With holiday season coming up a lot of families are looking for Christmas activities in Charlotte NC and surrounding areas. I have decided to put together a comprehensive list of recurring events as well as one-time events. My family always looks forward to visiting new events as Charlotte keeps adding more each year and it is amazing! If you would like to connect with me on social media where I post daily reels and updates, follow me on any of the below social medias.
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The Charlotte Light the Knights Festival and Truist Field located in the heart of downtown Charlotte with amazing skyscraper views will be hosting an NHL-sized outdoor rink with activities for all to enjoy, including ice skating, learn to play hockey, ice skating shows, and much more. We went last year and loved it, however this year they are adding 10 lines for tubing to make wait time shorter. Don’t forget to visit the market with lots of vendors!
When: November 22 through January 1st, hours vary please visit the website
Where: Truist Field at 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: $10 venue admission only with Holiday Walkthrough and Lightshow along with Christmas market, $40 all activities such as ice skating and tubing or Season Package Membership is available if you want to visit throughout the season. Children under 3 years old are free. Did you know that now you can host a group or party at Truist Field? Check out their website for more info!
SPEEDWAY CHRISTMAS DRIVE THROUGH & CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Speedway Christmas drive through is another great option to see over 5 million Christmas lights over the four-mile course while tuning in to radio station 101.3 FM to see synchronized lights to music. Don’t miss on drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night until Christmas! Open rain or shine, dogs are allowed in the car but not at Christmas Village which is also open Thursday to Sunday. Christmas village has lots of activities including shopping, food, fire pits and attractions for kids! Tickets can be purchased in advance but not required. “Take note, Friday and Saturday are the busiest nights and you may experience extended wait times. It is suggested to consider visiting on Sunday through Thursday nights for quicker entry and to arrive early.”
When: November 17-January 7th 6pm-10pm daily, closed on December 24th
Where: 5555 Concord Parkway, Concord, NC 28027 (main general admission entrance)
5197 Morehead Road, Concord, NC 28027 (express lane entrance)
Cost: $35-$45 per car up to 15 people
$145-$175 for 16 to 60 people bus
express lane $75
According to Motor Speedway website the schedule for the upcoming Queen City News Movie Nights at Speedway Christmas includes:
- Nov. 17-19: “Christmas Vacation”
- Nov. 23-26: “The Grinch” presented by Bojangles
- Nov. 30-Dec 3: Classic Christmas shorts presented by Food Lion
- Dec. 7-10: “White Christmas” presented by Cook Out
- Dec. 14-19: “Elf” presented by AutoBell
- Dec. 20-23: “Polar Express” presented by Cook Out
- Dec. 26-27: “Nutcracker”
- Dec. 28-31: “Home Alone”
No motorcycles allowed!!!
Carowinds Winterfest is amongst most favorite Christmas activities for both kids and adults. If you want to immerse yourself into Christmas wonderland this is a place for you. With fun rides, Christmas light shows, firepits, live music shows, food, ice skating, globe rentals this place takes you back into childhood. Camp Snoopy kids’ rides take a good chunk of our time as children love riding those “rollercoasters”.
When: November 17-Jan. 1 on select dates and times
Where: Carowinds Amusement Park
Cost: $32.99 adult one day admission, $19.99 one day admission kids, free for passholders, for more info on tickets please follow the link below. If you are not a passholder and bought one day admission you can upgrade to season pass just by paying the difference, however it has to be done in the same day of your visit.
Tickets & Admission | WinterFest | Carowinds
Pro-tip: Carowinds is Cashless so please take that into consideration when planning a trip.
WINTER AT WHITEWATER CENTER & ICE SKATING
Winter at Whitewater Center offers 24,000sq. ft of outdoor ice skating and pond hockey, Canyon with Christmas illuminated night activities such as suspension bridges, rope courses and zip lines, winter races, adventure dining date and skate. There is also hot chocolate available for purchase which makes it perfect for cold chilly evenings. Freshly cut Fraiser fir Christmas trees from Great Smokey Mountains are available for purchase starting November 23!
When: Starts November 17th- through mid-February
Where: White Water Center at 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Cost: ice skating pass only $25 or day pass that includes all activities $79 for adults and $69 youth. They also offer annual pass at $149 adults and $139 youth.
Pro-tip: Canion Night Trail is FREE, no reservation or ticket required. Explore the woods at night with a walking trail featuring obstacles, play structures and discoveries for all ages. Parking is $12
HOLIDAY LIGHT SPECTACULAR AT BALLANTYNE’S BACKYARD
Here you will experience walk through the half-mile trail decorated with over a million Christmas lights and displays, music, ballerinas and other performers on select nights, face painting, shows, shopping at holiday village, food trucks, Santa on site up until Dec. 23, bouncy houses, alpine show tube slide and more. Safe for strollers and wheelchairs.
