30 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Charlotte

There’s something magical about the holiday season in the Queen City. Charlotte dazzles with miles of twinkling lights, festive performances and jubilant festivals that create warm memories and cherished traditions. Celebrate the spirit of the season with these holiday events and activities in Charlotte.

Spend the Holidays at The Westin

The Westin Charlotte’s Uptown location puts you at the center of all the Queen City’s holiday magic. You’ll be just steps away from the Light the Knights Festival and can access even more of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and events via the LYNX Blue Line light rail. Your holiday stay at this pet-friendly hotel also includes a daily $15 food and beverage credit, enhanced high-speed Wi-Fi and a Charlotte Attractions Pass for two.

Family-Friendly Holiday Events

Both kids and adults alike can get into the holiday spirit at these family-friendly events.

The Polar Express Train Ride

When: Select night Nov. 7 – Dec. 23
Area: Spencer, N.C.

All aboard the Polar Express! Inspired by the hit holiday film, the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer offers festive train rides set to the movie’s soundtrack. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies on your way to the North Pole.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

When: Select nights Nov. 22 – Dec. 23
Where: Uptown

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” a musical adaptation of this beloved holiday classic, at the McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn. Watch Rudolph and friends perform hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”

WinterFest

When: Select nights Nov. 28 – Jan. 3
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.

Christmas at the Library

When: Dec. 1-23
Area: West Charlotte

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around Billy Graham Library before making your way to the live nativity scene, complete with animals. Hear Christmas carolers each night then warm up with story time at Ruth’s Attic Bookstore and indulge in a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Christmas Town USA

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

Spend the evening walking along charming downtown McAdenville — known as Christmas Town USA — featuring the historic area adorned with thousands of lights. The celebration kicks off with the annual Christmas tree lighting on Main Street.

Holiday Shows

'Tis the season for dazzling performances.

Nutcracker

When: Dec. 5-21
Neighborhood: Uptown

Charlotte Ballet transports you to the Land of Sweets where Clara and the Nutcracker Prince try to defeat the Rat King. With choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux paired with the beauty of Tchaikovsky’s music, don’t miss this holiday tradition at Belk Theater. 

Holiday Pops

When: Dec. 12-14
Neighborhood: Uptown

Charlotte Symphony’s holiday extravaganza returns with a merry celebration of North Carolina’s musical heritage at Knight Theater. Conductor Christopher James Lees leads the Charlotte Master Chorale and CSO in festive arrangements.

Holiday Lights

The night sky shines a little brighter during the holidays at these light displays in Charlotte.

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. While this event is free to attend, you’ll need a ticket to enter.

Speedway Christmas

When: Nov. 21 – Jan. 4, 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.

Light the Knights

When: 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.

Holidays at the Garden

When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 27
Area: Belmont

Daniel Stowe Conservancy 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.

Holiday Markets

Shop for everyone on your gift list at these local holiday markets.

Southern Christmas Show

When: Nov. 13-23
Area: East Charlotte

The largest Christmas show in North America returns to the Park Expo and Conference Center for holiday shopping. Browse 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.

VTGCLT Pop

When: Weekends Nov. 14 – Dec. 7, Daily Dec. 8-23
Neighborhood: Elizabeth

Shop 90-plus vintage and handmade brands as VTGCLT takes over a new location in the Elizabeth on Seventh Complex. Retro apparel and accessories, as well as other one-of-a-kind items, make the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday list.

OMB Christmas Market

When: Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, Dec. 12-14, Dec. 19-21
Neighborhood: Lower South End, Ballantyne

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Christmas market has something for all ages. Adults can shop more than 50 vendors while sipping the brewery’s spiced wine, while kids drink hot chocolate and take their photo with Santa at Saturday markets.

Uptown Holiday Market

When: Dec. 3-6
Neighborhood: Uptown

Head Uptown to this festive holiday market at Legacy Union Plaza where you can shop local vendors and small businesses. When you’ve checked off everyone on your gift list, grab a bite to eat from one of the on-site food vendors.

