Christmas Activities to Do in Charlotte 2025

The holiday season in Charlotte is nothing short of magical. From dazzling light displays and festive shows to cozy pop-up bars and family traditions, the Queen City truly comes alive this time of year. Whether you’re looking to make new holiday memories, entertain out-of-town guests, or simply soak up every bit of Christmas cheer, there’s no shortage of things to do.

To help you plan your most festive season yet, we’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas activities happening around Charlotte in 2025. From classic performances and holiday markets to twinkling lights and small-town charm, here’s your guide to celebrating Christmas in Charlotte. Let the merrymaking begin!

SHOWS

The Nutcracker

A holiday tradition, The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet to life with stunning costumes, magical sets, and unforgettable music. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season with a little sparkle and nostalgia.

Dates: December 5-21

Location: Belk Theatre

Tickets: Click Here

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte brings the beloved holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to life with colorful sets, charming characters, and plenty of heart. This stage adaptation captures all the magic of the original story, making it a perfect family-friendly outing and a must-see for kids of all ages.

Dates: November 22 – December 23

Location: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

Tickets: Click Here

Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas

Come home for the holidays in a merry celebration featuring North Carolina's rich musical heritage. The Charlotte Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert is full of classic carols, festive arrangements, and sing-along moments that instantly set the mood for the season. It’s a cozy, musical tradition that feels like Christmas wrapped in a bow.

Dates: December 12-14

Location: Knight Theater

Tickets: Click Here

Vienna Light Orchestra – The Light of Christmas

See in the holiday season in style with the Vienna Light Orchestra! Inspired by the home of classical music, Vienna in Austria, this full blown festive extravaganza features the full orchestra, delightful costumes and stunning sets to usher in the holidays with a smorgasbord of holiday favorites!

Dates: December 22

Location: Knight Theater

Tickets: Click Here

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings its electrifying rock-opera sound to Charlotte with epic light shows, powerful storytelling, and all the dramatic flair you’d expect. It’s the ultimate high-energy holiday concert experience.

Dates: December 13

Location: Spectrum Center

Tickets: Click Here

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Dr. Seuss' beloved holiday tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is coming to you this year! Max the Dog is your narrator as the Grinch's fiendish plan to steal Christmas from the holiday-loving Whos unfolds. However, the Grinch soon discovers there's more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming festive classic.

Dates: December 23-28

Location: Belk Theatre

Tickets: Click Here

FAMILY FUN

The Polar Express Train Ride

All aboard the Polar Express! Inspired by the hit holiday film, “The Polar Express,” the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer offers festive train rides set to the movie’s soundtrack. Step into the beloved story as you board a festive train complete with hot cocoa, singing chefs, and a visit from Santa himself. Kids (and adults!) will love the immersive, magical journey.

Dates: November 21-23 & 28-30, December 5-7, 11-23

Location: Spencer, N.C.

Tickets: Click Here

Winterfest

Carowinds transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, holiday shows, ice skating, and sweet treats. It’s a full-scale Christmas playground perfect for families and date nights.

Dates: November 28-January 3

Location: Carowinds

Tickets: Click Here

Christmas at the Library

The Billy Graham Library hosts a peaceful and charming holiday experience with live nativity scenes, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, and beautifully decorated grounds.

Dates: December 1-23

Location: The Billy Graham Library

Tickets: Click Here

Christmas Town USA

People come from all over the country to visit Christmas Town USA in McAdenville, located less than 20 miles from Uptown Charlotte. Drive through or spend the evening walking along charming downtown McAdenville, including the historic area adorned with thousands of lights. The celebration kicks off with the annual Christmas tree lighting on Main Street.

Dates: December 1-26

Location: McAdenville, N.C.

Tickets: Free

Pirates Christmas at High Seas Mini Golf

Putt your way through a swashbuckling holiday adventure as the pirate-themed mini-golf course gets decked out with festive décor. Fun, silly, and perfect for kids or groups.

Dates: November 14 – January 19

Location: Indian Land, S.C.

Tickets: On Site

Ice Skating at the Bowl

Grab your skates and glide under the stars at this outdoor rink, complete with holiday music and a cozy winter atmosphere. It’s a classic seasonal outing that never gets old.

