Things To Do In And Around Charlotte For Christmas
Things to Do In and Around Charlotte For Christmas | Events, Festivities, and Fun!
Christmas is just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited! There are so many reasons the Christmas season is truly the most wonderful time of year- from holiday vacation and spending time with loved ones to decorating your home and enjoying seeing Christmas everywhere! Did you know that Federal Brace is based in Belmont, North Carolina? We love being just outside the Queen City! Here at Federal Brace, we, and our sister companies, Killarney Metals and Oeveo, thrive to support local business and events. Whether you're just visiting here or have been here for decades, we've created your guide to everything Christmas and Winter to fill your cold December days in the Queen City.
Events
Charlotte Ballet feat. the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra | Dec. 9-23.
Experience the exceptional Charlotte Ballet performing the “Nutcracker” at Belk Theater Tchaikovsky’s famous score performed live by Charlotte Symphony Orchestra brings your favorite characters to life. Join Clara on her dreamy journey through the Land of Sweets with dancing snowflakes, delicious treats and, of course, the majestic Sugar Plum Fairy. It’s a show you don’t want to miss.
Panthers x Charlotte FC Tree Lighting | Bank of America Stadium | Nov. 22
Come together this Christmas with your fellow Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC fans to the annual tree lighting ceremony at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Enjoy hot cocoa, write letters to Santa, take pictures of this memorable event at the many photobooths and more. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Be sure to check out the Clear Bag Policy before attending this event.
Light the Knights | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
Enjoy on-ice activities at Truist Field’s Ice Skating and Hockey rink, trips down the 150-foot snow tubing hill and a stroll through the holiday lights show. Shop and dine as the season comes to life with the annual Charlotte Christmas Village featuring European delights along with the popular Gluhwein, hot cider, beer and, of course, hot chocolate.
Speedway Christmas | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Nov. 18-Jan. 8
Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health features four million LED Christmas lights strewn across a four-mile course, with displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music. The show is open rain or shine, and features synchronized lights to music on 101.3 FM.
Christmas Town U.S.A. | McAdenville | Dec. 1-26
Walk or drive through the downtown area to view the frosty majesty of the winter landscape. Green, red and white lights will shine from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM each night. Arrive early to enjoy dinner at Terra Mia Ristorante, a craft beer or glass of wine at 115 Craft, and shop at Mona’s Boutique and Gifts, The Modest Market and Revolver Records. An evening in Christmas Town U.S.A.® is like a magical trip back in time. Enjoy!
Holidays at the Garden | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | Nov. 25-Dec. 31
Winter will glisten with dazzling lights, sparkling fountains, and holiday décor throughout the Garden this season. Gather with family around the warmth of an outdoor fire while kids, young and old, delight in making s’mores. Grab a snack at the food trucks and a warm beverage. Shop at The Garden Store & Wine Nook for gifts for everyone on your list. Take your picture in front of the Orchid Tree located outside the Great Hall.
WinterFest | Carowinds | Nov. 21-Jan. 1
Celebrate the holiday season at Carowinds with holiday light displays replete with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and select attractions. Find the perfect present at specialty holiday gift shops, play holiday-themed games, and catch the season's festive live entertainment.
Ice Skating on the Upper Pond | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Nov.-Feb.
Take a spin around the rink with your family this holiday season. There are two open skating rinks and ice trails to explore at the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s annual winter attraction. When you get cold, hit the center of the rink where the vintage airstream bar serves up hot chocolate, beer and snacks.
The Polar Express Train Ride | North Carolina Transportation Museum | November 11-12, 18-20, 25-27 and December 2-4, 8-11, 13-23
The train ride is set to the sounds of the movie soundtrack as you travel to the “North Pole.” Along the way, listen to a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic, The Polar Express, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. At the North Pole, families will leave the train and watch Santa present the first gift of Christmas. Back at Candy Cane Lane, all passengers who “believe” will receive their own sleigh ball.
