Are you looking for Christmas events in Charlotte, NC? With the holiday season in full swing, there are lots of things to do this Christmas!
Charlotte, NC has some of the best events, with epic light displays, parades, and magical month-long celebrations. These events will give your family many opportunities to make beautiful memories this Christmas season. We have also included a guide to places to find your perfect Christmas tree.
Charlotte’s Holiday Hub:
Holiday Events:
Christmas Events in Charlotte, NC: Day by Day
Get ready for all the Christmas festivities in Charlotte, NC.
Guests will enjoy:
Unique holiday shopping from local vendors and small businesses
International food and festive treats
Live performances and cultural exhibits
A fun-filled Kids Zone featuring games, bounce houses, face painting, and more
Young entrepreneur booths showcasing the creativity of our scholars
Community activities for all ages
More than just a holiday market, this event is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, support local businesses, and invest in enriching experiences for Socrates Academy students and families.
Socrates Academy
3909 Weddington Rd
Matthews, NC 28105
Bring the family to Zsambeky & Associates for a fun-filled holiday event! Meet Santa and The Grinch and enjoy free photos taken by a professional photographer.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Zsambeky & Associates, 220 Branchview Dr SE, Concord, NC 28025
👉 Read more
One-Act, approx. 75 min. of holiday magic
Your smile will grow three sizes or more!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For the first time ever, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time. Featuring iconic characters like the curmudgeonly Grinch, Max the Dog, and Cindy Lou Who – plus beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – this whimsical, heart-warming musical is a festive celebration of community, kindness, and the hope that even the smallest heart can grow three sizes. Don’t miss this truly magical holiday experience that will leave your whole family glowing!
Take the kids to the 98th Concord Christmas Parade, one of the oldest continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina! Wholesome family fun with floats, bands and holiday cheer along Church Street, Buffalo Avenue and Union Street.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Concord Christmas Parade Route, Church Street N & Lake Concord Road, Concord, NC
👉 Read more
Kick off the magical holiday season with visits with Santa, hot cocoa, a DJ with games, face painting, balloon artists, interactive roaming entertainers, and a chance to write a special letter to Santa! 🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Blakeney Town Center, 9870 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
👉 Read more
One-Act, approx. 75 min. of holiday magic
Your smile will grow three sizes or more!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For the first time ever, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time. Featuring iconic characters like the curmudgeonly Grinch, Max the Dog, and Cindy Lou Who – plus beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – this whimsical, heart-warming musical is a festive celebration of community, kindness, and the hope that even the smallest heart can grow three sizes. Don’t miss this truly magical holiday experience that will leave your whole family glowing!
One-Act, approx. 75 min. of holiday magic
Your smile will grow three sizes or more!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For the first time ever, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time. Featuring iconic characters like the curmudgeonly Grinch, Max the Dog, and Cindy Lou Who – plus beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – this whimsical, heart-warming musical is a festive celebration of community, kindness, and the hope that even the smallest heart can grow three sizes. Don’t miss this truly magical holiday experience that will leave your whole family glowing!
One-Act, approx. 75 min. of holiday magic
Your smile will grow three sizes or more!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For the first time ever, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time. Featuring iconic characters like the curmudgeonly Grinch, Max the Dog, and Cindy Lou Who – plus beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – this whimsical, heart-warming musical is a festive celebration of community, kindness, and the hope that even the smallest heart can grow three sizes. Don’t miss this truly magical holiday experience that will leave your whole family glowing!
The City of Monroe (formerly the Union County Christmas Parade) now runs this parade through historic downtown Monroe. New this year: a Sensory Area, a quieter stretch near E. Jefferson and N. Church Street for guests with sensory sensitivities.
📍 Location: Monroe Christmas Parade Route, Monroe, NC
👉 Read more
Area first responders kick off the 82nd Annual Mooresville Christmas Parade at 3 pm with lights and sirens, and the rest of the parade follows around 3:30 pm along Main Street with floats, marching bands, the Grinch and Santa! Wear green for the Grinch or red for Santa.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Mooresville Christmas Parade Route, Main Street, Mooresville, NC
👉 Read more
Try your hand at making a stained glass picture in this hands-on science and art program for kids in grades K-6. Spots are limited to the first 12 children.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Grades K-6
Shop local at Christmas Extravaganza, presented by Sunny Day Markets, with 200 indoor vendors, Santa, live music and more! Free parking.
🎟️ Cost: $10 admission; kids 12 & under free
📍 Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC Hwy 49 N, Concord, NC 28025
👉 Read more
One-Act, approx. 75 min. of holiday magic
Your smile will grow three sizes or more!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For the first time ever, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time. Featuring iconic characters like the curmudgeonly Grinch, Max the Dog, and Cindy Lou Who – plus beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – this whimsical, heart-warming musical is a festive celebration of community, kindness, and the hope that even the smallest heart can grow three sizes. Don’t miss this truly magical holiday experience that will leave your whole family glowing!
