30 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Charlotte
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, there’s no shortage of holiday events in Charlotte.
by Arielle Patterson Nov 20, 2025
The Westin Charlotte
This blog is brought to you in partnership with The Westin.
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.
Give the Gift of Queen City Experiences
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.
Find more ways to heat up your winter calendar.
