What To Do in and Around Charlotte for Christmas in 2023

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Charlotte area. This year, feel the holiday magic in the air while supporting local events and businesses. At Federal Brace, we believe in making the most of the holiday season. Our guide to Christmas in Charlotte will help you learn about the best events, shopping, parades, and more.

Events/Activities

The Polar Express Train Ride | North Carolina Transportation Museum | Nov. 10 - Dec. 23

All aboard! Inspired by the beloved holiday movie, The Polar Express, the North Carolina Transportation Museum puts on the Polar Express Train Ride. The ride is complete with hot chocolate and cookies, just like in the film. While enjoying the sights and snacks, listen to a reading of the book that inspired the film. Once you arrive at the North Pole, you will watch Santa present the first gift of Christmas. Leave the experience with your own sleigh bell as a reminder to always believe. Tickets range from $34 to $50.

Winterfest | Carowinds | Nov. 17 - Jan. 1

Winterfest at Carowinds is an event to remember. With millions of shimmering lights and live entertainment, you can't help but feel the holly, jolly Christmas in the air. Take part in family-friendly activities such as ice skating and holiday-themed games. While watching the elaborate Wonderland Parade, there will be no shortage of comfort food and drinks to enjoy. Tickets start at $33.

Speedway Christmas | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Nov. 17 - Jan. 7

For the 14th season, the Charlotte Motor Speedway is hosting their Speedway Christmas. Your Christmas spirit will thrive on the four-mile track adorned with five million lights. Appreciate the lights through the new illuminated walking trail or drive through the course Thursday through Sunday of each week. If you want a break from the lights, walk through the gift vendors and take a photo with Santa. If you need a break from the lights, explore the gift vendors and grab a photo with Santa. For a special treat, enjoy the food and drinks available while curling up by the fire pit. Admission per car is $45 to $75.

Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express | Kannapolis | Nov. 18 - Dec. 30

The Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express are the holiday highlights of Kannapolis. Walk through the park and see the 250,000 lights on display, along with a 12-day Christmas experience. Wander through the park to see the impressive display of 250,000 lights as the 12 drummers are drumming at the 12-day of Christmas light experience. Make your way to visit Santa in his studio and listen to Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic orchestra serenade the crowd with holiday music. Admission is free, and for $2, ride the Winterland Express and carousel.

Holiday Magic | Rea Farms | Nov. 18

Rea Farms is harnessing the holiday magic with this Christmas event. Experience the tree lighting celebration, train rides, Santa, carriage rides, and so much more. Allow the unique performances of aerialists and stilt walkers to knock your Christmas socks off throughout the event. Admission is free.

Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Tree Lighting | Bank of America Stadium | Nov. 21

The annual Tree Lighting Festival is here! Show your support for the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC as they host the lighting of a 50-foot tree. With 50,000 lights, this tree is a symbol of the Charlotte community’s holiday cheer. Join in on the other activities, including writing letters to Santa and watching holiday movies while sipping some warm, hot chocolate. Admission is free.

Light the Knights Festival & Christmas Village | Knights Stadium | Nov. 22- Jan. 1

Light the Knights Festival, hosted by the MBA Knights, has grown to be a holiday favorite in the Charlotte area. The field features outdoor ice skating and snow tubing that’s fun for all ages. Not interested in physical activity? The Christmas Village is decked out with holiday lights and plenty of gift and food vendors. Light the Knights Festival also has live entertainment and the most special guest, Santa! Admission is $10, and skating or tubing is an additional $30.

Elf in Concert Charlotte Symphony | Ovens Auditorium | Nov. 24 - Nov. 25

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. This year, the Charlotte Symphony will be performing Elf. As the movie is shown on the big screen, the Charlotte Symphony will perform live orchestra music that corresponds. At Elf in Concert, you will be transported into your favorite holiday movie. Tickets range from $75 to $178. 

Christmas Town USA | McAdenville | Dec. 1- 26

Bask in the festival lights this year at Christmas Town USA. Walk or drive through the downtown area to see the spectacular lights put on by the residents. During the event, savor delicious food and indulge in holiday shopping while listening to traditional Christmas carols. Give yourself the gift of a cozy night with Christmas lights. Seeing the lights is free!