One-Act, approx. 75 min. of holiday magic
Your smile will grow three sizes or more!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For the first time ever, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time. Featuring iconic characters like the curmudgeonly Grinch, Max the Dog, and Cindy Lou Who – plus beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – this whimsical, heart-warming musical is a festive celebration of community, kindness, and the hope that even the smallest heart can grow three sizes. Don’t miss this truly magical holiday experience that will leave your whole family glowing!
Shop local at Christmas Extravaganza, presented by Sunny Day Markets, with 200 indoor vendors, Santa, live music and more! Free parking.
🎟️ Cost: $10 admission; kids 12 & under free
📍 Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC Hwy 49 N, Concord, NC 28025
👉 Read more
One-Act, approx. 75 min. of holiday magic
Your smile will grow three sizes or more!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For the first time ever, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time. Featuring iconic characters like the curmudgeonly Grinch, Max the Dog, and Cindy Lou Who – plus beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – this whimsical, heart-warming musical is a festive celebration of community, kindness, and the hope that even the smallest heart can grow three sizes. Don’t miss this truly magical holiday experience that will leave your whole family glowing!
Teens can settle in for a cozy holiday film with a steaming cup of hot apple cider. Teens vote on the film in early November.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: ImaginOn, 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Teens 12-18
One-Act, approx. 75 min. of holiday magic
Your smile will grow three sizes or more!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For the first time ever, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time. Featuring iconic characters like the curmudgeonly Grinch, Max the Dog, and Cindy Lou Who – plus beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – this whimsical, heart-warming musical is a festive celebration of community, kindness, and the hope that even the smallest heart can grow three sizes. Don’t miss this truly magical holiday experience that will leave your whole family glowing!
Cornelius’ annual tree lighting! Enjoy community performances, children’s activities, kids games and inflatables, a model train display, food and drink, cookie decorating and a visit from Santa (arrives 4:30 pm). Tree lighting at 6:30 pm.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031
👉 Read more
Shop local at Christmas Extravaganza, presented by Sunny Day Markets, with 200 indoor vendors, Santa, live music and more! Free parking.
🎟️ Cost: $10 admission; kids 12 & under free
📍 Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC Hwy 49 N, Concord, NC 28025
👉 Read more
One-Act, approx. 75 min. of holiday magic
Your smile will grow three sizes or more!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For the first time ever, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time. Featuring iconic characters like the curmudgeonly Grinch, Max the Dog, and Cindy Lou Who – plus beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – this whimsical, heart-warming musical is a festive celebration of community, kindness, and the hope that even the smallest heart can grow three sizes. Don’t miss this truly magical holiday experience that will leave your whole family glowing!
One-Act, approx. 75 min. of holiday magic
Your smile will grow three sizes or more!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
For the first time ever, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time. Featuring iconic characters like the curmudgeonly Grinch, Max the Dog, and Cindy Lou Who – plus beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – this whimsical, heart-warming musical is a festive celebration of community, kindness, and the hope that even the smallest heart can grow three sizes. Don’t miss this truly magical holiday experience that will leave your whole family glowing!
Belmont’s Christmas Parade marches through historic downtown with festive floats, vintage cars, area school marching bands and Santa Claus himself, starting on S. Main Street, along Catawba Street to Dwight Frady Fields.
📍 Location: Main & Catawba Street, Belmont, NC
👉 Read more
Davidson’s signature holiday festival returns for three nights! Opening night (Thu, Dec 3 at 6 pm) brings Santa’s arrival and the tree lighting on the Town Green, plus a holiday light show, roving entertainment, live nativity scenes, bubble snowflakes, an artisan village and a children’s craft area.
🎟️ Cost: Free admission (per submission; not stated on town page)
📍 Location: Davidson Town Green, Davidson, NC
👉 Read more
Kick off Christmas in Davidson with Santa Claus’s arrival and the annual tree lighting ceremony on the Town Green. The festival continues Friday and Saturday (Dec 4-5) from 6 to 9 p.m. with a holiday light show, roving entertainment, live nativity scenes, bubble snowflakes, an artisan village, and a children’s craft area.
📍 Location: Davidson Town Green, Davidson, NC
👉 Read more
A Queen City Christmas in Charlotte, NC: The Biggest Holiday Events
Winterfest at Carowinds
If you’re looking for a full-day event this Christmas, Charlotte, NC has one of the best in the Southeast. Winterfest at Carowinds is the perfect family-friendly holiday, winter-wonderland event. Not only do you have the opportunity to ride many of the epic rollercoasters and rides, but the amusement park is decked out in decorations, millions of twinkling lights, and amusing live entertainment. Plus, the park will have some special holiday-themed foods to try out.