When: December 7th- December 30th
Where: Ballantyne’s Backyard at 11611 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Cost: $10-$25 depending on date and time, children under 2 free and do not need a ticket
FREE PARKING!
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM WALK THROUGH LIGHT DISPLAY
I genuinely admire this family that opens their doors to their home farm and allows people to enjoy beautiful Christmas lights and displays, petting zoo and hot chocolate at no cost!!! I am asking to be very mindful and leave no trace after yourself when visiting this sweet family. We went there last year and absolutely enjoyed it!
When: December 1-New Years Day, hours 6pm-9pm, open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Where: 3999 Fincher Road, Indian Trail, NC 28079
Cost: FREE!!! Free hot chocolate and cookies Friday, Saturday and Sunday
For more information, announcements and weather-related closures follow their Facebook Christmas on the Farm group (5) Facebook
Tradition that is going on since 1956 marking it 68th year of doing incredible Christmas Lights in the town of McAdenville. Tourists all across USA come to look at this little town where every house is lit up along with lots of displays along your route. You can either drive through or park and walk the streets to take amazing pictures. Lines can get very dreading during weekends so come very early or choose to come during weekday. Annual tree lighting on December 1st, 2023 at 5:30 pm at 102 Main Street (beside the lake).
When: December 1-December 26, 5:30pm-10pm each night
Where: Christmas Town USA Christmas Lights McAdenville at Belmont, NC 28012
Cost: Free. Free parking
GINGERBREAD LANE AT BALLANTYNE HOTEL
The Ballantyne Hotel hosts yearly gingerbread competition where attendees may vote on their favorite entries with $1 minimum donation per vote. “All proceeds will benefit Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital (LCH), dedicated to caring for the physical and emotional needs of children and their families.” Hot cocoa is available for purchase. There is also Afternoon tea in the lobby with live music and delicious desserts Thursday -Sunday 1pm-4pm by reservation only and they fill up quickly (we learned last year). You can also visit Stream Park that is finally completed and perfect for kids, right behind the hotel!
When: December 11th-24th, hours: 9am-6:30pm
Where: The Ballantyne Hotel
Cost: Free
**Group reservations of 10 or more available 8:30am-5pm weekdays only**
Same day reservations not available.
CHRISTMAS AT THE BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY
Amazing family friendly, stroller and wheelchair friendly Christmas at the Billy Graham library with true meaning of Christmas and Christ birth, live nativity with representation of Jesus birth including shepherds’ lambs, donkey and camel, singing, petting zoo and children’s story time in the attic. Horse drawn carriage rides are available for purchase.
When: December 1st-23rd, Monday-Thursday 5-9pm, Friday-Saturday 5-10pm
Where: Billy Graham Library at 4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217
Cost: Free, however reservations are required to enter as well as riding the carriage tour (at an additional cost)
HOLIDAY AT DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Beautiful garden Christmas vibes with lots of lights, dancing fountains, outdoor fire, smores, food trucks, garden store gift shop and music.
When: Nov. 24-Dec.23, 2023, hours 5-10 pm open Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Mondays
Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden at 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012
Cost: garden members free, adults $25+tax, kids 2-12 $15+tax (kids under 2 free), Seniors $23+tax, tickets at the door will be limited, so I suggest buying them in advance online!
CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT AT HISTORIC BRATTONSVILLE
Historic Brattonsville opens its door for yearly Candlelight Tour with period dressed tour guides set in 1867, explore how the Christmas holiday highlighted the apprehension and hope of post-Civil War York County. There will be make and take activities like candle dipping and making ‘scherenschnitte’, snowy ornaments, meet Farther Christmas, cash concessions available for purchase, brass band and traditional fiddle music, Christmas shopping at gift shops and more!
Also, December 16th,2023 3-5pm the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party will be held. “Learn about the history of the Boston Tea Party and its connection to South Carolina and the lesser-known Charleston tea parties. After the presentation, enjoy a Colonial Tea tasting from Charleston’s Oliver Pluff Tea Company, practice your tea etiquette, and blend your own loose-leaf tea to enjoy at home.” Brattonsville website states.
When: December 8th members only, December 9th and 10th everyone welcome; hours 3-9pm
Please Note: Site will be closed to the public until 3 p.m. Brattonsville Road will be closed from 2:45 p.m. until 9 p.m. Please allow time for the posted detour. Be sure to arrive and check in 30 minutes prior to your tour time.
Where: Historic Brattonsville Located right near Rock Hill at 1444 Brattonsville Rd, McConnells, SC 29726
Cost: $10 adults and kids, children under 3 free
**tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance, free for members and membership benefits include free General Admission to all Culture & Heritage Museums sites for one year from date of purchase.