Christmas at the Library | Billy Graham Library | Dec. 1 - Dec. 23

Get in the Christmas mood at the Billy Graham Library. Take in a live nativity and see the nativity animals available at the petting zoo. Transport yourself with a horse-drawn carriage ride that takes you around the library grounds. Enjoy some peace while you listen to a special Christmas story selected by the library. Afterwards, grab something delicious to eat while listening to the Christmas carolers around the property. For those looking to wrap up their Christmas shopping, head to Ruth Attic for unique gifts. Admission is free.

Holiday Sip & Stroll | Fourth Ward | Dec. 7 - 9

Celebrate on a trip around the historic Fourth Ward porches with delicious foods and cocktails. The Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll gives you the opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry by taking in historic holiday decor set against the background of seasonal music. Tickets range from $30 to $60.

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | Ballantyne’s Backyard | Dec. 8- Dec. 30

Keep things merry and bright with the over a million lights on display at Ballantyne’s Backyard’s Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, featuring a half-mile walking trail. Enjoy the dazzling lights with live holiday music throughout the event. After seeing the lights, take a whirl on the snow tube slide and explore the shops and food trucks available. For children, face painting, bounce houses, and a visit from Santa will be present every night. Tickets range from $10 to $40.

Nutcracker with the Charlotte Ballet | Belk Theatre | Dec. 8 - Dec. 23

Is it the Christmas season without the Nutcracker ballet? The Charlotte Ballet enchants us with the classic ballet set to the music of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Tickets range from $30 to $151.

69th Annual Singing Christmas Tree | Halton Theatre | Dec. 9-10

The Carolina Voices present a holiday celebration for the 69th year. For the 69th year, the Carolina Voices presents the holiday celebration Singing Christmas Tree. Believe in the magic of the season as you listen to the beautiful voices perform your favorite Christmas songs within a 32-foot-tall Christmas tree. Ticket prices range from $23 to $45.

Gingerbread Lane | Ballantyne Hotel | Dec. 11 - Dec. 24

Embrace the winter wonderland with the Ballantyne Hotel’s Gingerbread Lane. Artists express their creativity through gingerbread and compete in three categories: professional, amateur, and children. See the holiday magic in action, and for a $1 donation, you can vote for a winner in each category. After exploring Gingerbread Lane, swing by the Gingerbread Hut for some cozy hot chocolate. Entry is free.

North Carolina Christmas Festival | Concord | Dec. 16

Get into the holiday spirit at the North Carolina Christmas Festival in Concord. Enjoy pictures with Santa while listening to live performances that will get you dreaming of a white Christmas. Also, don't forget to take advantage of the complimentary gift wrapping to relieve some of that holiday stress. To complete your holiday shopping, check out the many vendors and food kiosks while your children entertain themselves with the bounce house. Admission is free.

US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating | Whitewater Center | mid November through mid February (undecided)

Let Christmas skate into your heart on the massive 24,000-square-foot Whitewater Center ice rink. The rink is split into four skating zones, including two ice trails. In the center of one of the free skate zones, an on-ice airstream serves hot and cold beverages for cozy breaks from the ice. For a break from the ice, stop at the on-ice airstream that provides hot and cold beverages and sits in the middle of one of the free skate zones. Admission includes skates for $24.

Shopping

Southern Christmas Show | Park Expo and Conference Center | Nov. 9-19

What better way to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas than by getting the perfect gifts for everyone you love? The Southern Christmas Show is the perfect place to find everything you could possibly need this season. With over 400 vendors, expect to spend the day submerged in the holidays finding one-of-a kind gifts and decor. Tickets are $8 to $26.

Holiday Market | Charlotte Regional Farmers Market | Nov. 18

Everything you need for your loved ones is available at the Holiday Market. Pick up handcrafted items and unique gifts you can’t get anywhere else. While you're at it, grab some baked goods and prepare food for dinner to fuel your shopping. After all, calories don't count during Christmas. Before you leave, take home your Christmas tree for the holiday season.