Winterfest occurs from November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
Light the Knights at Truist Field
If you are looking for a combination of excellent light displays, snow tubing, a holiday market, and ice skating, then head to Truist Field for the 7th annual Light the Knights. The event has so much going on, that you could spend the entire evening here and not get to everything.
There are even opportunities for your little ones to meet with Santa. Check the Light the Knights Christmas hours calendar before heading to the event if you want to see the big man himself, because he is only there on select dates (he is a busy man this time of year).
Light the Knights runs on select dates from November 25th, 2026 through January 3rd, 2027 (it is closed on some days, so check the hours calendar before you go).
A Christmas in Concord, NC: Holiday Events
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
This spectacular display features more than 5 million lights, and the Speedway calls it the Southeast’s largest drive-thru holiday light show. You also get to drive on the track itself, which is really cool as the LED lights lit up the infield and the seating area.
You’ll be dazzled by dozens of light displays, large Christmas trees, dancing lights, and a Christmas Village in the center. Here, your kids can meet with Santa, grab food at the food court, roast marshmallows, watch a Christmas movie on the big screen, and enjoy some extra magical light displays (the Christmas Village is open on “Village Nights” only, not on lower-priced “Value Nights,” so check the Speedway calendar). We visited in 2023 and were blown away by how amazing this setup really is.
You can visit Speedway Christmas most nights from November 20th, 2026 through January 3rd, 2027. You will find everything you need to know about this year’s Speedway Christmas in our KA review, including what you’ll see, pricing information, and why we think it’s a definite must this holiday season.
Our KA Review of Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
You Love Christmas Lights? Us TOO!
Here’s a huge guide to all the lights for Christmas: Charlotte, NC, in fact, there are over 17 options for holiday lights and lots of them are FREE!
Go see them all! Where to See Christmas Lights Near Charlotte, NC
This guide includes Christmas Town USA and the Yule Log Parade, the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, the holiday lights at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and lots more!
The Concord Christmas Parade
The 98th Concord Christmas Parade
Saturday, November 21st, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Concord Christmas Parade is a wholesome, family event, perfect for kicking off the holidays. In 2023 there was a plane flyover at the beginning of the parade which had our kids giggling with excitement.
There were lots of local businesses, parade floats, dancers, bands, and a lot of adorable dogs strutting down the street, which had the crowd around us giddy! This was the Concord Christmas Parade’s 95th year, and it was charming.
You can find a list of lots more holiday parades in the area here: Kidding Around Charlotte Guide to Christmas Parades
SEAson of Trees at the SEA LIFE Aquarium
2026 Dates TBA. One of the best times of year to visit the SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord aquarium at Concord Mills is during the holidays. For the holiday season, the aquarium decks the halls with its SEAson of Trees celebration. The aquarium goes all out with decorations! You’ll get a double treat of seeing your favorite sea creatures, while also getting a little bit of Christmas magic through the lights, decorations, and over 20 uniquely themed Christmas trees.
Check the SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord website for current ticket prices.
Kannapolis, NC: Holiday Celebrations Throughout the City
Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 13th, 2026 at 6:30 pm, FREE
The annual Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony is held at Village Park and kicks off the start of the Celebration of Lights. At the ceremony, the community gathers around the large tree in the green area of the park. Then guest speakers talk about the year past and what to look forward to for the city.
Santa makes an appearance on stage, which really had our toddler squealing. As soon as the trees light up with red, green, and white, fireworks rise in the sky! This was such an epic moment, as the entire crowd was awestruck.
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights
The Kannapolis Celebration of Lights occurs from November 13th, 2026 through December 30th, 2026. The annual celebration features over 250,000 lights strung throughout Village Park. There are even train rides on the g-24 scale train throughout the park, rides on the famous Venetian Carousel, and your kids can meet with Santa. We visited before on opening night, and found it to be a magical, memory-making experience for our family!
Celebrate the Holiday Season at the Celebration of Lights in Kannapolis, NC
The Kannapolis Christmas Parade
The Kannapolis Christmas Parade every year in Downtown Kannapolis near City Hall. This event is held at night, which makes it super special. You’ll see the floats glowing with lights, local performers, floats decked out in tinsel and lights, and so much holiday joy! The parade will be held on December 12th, 2026 at 6 pm near City Hall.
Where to Find a Fresh Tree for Christmas: Charlotte, NC
There is nothing quite like the fresh Christmas tree smell. Especially when you get to wake up every day to it! We gathered all of the best places to get a fresh Christmas tree in our Guide to 15+ Christmas Tree Farms Near Charlotte, NC.
Before you keep scrolling...
Want more ideas like this?
Spend less time searching and get fresh family-fun ideas in your inbox.
Find more Christmas fun nearby! We hope you found lots and lots of great Christmas events in Charlotte, North Carolina and you’re ready for a festive holiday. But, if you need more, check out these other guides for the holidays nearby.
Before you keep scrolling...
Want more ideas like this?
Spend less time searching and get fresh family-fun ideas in your inbox.