Last Updated on December 3, 2024
Bright lights, festive decorations, and happy memories! Feel the holly, jolly spirit when you take in some of the best and brightest holiday events in and around Charlotte, NC.
WinterFest at Carowinds
November 15–January 4, 2025
Make lifelong memories at Carowinds’ WinterFest, the Carolinas’ most immersive holiday event! The park shimmers with holiday light displays complete with millions of lights (pictured at top). Children of all ages can enjoy ice skating, family activities, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and select attractions. Catch the season’s festive live entertainment and nightly WinterFest Wonderland parade. And write a letter to Santa—though we don’t know what else you’d have to ask for!
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights
November 16–December 30 @ 6:00 PM
Just one feature of “A Kannapolis Christmas”, the town’s Celebration of Lights in Village Park itself features a full schedule of events. Enjoy all the beautiful lights and displays while engaging in holiday fun, from making crafts to enjoying s’mores around the fire pit to singing along with the Kannapolis Singing Bears. Bring your wish list for your visit with Santa and take your photo with him at no charge. Local artisans will be set up on the weekends, so come prepared to do your Christmas shopping. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Speedway Christmas Lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway
November 22–January 5, 2025 @ 6:00–10:00 PM
Come see more than five million lights across four miles at this spectacle of an event! This year marks the 15th season of the Southeast’s largest drive-through holiday light show. If you’ve ever wanted to drive the legendary oval, pit road, and infield road course, here’s your shot. The show is open every night, rain or shine, and features synchronized lights-to-music on 101.3 FM. Plus, take in drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night until Christmas.
Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field
November 27–January 3, 2025
One of Charlotte’s newest events allows guests to snow tube, ice skate, see tens of thousands of lights, and more! The 5th annual Light the Knights Festival is everything you need for a fun-filled family day out. While you’re there, enjoy shopping at the market’s shopping booths and a variety of holiday treats.
Holidays at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
November 29–December 22
Prepare to be mesmerized by the twinkle of a thousand lights, the shimmer of dancing fountains, and the festive holiday spirit that blankets every corner of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. This walking garden tour features so much more, including a holiday trackless train, visits with Santa, hot beverages, s’mores, and unique gifts at The Garden Store. Strike a nice pose in front of the Orchid Tree, a radiant centerpiece that embodies the spirit of the season. And if you’re feeling a little naughty, don’t miss the adults-only speakeasy with exclusive holiday cocktails.
Olde Meck Brewery Christmas Market
Weekends, November 29–December 22
‘Tis the season to enjoy the magic of OMB’s Annual Christmas Market! Experience the festive atmosphere, featuring more than 50 vendors, delicious food, cheerful music and lights, traditional spiced wine, hot cocoa, holiday beer, and cozy fire pits. This year’s market will be open four weekends in a row at both of the brewery’s locations in Ballantyne and LoSo. Santa will be on hand for photos on Saturday, December 14.
Christmastown USA in McAdenville
December 2–26
One of the top attractions in North Carolina, McAdenville is Christmastown, U.S.A.®. Each December, this quaint town transforms almost overnight into a holiday wonderland, attracting visitors from across the country. Walk or drive through downtown’s Christmas light display, and stay for dinner while you’re there. The season kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony on December 2. Or plan to attend the Yule Log Parade on December 12. Check out the trip planner to make the most of your trip.
Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard
December 5–29 @ 5:30–10:00 PM
Witness over a million lights on a half-mile outdoor walking trail at Carolina’s Holiday Lights Spectacular. This walking adventure features spectacular oversized snowglobes, larger-than-life holiday displays, countless candy canes, and all of your favorite holiday cheer! You’re even set to run into Santa and Mrs. Claus every night! Immerse yourself in this winter wonderland, featuring a gift shop, food trucks, and other memorable moments for all to enjoy!
Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel
December 15–28 @ 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
A classic family tradition, view an enchanting display of gingerbread creations from all age groups. Then, vote on your favorite entries with a $1 minimum donation per vote. All proceeds will benefit Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. And if viewing all that gingerbread makes you thirsty, enjoy a festive drink from the Gingerbread Hut. Closed Christmas Day.
Additional holiday activities in and around Charlotte, NC
- Enjoy ice skating at Carowinds, Birkdale Village, Whitewater Center, and Camp North End.
- Experience a live ballet performance of “The Nutcracker” at one of several locations.
- Putt your way through a holiday-themed adventure at High Seas Mini Golf.
- Jump board the Polar Express at the North Carolina Transportation Museum, a magical train ride filled with hot chocolate, singing, and a trip to the North Pole.
- Cut your own tree at a nearby Christmas tree farm.
About Allen Tate RealtorsⓇ
Allen Tate is the Carolinas’ largest real estate company with more than 70 offices and 1,800 Realtors in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Upstate SC, Highlands/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions. Allen Tate is a partner of Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest privately held real estate broker in the U.S., with 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices and 15,000 sales associates and staff across 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com.