Photo via chmuseums.org
KANNAPOLIS CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
Family friendly and budget friendly activity where you can see Christmas lights and displays, ride the Winterland express train and carousel, listen to choirs and school groups who will perform on select evenings between 6 and 8 pm. “Bring your wish list for your visit with Santa – you are welcome to take your photo with him at no charge. Other activities include making a holiday craft, enjoying smore’s around the fire pit and much more. Local craft and artisans be on hand on the weekends so come prepared to do your Christmas shopping. Food trucks will have food and drinks for sale” website states.
When: Nov. 18th-Dec. 30th; Open 6-9 p.m. Sundays thru Thursdays; 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Where: Village Park at 700 W C St, Kannapolis, NC 28081
Cost: admission to the park and viewing of the lights is free; tickets to ride the train are $2 per person
Photo via google by TJ
Recently visited Southern Christmas Show market with over 400 vendors and was absolutely blown away by the decor, creative local vendors, music and performers! Did you know that this is the largest Christmas show in North America that is done 56th times? This market is amazing even if you are not planning on shopping there and simply want to walk around and enjoy the Christmas spirit! Pictures with Santa are available.
When: November 9th-19th
Where: The Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Cost: $18 adults, $6 kids 6-12, children 5 and under free, parking $10
OUTDOOR HOLIDAY ICE SKATING:
⛸️Whitewater Center Ice Skating @usnws
⛸️Birkdale Village Ice Skating @birkdalevillagenc
⛸️Camp North End Ice Skating @campnorthend
⛸️ Light The Knight Festival Truist Field Ice Skating @truistfieldevents
⛸️ WinterFest at Carowinds “Snowflake Lake Ice Skating” @carowinds
⛸️Founders Holiday Ice Rink
*Indoor Extreme Ice Center
*Indoor Pineville Ice House
ONE DAY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING, MARKETS, FARMS AND PARADES
Once upon a Holiday Brunch with Santa at Plesant Grove Farm Dec. 17th 12-2pm, live music 6pm
NorthLake Mall Princess Day Storytime- Dillards Nov.18th
The Union Exchange Motown and Mimosas -debut to Christmas season 11/19
Mint Hill Downtown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Dec. 2, 2023 at 5:30pm
Rea Farms Christmas Tree Lighting Nov. 18 4-6pm
Hunter Farm Holiday Market Nov. 18th 2-6pm (reserve Christmas wagon rides now!)
Phillips Place Holiday celebration and Shopping Dec.13th 4-7pm + get coffee from the @RalphLauren truck!
Cornelius Downtown Tree Lighting Nov. 25th 4-7pm
Piedmont Town Center Tree Lighting Dec.17th 6-9pm
Blakney Santa House Photo Session (varies dates) starts Dec. 1st
Patterson Farm Winter Barn and Playground Nov.7th-Dec.15th Tuesday-Saturday 9am-2pm
Belmont Downtown Tree Lighting in front of City Hall Nov 27th at 6:30pm
Belmont Stowe Park Festival of Trees Nov.27th-Dec.31
Belmont Christmas Parade on Main Steer Nov.28th at 3:30pm
Belmont Christmas Village Historic Downtown Dec.2nd 1-9pm
Downtown Matthews Holiday Stroll Dec. 2nd 2-4pm
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade Nov. 22 at 5:30pm
Optimist Hall Giving Tuesday Nov.28th 6-9pm
Ucity Lights at The Shoppes at University Place Dec. 1 from 5-9pm
Downtown Concord Shop The Holiday Trail Nov. 25 11am-4pm
Kannapolis Cookie Decorating Class Dec. 14 at 6pm $25 per person and reservation required
NODA Pottery Market Nov. 18th 10am-4pm
Downtown Huntersville Tree Lighting Dec. 1st 6pm-9pm
Kannapolis Christmas Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Celebration of Lights Nov.18th at 6pm at Village Park 700 West C Street followed by fireworks show at 6:15pm
Pop-Up Market at Brixham Park located at 15801 Brixham Park Ave. Dec. 6 11am-4pm
Candlelight Music Concert Nov.16, 17th, 29th
Calvary Church Candlelight Christmas Eve Dec. 24th 9:45am; 4pm and 6pm
Calvary Church Christmas Concert Dec.10th9:45am & 6pm
OTHER CHRISTMAS DESTINATIONS THAT WORTH A VISIT AND OVER AN HOUR
Biltmore House
Polar Express Christmas Train
Greensboro Science Center Christmas Lights
Gatlinburg TN, (Anakeesta)
Chenese Lantern Festival in Cary NC
I hope you will find this guide useful as you navigate through the 2023 holiday season!!! Follow me on Instagram (link posted below) for more detailed events, videos and pictures!
North Carolina Travel & Photography + Trip Planning (@travelguidenc) • Instagram photos and videos