The 2022 North Carolina Christmas Festival | Saturday, December 17, 2022 @ 1:00pm
Free pictures with Santa Claus, free toy giveaway for the kids, free gift wrapping, Christmas coloring & word search, ornament decoration and more! Vendors, entertainment, and more round out this family friendly free event!
Shopping:
- Charlotte Christmas Village | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
Visit The Christmas Village and Light the Knights for holiday cheer, unique shopping and the usual European menu including bratwurst, schnitzel, and strudel, along with the popular Gluhwein, hot cider, beers, and of course, hot chocolate.
- Weihnachtsmarkt | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten | Nov. 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18
Bring the kids to this family-friendly shopping tradition at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery for hot cocoa, fire pits, entertainment and the occasional visit from Santa himself. Grown-ups can sip craft beer and shop local products while letting the littles indulge in freshly baked goods. The event honors the German tradition of a Christmas market, where vendors sell goods from open-air booths, perfect for finding the perfect gift in the heart of OMB’s biergarten.
- Shop Small Weekend Holiday Market | Downtown Huntersville | Nov. 26-27
Free activities include; children’s rides, Artisan Ice Sculptures, holiday performances on stage from a variety of local groups, Carolers of Christmas Past, glitter tattoos, face painting, balloon twisters, roaming holiday characters, letters & pictures with Santa, and much, much more! Shop with local vendors who have the perfect holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Food & beverages will be onsite for purchase as well.
- Mistletoe Market – Camp North End, Dec. 3, 10, 17
Check out this festive nighttime market from 4-8 p.m. over three consecutive Saturdays. Experience vintage shops, small businesses, fire-side marshmallow roasting, live music and more.
Local Parades Near & Dear To Our Hearts
Pictured (left to right): Abigail Toal, DJ Toal, Madison Toal
Belmont Christmas Parade | Downtown Belmont | November 29th
The Belmont Christmas Parade is one you don’t want to miss! The parade starts at 3:30 p.m. and will go through Belmont’s Historic Downtown. It features festive floats, antique cards, school marching bands, Santa and more. Speaking of Santa, Short Run Pro is excited to be the Santa Float this year! Come out and say “HI” we may even throw candy at you (gently, of course).
Cramerton Christmas Parade | 8th Avenue | December 2nd
Celebrate Christmas in Cramerton with their annual Christmas Parade on 8th Avenue.
Cramerton is a small suburb of Charlotte, east of Gastonia and our very own General Manager, Nelson Wills is the Mayor of Cramerton. Nelson coins Cramerton regularly as "the best place in the world to live".
4pm - Parade begins at Market Street and 8th Avenue intersection.
6:00pm (approx.) - Pictures with Santa Begin
More Things to Do:
- Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll | Fourth Ward (Uptown Charlotte) | Dec. 1-3
- Holidays for Heroes | NASCAR Hall of Fame | Nov. 11-Dec. 19
- Carolina Christmas Car Show | PowerCurve Motorsports | Dec. 3
- Christmastown 5K | McAdenville | Nov. 26
- We Believe – Santa Trail Race and Dog Jog | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Dec. 10
- 2022 Jingle Bell Run | Truist Field | Dec. 10
Create The Ultimate Holiday Event Plan
November 19-27:
- Panthers x Charlotte FC Tree Lighting | Bank of America Stadium | Nov. 22
- Holidays for Heroes | NASCAR Hall of Fame | Nov. 11-Dec. 19
- Shop Small Weekend Holiday Market | Downtown Huntersville | Nov. 26-27
- Weihnachtsmarkt | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten | Nov. 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18
- Charlotte Christmas Village | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
- Ice Skating on the Upper Pond | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Nov.-Feb.
