Things To Do In And Around Charlotte For Christmas In 2024
As the countdown to “the most wonderful time of the year” begins, Charlotte, North Carolina becomes a charming backdrop for festive celebrations and cozy traditions. This year, there are plenty of delightful activities to help you embrace the spirit of the season, whether you're a longtime resident or just visiting. From enchanting light displays to holiday markets, the Queen city offers a variety of experiences that can make your Christmas feel extra special. Join us as we explore the best things to do in and around Charlotte this 2024 holiday season, and discover how to create lasting memories during this magical time of year.
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Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway (November 22 - January 5)
Get ready to immerse yourself in a dazzling display of holiday spirit at one of Charlotte’s most beloved venues! Speedway Christmas invites you to experience over 5 million twinkling lights along a stunning 4-mile drive-thru course. As you navigate the winding path, you'll be surrounded by mesmerizing light installations, all synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes. This enchanting journey creates a festive atmosphere that's perfect for families, friends, and kids of any age, making it an ideal way to kick off your holiday celebrations.
Plus, don’t miss the festivities in the infield! Access to the Christmas village through purchase of the light show is free! Enjoy Photos with Santa + Santa’s workshop, a Race Car Selfie Station, Ice Maze, Merchandise + food vendors (and a bar for those 21+), a Lighted Tree Pathway, and MORE!
This magical event is sure to become a cherished tradition for years to come! See ticket prices and more info here.
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The Polar Express Train Ride (November 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-30 and December 1, 6-8, 12-23)
The Polar Express Train Ride offers a heartwarming holiday adventure for families, complete with hot cocoa, cookies, and the classic sounds of the movie soundtrack. As the train travels to the North Pole, passengers are treated to a live reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, and upon reaching the North Pole, Santa himself presents the first gift of Christmas before passengers disembark at Candy Cane Lane! Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for this magical journey, which is filled with festive caroling and entertainment, making it a delightful tradition for families year after year.
P.S. Those who BELIEVE receive a special sleigh bell as a keepsake!
More information can be found here.
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Christmas at the Library (December 2-23, 2024)
This Christmas season, the Billy Graham Library offers a delightful lineup of activities that embody the holiday spirit. Start your visit with a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride around the beautifully decorated BGEA Headquarters and Library grounds. For the little ones, there’s a charming story time on the library patio, where children under 12 can enjoy readings from festive Christmas books in a warm, covered space. If you're in the mood for a festive meal, gather with loved ones for a traditional Christmas dinner, complete with turkey, carved ham with maple Dijon glaze, and a variety of tasty desserts, served conveniently behind the Library. Each evening, the air is filled with the sounds of Christmas carolers performing beloved holiday classics, adding to the cheerful ambiance. Plus, don’t miss the “Journey of Faith” tour, where you can explore the inspiring story of Billy Graham through engaging exhibits. And of course, be sure to treat yourself to some holiday goodies like Mother Graham’s pound cake and hot apple cider while you’re there, making the Billy Graham Library a wonderful one-stop-shop to celebrate the season!
Find more details and ticket pricing here.
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Christmas Town USA - McAdenville, North Carolina (Dates for activities vary)
“Each December, just west of Charlotte, the quaint town of McAdenville becomes a Christmas wonderland. Almost overnight, the vibrant little town transforms into Christmas Town U.S.A.®, attracting visitors from across the country.”
This Christmas, McAdenville - lovingly known as Christmas Town USA - offers a magical array of festivities that will enchant visitors of all ages. From December 2 to 26, you can stroll or drive through the picturesque downtown area, where vibrant green, red, and white lights illuminate the winter landscape each night from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Before diving into the light display, consider stopping by Terra Mia Ristorante for a cozy dinner, enjoying a craft beer or glass of wine at 115 Craft, or browsing unique gifts at local shops like Mona’s Boutique and The Modest Market. The holiday season officially kicks off with the Tree Lighting Ceremony, held at Dynamo 31 on December 1st at 5:30 PM, where children joyfully countdown to flip the switch, igniting the stunning light display. You definitely don’t want to miss the Yule Log Parade on December 12, a cherished tradition since 1949 that celebrates community spirit; arrive early to join the festivities at 100 Main Street, where singing begins at 5:30 PM. With its blend of festive lights, community events, and local charm, a visit to Christmas Town USA is sure to be a heartwarming experience!
More information + a guide to Planning a Trip to Christmas Town USA here!
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Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll + Home Tour (ONLY on December 5, 6 and 7, from 5-9 pm each night)
The Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll + Home Tour in Charlotte offers a festive evening stroll through the charming, historic Fourth Ward neighborhood, beautifully decorated for the season. This self-guided, porch-crawl-style tour invites guests to enjoy delicious food and cocktail tastings (while supplies last) as they take in the holiday sights and sounds. Seasonal live music fills the air, and complimentary Ride Charlotte golf cart rides are available (first come, first served) to help explore this picturesque Victorian-era district. It's a perfect way to experience the warmth and charm of the holidays in one of Charlotte's most iconic neighborhoods.