Dates: November 22 – January 4

Location: Ballantyne

Tickets: On Site or Click Here  

LIGHTS

Speedway Christmas

Charlotte Motor Speedway glitters with more than five million lights on a four-mile course during Speedway Christmas. The largest drive-thru holiday light show in the Southeast offers a unique chance to travel along the Speedway’s legendary oval, pit road and in-field road course.

Dates: November 21 – January 4

Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway

Tickets: Click Here

Light the Knights

At Truist Field, the Charlotte Knights turn the ballpark into a twinkling holiday festival with walk-through light displays, ice skating, shopping, and plenty of festive treats.

Dates: November 26 – January 4

Location: Truist Field

Tickets: Click Here

Holidays at the Garden

The Botanical Gardens dazzle during the holidays with light displays throughout the garden. As you make your way along the lighted paths, passing ornate decorations, stay warm with hot chocolate and cider then stop at one of the on-site food trucks for a bite to eat.

Dates: November 28 – December 27

Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Tickets: Click Here

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular

This immersive walk-through experience features massive light tunnels, themed displays, and plenty of festive photo ops—perfect for families or anyone looking to soak up the Christmas magic.

Dates: November 28 – December 30

Location: Ballantyne Backyard

Tickets: Click Here

Christmas Lights Extravaganza Kings Mountain

Kings Mountain lights up with a vibrant, colorful display spread across parks and downtown areas. It’s a charming small-town experience with plenty of holiday cheer.

Dates: November 21 – January 1

Location: Patriot’s Park

Tickets: Free

PARADES

Thanksgiving Eve Parade

Kick off the holiday season early with one of the largest parades in the Southeast. Expect festive floats, marching bands, performers, and all the excitement of Charlotte’s Uptown celebration.

Date: November 26

Location: Uptown, Tryon Street

Tickets: Free

North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade

This community-focused parade brings small-town charm with local groups, performers, dancers, and of course, Santa riding in at the end.

Date: December 6

Location: Davidson

Tickets: Free

Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade

Watch boats decked out in sparkling lights cruise along the lake, creating a one-of-a-kind festive show on the water. It’s a uniquely Carolina holiday tradition.

Date: December 20

Location: View from Duke Energy Explorium for food trucks and Santa.

Tickets: Free

Lake Wylie Holiday Boat Parade

Another waterfront favorite, this parade lights up Lake Wylie with creatively decorated boats and plenty of shoreline viewing spots to enjoy the spectacle.

Date: December 13

Location: Papa Doc’s Shore Club

Tickets: Free

HOLIDAY MARKETS

Southern Christmas Show

A Charlotte staple, this massive indoor market brings hundreds of vendors offering décor, gifts, crafts, holiday treats, and a full dose of Christmas spirit.

Dates: November 13-23

Location: The Park Expo and Conference Center

Tickets: Click Here

Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market)

This Christmas market has something for all ages. Adults can shop over 140 vendors while sipping the brewery’s Yule Bock holiday beer, while kids drink hot chocolate and take their photo with Santa at Saturday markets.

Dates: Weekends only, November 28 – December 21

Location: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

Tickets: Free

Mistletoe Market

A local-favorite pop-up market with artisan vendors, seasonal gifts, and festive shopping that supports small businesses—perfect for finding something special.

Dates: December 6, 13, 20

Location: Camp North End

Tickets: Free

HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS

Buddy’s Cocktail Workshop

Supperland transforms into a cozy, whimsical holiday escape with themed cocktails, over-the-top décor, and plenty of Christmas sparkle.

Dates: November 20 – January 3

Location: Supperland Plaza Midwood

Reservatons: Click Here

Miracle at Backstage Lounge

This speakeasy-style lounge goes all-in on holiday charm with twinkling lights, festive drinks, and a warm, wintery atmosphere.

Dates: November 18 – December 28

Location: BackStage Lounge South End

Tickets: You’ll need a password, which you can find on social media.

Sippin’ Santa

The holidays get a tropical twist at The Royal Tot, Charlotte’s location for the Sippin’ Santa pop-up bar. Enjoy tiki-style cocktails inside the decorated bar or by one of the rooftop firepits overlooking Uptown. You’ll almost forget it’s winter when you’re drinking a frozen cocktail from a mermaid-shaped cup.

Dates: November 17 – December 31

Location: The Royal Tot

Reservations: Click Here

Bah Humbug!

Themed menus, decorations, and vibes that lean into the darker side of the holidays, but all in good fun.

Dates: December 2-20

Location: Humbug

Tickets: Click Here