- The Polar Express Train Ride | North Carolina Transportation Museum | November 11-12, 18-20, 25-27 and December 2-4, 8-11, 13-23
- Christmastown 5K | McAdenville | Nov. 26
- WinterFest | Carowinds | Nov. 21-Jan. 1
- Holidays at the Garden | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | Nov. 25-Dec. 31
- Speedway Christmas | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Nov. 18-Jan. 8
- Speedway Christmas | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Nov. 18-Jan. 8
- Light the Knights | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
November 28-Dec 4:
- Weihnachtsmarkt | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten | Nov. 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18
- Belmont Christmas Parade | Downtown Belmont | November 29th
- Cramerton Christmas Parade | 8th Avenue | December 2nd
- Mistletoe Market – Camp North End, Dec. 3, 10, 17
- Charlotte Christmas Village | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
- The Polar Express Train Ride | North Carolina Transportation Museum | November 11-12, 18-20, 25-27 and December 2-4, 8-11, 13-23
- Ice Skating on the Upper Pond | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Nov.-Feb.
- Carolina Christmas Car Show | PowerCurve Motorsports | Dec. 3
- Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll | Fourth Ward (Uptown Charlotte) | Dec. 1-3
- WinterFest | Carowinds | Nov. 21-Jan. 1
- Holidays at the Garden | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | Nov. 25-Dec. 31
- Christmas Town U.S.A. | McAdenville | Dec. 1-26
- Speedway Christmas | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Nov. 18-Jan. 8
- Light the Knights | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
December 5 - Dec 11:
- Weihnachtsmarkt | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten | Nov. 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18
- Mistletoe Market – Camp North End | Dec. 3, 10, 17
- Charlotte Christmas Village | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
- The Polar Express Train Ride | North Carolina Transportation Museum | November 11-12, 18-20, 25-27 and December 2-4, 8-11, 13-23
- Ice Skating on the Upper Pond | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Nov.-Feb.
- 2022 Jingle Bell Run | Truist Field | Dec. 10
- We Believe – Santa Trail Race and Dog Jog | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Dec. 10
- WinterFest | Carowinds | Nov. 21-Jan. 1
- Holidays at the Garden | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | Nov. 25-Dec. 31
- Christmas Town U.S.A. | McAdenville | Dec. 1-26
- Speedway Christmas | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Nov. 18-Jan. 8
- Light the Knights | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
- Charlotte Ballet feat. the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra | Dec. 9-23.
December 12- Dec 18:
- Weihnachtsmarkt | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten | Nov. 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18
- Mistletoe Market – Camp North End | Dec. 3, 10, 17
- Charlotte Christmas Village | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
- The Polar Express Train Ride | North Carolina Transportation Museum | November 11-12, 18-20, 25-27 and December 2-4, 8-11, 13-23
- Ice Skating on the Upper Pond | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Nov.-Feb.
- WinterFest | Carowinds | Nov. 21-Jan. 1
- Holidays at the Garden | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | Nov. 25-Dec. 31
- Christmas Town U.S.A. | McAdenville | Dec. 1-26
- Speedway Christmas | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Nov. 18-Jan. 8
- Light the Knights | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
- The 2022 North Carolina Christmas Festival | Saturday, December 17, 2022 @ 1:00pm
December 19- 26:
- Charlotte Christmas Village | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
- The Polar Express Train Ride | North Carolina Transportation Museum | November 11-12, 18-20, 25-27 and December 2-4, 8-11, 13-23
- Ice Skating on the Upper Pond | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Nov.-Feb.
- WinterFest | Carowinds | Nov. 21-Jan. 1
- Holidays at the Garden | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | Nov. 25-Dec. 31
- Christmas Town U.S.A. | McAdenville | Dec. 1-26
- Speedway Christmas | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Nov. 18-Jan. 8
- Light the Knights | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
- Charlotte Ballet feat. the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra | Dec. 9-23.
After Christmas:
- Charlotte Christmas Village | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
- Ice Skating on the Upper Pond | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Nov.-Feb.
- WinterFest | Carowinds | Nov. 21-Jan. 1
- Holidays at the Garden | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | Nov. 25-Dec. 31
- Speedway Christmas | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Nov. 18-Jan. 8
- Light the Knights | Truist Field | Nov. 23-Jan. 6
No matter how you choose to celebrate the holidays, Charlotte certainly has something to make the season brighter! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Short Run Pro.