of Lights, part of A Kannapolis Christmas, showcases enchanting lights at Village Park. Area choirs and school groups perform on select evenings, creating the perfect ambiance for you to stroll the festive displays.

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Kings Mountain Christmas Lights

When: Nov. 21 – Jan. 1, 2026
Area: Kings Mountain

Head to scenic Kings Mountain to gaze at a state-of-the-art light display. Every night through New Years, Patriots Park is aglow with more than one million lights to create a holiday scene right out of a storybook.

Speedway Christmas

When: Nov. 21 – Jan. 5, 2026
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 offers a unique chance to travel along the Speedway’s legendary oval, pit road and in-field road course.

Carolina Panthers & Charlotte FC Tree Lighting Festival

When: Nov. 18
Neighborhood: Uptown

The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC invite fans, friends and families to watch as a 50-foot Norway spruce tree, garnished with 50,000 string lights, is lit up for the season at Bank of America Stadium. This Charlotte tradition also includes appearances by Sir Minty, Sir Purr and Santa.

Light the Knights

When: Select nights Nov. 26 – Jan. 4, 2026
Neighborhood: Uptown

Truist Field, home to the Charlotte Knights, transforms into a winter wonderland. Nearly every part of the stadium, from the concourse to the seats and baseball diamond, is decorated with colorful lights. There’s even a choreographed light show set to the soundtrack of holiday music.

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular

When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 30
Area: Ballantyne

Bring the whole family out to Ballantyne’s Backyard for the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, featuring more than one million marvelous lights in festive displays along a paved, half-mile walking trail. Along the way, you’ll find food trucks, larger-than-life holiday scenes and merry music.

Christmas Town USA

When: Dec. 1–26
Area: McAdenville, N.C.

Walk or drive through McAdenville’s charming downtown, located less than 20 miles from Uptown Charlotte, adorned with thousands of lights. The celebration kicks off with the annual Christmas tree lighting on Main Street on Monday, Dec. 1.

Festival of Trees in Downtown Belmont

Festival of Trees

When: Dec. 1–30
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. 1. Find out which of the showcased trees took first, second and third place in each of the categories.

Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll

When: Dec. 4–6
Neighborhood: Uptown

Celebrate the holiday season by taking a stroll around historic Fourth Ward. Take a self-guided tour of the area’s beautifully decorated homes and businesses, enjoying food and cocktail tastings along the way. An additional Holiday Home Tour is available for an upgraded ticket.

Arielle Patterson

Arielle is the Digital Content Specialist for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. A Baltimore native, Arielle quickly fell in love with everything the Queen City has to offer after her first visit. When she's not writing and editing, she's indulging in Charlotte's culinary scene or at home watching reality television.