German Christmas Market | Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | Nov. 24 - Dec. 17

Don't wait until the last minute to play Santa. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Weihnachtsmarkt is a fantastic place to enjoy the holiday season and discover one-of-a-kind gifts. While shopping, purchase a holiday-themed drink and food to set the mood. This German holiday tradition is a can't-miss.

Mistletoe Market | Camp North End | Dec. 2, 9, 16

With so many vendors and shops, the Mistletoe Market is the ideal place for your Christmas shopping. The market also has the insta worthy igloos we have all dreamed of. In addition to shopping, you can take in live holiday music and see dogs dressed in their ugliest sweaters in the Reindog Parade.

Parades

City of Belmont Christmas Parade | Belmont | Nov. 28

This year marks the 73rd annual Christmas parade in the city of Belmont. Marching bands, vintage cars, floats, and more will all be cascading through the historic downtown area. For a spectacular finale, Santa is coming to town!

Rock Hill Christmas Parade | Rock Hill | Dec. 1

Rock around the Christmas tree at the Rock Hill Christmas Parade. Take in the sights of the parade, including mascots, walking groups, marching bands, and Santa. If you need a break from the parade, explore the food vendors and shopping.

Christmas in Mint Hill | Mint Hill | Dec. 2

Come out to Mint Hill and delight in their annual Christmas parade and tree lighting. Become a part of the community as they come together to celebrate the holiday season. After the parade, enjoy a bite at the many food trucks while you wait for Santa to sleigh the parade.

Christmas in Cramerton | Cramerton | Dec. 7

Come and see the annual Christmas in Cramerton parade through the riverfront downtown. Cars, floats, and more will be moving through downtown for you to enjoy. After the parade, get into season's eatings and holiday spirits at the Christmas Village.

Kannapolis Christmas Parade | Kannapolis | Dec. 9

For a unique nighttime parade experience, attend the Kannapolis Christmas Parade. The shimmering Christmas lights truly shine in the nighttime scenery. There will be a mix of amateur and professional floats from the community.

Charlotte has something to brighten the season no matter how you choose to spend the holidays! From Federal Brace, happy holidays and a Merry Christmas. 

Plan the ultimate Christmas Event Season with this week by week guide:

November 12-19

• Southern Christmas Show | Nov. 9-19
• The Polar Express Train Ride | Nov. 10 - Dec. 23
• Winterfest at Carowinds | Nov. 17 - Jan. 1
• Speedway Christmas | Nov. 17 - Jan. 7
• Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express | Nov. 18 - Dec. 30
• Holiday Magic | Nov. 18
• Ballantyne Village Pop Up Market | Nov. 18
• Holiday Market | Nov. 18
• Birkdale Village on Ice | Nov. 18 - Jan 28
• US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating

November 20-26

• The Polar Express Train Ride | Nov. 10 - Dec. 2
• Winterfest at Carowinds | Nov. 17 - Jan. 1
• Speedway Christmas | Nov. 17 - Jan. 7
• Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express | Nov. 18 - Dec. 30
• Birkdale Village on Ice | Nov. 18 - Jan 28
• Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Tree Lighting | Nov. 21
• Light the Knights Festival & Christmas Village | Nov. 22- Jan. 1
• Elf in Concert Charlotte Symphony | Nov. 24 - Nov. 25
• Holidays at the Garden | Nov. 24 - Dec. 23
• German Christmas Market | Nov. 24 - Dec. 17
• US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating

November 27- December 3

• The Polar Express Train Ride | Nov. 10 - Dec. 23
• Winterfest at Carowinds | Nov. 17 - Jan. 1
• Speedway Christmas | Nov. 17 - Jan. 7
• Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express | Nov. 18 - Dec. 30
• Birkdale Village on Ice | Nov. 18 - Jan 28
• Light the Knights Festival & Christmas Village | Nov. 22- Jan. 1
• Holidays at the Garden | Nov. 24 - Dec. 23
• German Christmas Market | Nov. 24 - Dec. 17
• City of Belmont Christmas Parade | Nov. 28
• Christmas in Davidson | Nov. 30 - Dec. 2
• Winter Wonderland Shop | Nov. 30 - Dec. 2
• Christmas Town USA | Dec. 1- 26
• Rock Hill Christmas Parade | Dec. 1
• Christmas at the Library | Dec. 1 - Dec. 23
• Mistletoe Market | Dec. 2, 9, 16
• Merry Midtown Metropolitan | Dec. 2
• Christmas in Mint Hill | Dec. 2
• Donuts with Santa & Mrs. Claus | Dec. 3
• US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating

December 4- 10

• The Polar Express Train Ride | Nov. 10 - Dec. 23
• Winterfest at Carowinds | Nov. 17 - Jan. 1
• Speedway Christmas | Nov. 17 - Jan. 7
• Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express | Nov. 18 - Dec. 30
• Birkdale Village on Ice | Nov. 18 - Jan 28
• Light the Knights Festival & Christmas Village | Nov. 22- Jan. 1
• Holidays at the Garden | Nov. 24 - Dec. 23
• German Christmas Market | Nov. 24 - Dec. 17
• Christmas Town USA | Dec. 1- 26
• Christmas at the Library | Dec. 1 - Dec. 23
• Mistletoe Market | Dec. 2, 9, 16
• Holiday Sip & Stroll | Dec. 7 - 9
• Christmas in Cramerton | Dec. 7
• Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | Dec. 8- Dec. 30
• Nutcracker with the Charlotte Ballet | Dec. 8 - Dec. 23
• A Christmas Carol at Theatre Charlotte | Dec. 8 - Dec. 17
• 69th Annual Singing Christmas Tree | Dec. 9-10
• Kannapolis Christmas Parade | Dec. 9
• Jingle Bell Run | Dec. 9
• US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating

December 11- 17

• The Polar Express Train Ride | Nov. 10 - Dec. 23
• Winterfest at Carowinds | Nov. 17 - Jan. 1
• Speedway Christmas | Nov. 17 - Jan. 7
• Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express | Nov. 18 - Dec. 30
• Birkdale Village on Ice | Nov. 18 - Jan 28
• Light the Knights Festival & Christmas Village | Nov. 22- Jan. 1
• Holidays at the Garden | Nov. 24 - Dec. 23
• German Christmas Market | Nov. 24 - Dec. 17
• Christmas Town USA | Dec. 1- 26
• Christmas at the Library | Dec. 1 - Dec. 23
• Mistletoe Market | Dec. 2, 9, 16
• Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | Dec. 8- Dec. 30
• Nutcracker with the Charlotte Ballet | Dec. 8 - Dec. 23
• A Christmas Carol at Theatre Charlotte | Dec. 8 - Dec. 17
• Gingerbread Lane | Dec. 11 - Dec. 24
• North Carolina Christmas Festival | Dec. 16
• US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating

December 18 - 24

• The Polar Express Train Ride | Nov. 10 - Dec. 23
• Winterfest at Carowinds | Nov. 17 - Jan. 1
• Speedway Christmas | Nov. 17 - Jan. 7
• Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express | Nov. 18 - Dec. 30
• Birkdale Village on Ice | Nov. 18 - Jan 28
• Light the Knights Festival & Christmas Village | Nov. 22- Jan. 1
• Holidays at the Garden | Nov. 24 - Dec. 23
• Christmas Town USA | Dec. 1- 26
• Christmas at the Library | Dec. 1 - Dec. 23
• Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | Dec. 8- Dec. 30
• Nutcracker with the Charlotte Ballet | Dec. 8 - Dec. 23
• Gingerbread Lane | Dec. 11 - Dec. 24
• US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating 

December 25 - 31

• Winterfest at Carowinds | Nov. 17 - Jan. 1
• Speedway Christmas | Nov. 17 - Jan. 7
• Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express | Nov. 18 - Dec. 30
• Birkdale Village on Ice | Nov. 18 - Jan 28
• Light the Knights Festival & Christmas Village | Nov. 22- Jan. 1
• Christmas Town USA | Dec. 1- 26
• Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | Dec. 8- Dec. 30
• US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating

January 1 - 8

• Winterfest at Carowinds | Nov. 17 - Jan. 1
• Speedway Christmas | Nov. 17 - Jan. 7
• Birkdale Village on Ice | Nov. 18 - Jan 28
• Light the Knights Festival & Christmas Village | Nov. 22- Jan. 1
• US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating

Have fun and STAY FESTIVE!