Want to tour 4 of their most beautiful private homes? Upgrade your ticket to include the Holiday Home Tour!
This event sells out every year, so buy your tickets early!
Find more information and ticket pricing here.
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2024 Bank of America Stadium Tree Lighting (November 26)
The 11th annual Tree Lighting Festival, hosted by the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, kicks off the holiday season on Tuesday, November 26, at Bank of America Stadium. This beloved Charlotte tradition features a stunning 50-foot Christmas tree, grown in Sugar Mountain Nursery in Banner Elk, N.C., illuminated in a festive ceremony.
“North Carolina is the second largest holiday tree-producing state in the U.S., with approximately 96% of the state’s trees grown in the mountainous regions of Western North Carolina, a region severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. This year, vendors from that area will be showcased along the concourse in collaboration with Explore Asheville.”
But the fun doesn’t stop there! The evening is filled with plenty more family-friendly activities, including a stage show with guest appearances from Sir Purr, Sir Minty, the Carolina TopCats, and more, followed by a holiday festival on the stadium concourse. Visitors can enjoy seasonal treats like hot chocolate and sweet snacks, write letters to Santa, make crafts, and take photos with entertainers and Santa himself. Mobile tickets are required, but the event is free for all ages, so consider this the perfect way to experience the holiday magic in the heart of Charlotte!
More information and your free tickets can be found here!
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Carowinds WinterFest (November 15- January 4)
During the holiday season, Carowinds transforms into the Carolinas' most immersive holiday event, “WinterFest”, offering families a magical experience filled with festive lights, live entertainment, and seasonal fun. Visitors can enjoy millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, holiday-themed games, and attractions, while enjoying comfort food and beverages. Special activities include a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, where one of the largest trees in the area sparkles with thousands of lights, and opportunities for kids to write letters to Santa. The WinterFest Wonderland Parade wraps up each night with dazzling floats and lively performances, creating lasting memories for visitors of all ages!
Find more information and ticket prices here.
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Light the Knights at Truist Field (November 27 - January 3)
The Light the Knights festival in Charlotte is an exciting holiday tradition that brings plenty of festive fun for all ages! This year, the celebration includes a 10-lane, 150-foot snow tubing hill in the ballpark's right field, offering visitors the chance to experience the thrill of winter tubing. You can also lace up your skates and head to the NHL-sized outdoor ice rink, where you can enjoy ice skating, take a "Learn to Play Hockey" class, or catch one of the many ice skating shows. As you explore the Holiday Experience, you’ll wander through beautifully themed areas like Mrs. Claus's Kitchen, Winter Wonderland, and Santa's Workshop, each filled with festive decor and holiday cheer. The evening culminates with a spectacular light show, where thousands of twinkling lights on the ballpark are choreographed to holiday music, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Don’t forget to stop by The Market in the outfield, where local vendors will have a variety of goods, from baked treats to unique gifts and clothing. Whether you're looking to make memories on the ice, shop for one-of-a-kind items, or simply soak in the holiday spirit, “Light the Knights” is the perfect way to celebrate the season in Uptown Charlotte!
Find more information and ticket prices here.
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Twinking Tides Holiday Event at Sea Life Charlotte-Concord (December 6-January 5)
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord transforms into a magical winter wonderland, where families can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit surrounded by thousands of shimmering lights! Visitors can stroll through the mesmerizing underwater tunnel, aglow with holiday lights, and explore over 10 “festive zones”, each filled with sparkling decorations. The aquarium also hosts a special Noon Year's Eve celebration on December 31st, featuring a fun countdown and ball drop for those who want to ring in the new year a little early! It's a unique and enchanting way to experience the holiday season in Charlotte-Concord!
Find more information and ticket prices here.
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Holidays at the Garden - Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (November 29 - December 29)
Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont is a must-see event. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you'll be enchanted by thousands of lights, the glow of the Orchid Tree, and the mesmerizing fountains lit up in festive colors. It’s the perfect spot for making holiday memories with loved ones, whether you're warming up by an outdoor fire pit while roasting s'mores or indulging in seasonal treats and warm beverages. You can also visit The Garden Store for unique holiday gifts or capture the beauty of the season with photos around the stunning light displays. With special events like the Bright Lights 5k, Jazz at the Garden, and the Lost Hollow Music Festival, there's no shortage of festive fun to enjoy! Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, Holidays at the Garden is sure to bring the season to life. The lights are on display from late November through December 29, making it a perfect winter getaway just outside of Charlotte.
Find more information and ticket pricing here.
From dazzling light displays to live performances, and festive markets there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the Christmas spirit in and around Charlotte. Whether you're in the mood for a lively celebration with music and lights or a quiet, cozy evening by a fire, the area’s festive offerings provide the perfect way to unwind and celebrate with family and friends of any age!
It’s a season full of joy, togetherness, and opportunities to make the holidays unforgettable, no matter how you choose to celebrate. So, gather your loved ones, get into the holiday spirit, and make the most of all that Charlotte and its surroundings have to offer this Christmas!