Mistletoe Market

When: Dec. 6, 13, 20
Neighborhood: Camp North End

Explore the Mistletoe Market Saturdays at Camp North End. Shop local vendors throughout the campus, featuring festive decorations and photo opportunities. Head into the Ford Building for hot chocolate, snacks and a family-friendly movie.

Holiday Pop-Up Bars

Holiday pop-up bars in Charlotte are sure to make your spirits bright.

Sippin’ Santa at The Royal Tot

When: Nov. 17 – Dec. 31
Neighborhood: Belmont neighborhood

The holidays get a tropical twist at The Royal Tot, Charlotte’s location for the Sippin’ Santa pop-up bar. Enjoy tiki-style cocktails inside the decorated bar or by one of the rooftop firepits overlooking Uptown.

Buddy’s Cocktail Workshop

When: Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2026
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

Take a Christmas vacation to the Supperland Speakeasy. This year’s holiday experience is themed after the movie “Elf.” Tickets are required for this holiday spirit experience, with seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. each night.

Miracle at Backstage Lounge

When: Nov. 20 – Dec. 28
Neighborhood: South End

Backstage Lounge transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with colorful lights and garland. Sip a themed cocktail as you watch a holiday movie on one of the bar’s TVs. Find the password to this speakeasy-style bar on social media.

Holiday Parades

Grab your blankets and chairs and settle in for these festive parades.

Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade

When: Nov. 26
Neighborhood: Uptown

The Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade is a tradition that dates back more than 70 years. The parade has grown to become the largest of its kind in the Southeast. Ornate parade floats light up the night as they make their way down Tryon Street.

North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade

When: Dec. 6
Area: Davidson, Cornelius

Find a spot on Main Street to watch the 43rd Annual North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade. This two-mile route travels along Highway 115 from Davidson through Cornelius, ending at the intersection of North Main Street and Catawba Avenue.

Lake Wylie Holiday Boat Parade

When: Dec. 13
Area: Lake Wylie

Find a spot near the water to watch this holiday boat parade near the Buster Boyd Bridge along Lake Wylie in South Carolina. Watercraft vessels are festively decorated with colorful lights and playing music to ignite holiday cheer.

Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade

When: Dec. 20
Area: Lake Norman

Watch decorated boats cruise along Lake Norman to celebrate the holiday season. The waterfront parade route starts at Blythe Landing and concludes at the Duke EnergyExplorium. After the parade, stick around for food trucks and a visit from Santa.

Hannukah Events

Celebrate Hannukah in the Queen City.

Family Hanukkah Breakfast

When: Dec. 7
Area: South Charlotte

Celebrate Hanukkah at the Levine Jewish Community Center. During breakfast, children can take part in Hanukkah games and activities. There will even be an appearance from Clifford the Big Red Dog, perfect for family photos.

Chanukah with Chabad Center for Jewish Life

When: Dec. 14-22
Neighborhood: Citywide

Chabad Center for Jewish Life celebrates Chanukah with a menorah car parade, menorah lightings across the Charlotte region and a special concert.

Kwanzaa Events

Celebrate Kwanzaa in the Queen City.

Kwanzaa Charlotte

When: Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2026
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).

Kwanzaa Celebration

When: TBD
Neighborhood: Uptown

In past years, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture’s free event has included family-friendly activities such as a candle-making workshop, dance class and informational session on the history and traditions of Kwanzaa.

New Year’s Eve Events

Say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026.

Rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve

When: Dec. 31
Neighborhood: Uptown

Ring in 2026 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.

CLT NYE

When: Dec. 31
Neighborhood: Uptown

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Uptown at CLT NYE. This ticketed event features access to the Light the Knights Festival, fireworks Truist Field, and a champagne or cider toast at midnight.