Best Holiday Events & Things to Do This Christmas: Charlotte, NC

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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.



Christmas Events in Charlotte, NC: Day by Day

Get ready for all the Christmas festivities in Charlotte, NC.

Current Month

novSpeedway ChristmasNovember 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy SMonth Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00) Price:$46+

fri14nov4:00 pmfri9:00 pmThe Polar Express Train RideWeekends from Nov. 7 - Dec 23, 2025N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive4:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$36-$435

sat15nov10:00 amsat3:00 pmMistletoe Markets at Millstone Creek OrchardsMILLSTONE CREEK ORCHARDS, 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road10:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free Admission

sat15nov6:00 pmsat10:00 pmCity of Kannapolis Tree Lighting CeremonyVillage Park, Village Park, 700 West C St, Kannapolis6:00 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free

fri21nov4:00 pmfri9:00 pmThe Polar Express Train RideWeekends from Nov. 7 - Dec 23, 2025N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive4:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$36-$435

sat22nov11:00 amsat3:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

sat22nov2:30 pmsat3:30 pm97th Annual Concord Christmas ParadeDowntown Concord, Union Street North Concord2:30 pm - 3:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free

sun23nov11:00 amsun4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

mon24nov2:00 pmmon7:00 pmCowboy Claus at the Northlake MallNorthlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte, NC2:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$19+

tue25nov2:00 pmtue7:00 pmCowboy Claus at the Northlake MallNorthlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte, NC2:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$19+

fri28nov11:00 amfri4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

fri28nov4:00 pmfri8:00 pmThe Chickadee Hill Farms Annual Tree FestivalChickadee Hill Farms, 181 East Monbo Road4:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$11-$131

fri28nov4:00 pmfri9:00 pmThe Polar Express Train RideWeekends from Nov. 7 - Dec 23, 2025N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive4:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$36-$435

fri28nov5:30 pmfri10:00 pmCarolina Holiday Light SpectacularNightly from Nov. 28 - Dec. 30thBallantyne's Backyard, 11611 North Community House Road5:30 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:General admission $10-$25

fri28nov7:30 pmHome Alone in ConcertBelk Theater, 130 North Tryon Street7:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$39+

sat29nov11:00 amsat4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

sun30nov11:00 amsun4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

novSpeedway ChristmasNovember 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy SMonth Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00) Price:$46+

mon01dec2:00 pmmon7:00 pmCowboy Claus at the Northlake MallNorthlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte, NC2:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$19+

mon01dec4:00 pmmon8:00 pmThe Chickadee Hill Farms Annual Tree FestivalChickadee Hill Farms, 181 East Monbo Road4:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$11-$131

tue02dec2:00 pmtue7:00 pmCowboy Claus at the Northlake MallNorthlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte, NC2:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$19+

thu04dec6:00 pmthu9:00 pmChristmas in DavidsonDowntown Davidson, 251 South Street6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free Admission

fri05dec4:00 pmfri9:00 pmThe Polar Express Train RideWeekends from Nov. 7 - Dec 23, 2025N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive4:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$36-$435

fri05dec5:30 pmfri10:00 pmCarolina Holiday Light SpectacularNightly from Nov. 28 - Dec. 30thBallantyne's Backyard, 11611 North Community House Road5:30 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:General admission $10-$25

fri05dec6:00 pmfri9:00 pmChristmas in DavidsonDowntown Davidson, 251 South Street6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free Admission

fri05dec7:30 pmHome Alone in ConcertBelk Theater, 130 North Tryon Street7:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$39+

sat06dec11:00 amsat12:30 pm78th Annual Fort Mill Christmas ParadeFort Mill Town Hall, 200 Tom Hall Street11:00 am - 12:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free

sat06dec11:00 amsat2:00 pmPhotos with Santa benefitting South Charlotte Dog RescueAnnual Santa Paws Event*Location Details In Event Description, Location in the event description 11:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free

sat06dec11:00 amsat4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

sat06dec2:00 pmsat7:00 pmWinter Holiday MarketGreenway Gateway, 2573 Lake Haigler Drive2:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$5-$15

sat06dec3:00 pmsat4:00 pmKings Mountain Christmas ParadePatriots Park, 307 South Cansler Street3:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free

sat06dec3:00 pmsat4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street3:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

sat06dec3:00 pmsat5:00 pmMount Holly Annual Christmas ParadeDowntown Mount Holly, North Main Street3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free

sat06dec5:30 pmsat9:00 pmTown of Mint Hill Christmas ParadeDowntown Mint Hill, 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane5:30 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free Admission

sat06dec6:00 pmsat9:00 pmChristmas in DavidsonDowntown Davidson, 251 South Street6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free Admission

sun07dec11:00 amsun4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

sun07dec1:00 pmsun3:00 pmGingerbread WorkshopRegister for this eventRowan Museum, 202 North Main Sreet1:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$40

sun07dec6:00 pmsun9:00 pmChristmas in DavidsonDowntown Davidson, 251 South Street6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free Admission

mon08dec2:00 pmmon7:00 pmCowboy Claus at the Northlake MallNorthlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte, NC2:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$19+

tue09dec2:00 pmtue7:00 pmCowboy Claus at the Northlake MallNorthlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte, NC2:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$19+

thu11dec4:00 pmthu8:00 pmThe Chickadee Hill Farms Annual Tree FestivalChickadee Hill Farms, 181 East Monbo Road4:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$11-$131

fri12dec4:00 pmfri9:00 pmThe Polar Express Train RideWeekends from Nov. 7 - Dec 23, 2025N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive4:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$36-$435

fri12dec5:30 pmfri10:00 pmCarolina Holiday Light SpectacularNightly from Nov. 28 - Dec. 30thBallantyne's Backyard, 11611 North Community House Road5:30 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:General admission $10-$25

sat13dec11:00 amsat4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

sat13dec11:00 amHoliday Pops Family MatineeKnight Theater, 430 South Tryon Street11:00 am(GMT-05:00) Price:$36+

sat13dec6:00 pmsat7:00 pmThe Kannapolis Christmas ParadeDowntown Kannapolis, 125 N. Research Campus Drive, Kannapolis6:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free

sun14dec11:00 amsun4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

sun14dec3:00 pmsun6:00 pmWaxhaw Christmas ParadeTown of Waxhaw, 1150 N Broome Street3:00 pm - 6:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free

mon15dec2:00 pmmon7:00 pmCowboy Claus at the Northlake MallNorthlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte, NC2:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$19+

tue16dec2:00 pmtue7:00 pmCowboy Claus at the Northlake MallNorthlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte, NC2:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$19+

fri19dec11:00 amfri4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

fri19dec4:00 pmfri9:00 pmThe Polar Express Train RideWeekends from Nov. 7 - Dec 23, 2025N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive4:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$36-$435

fri19dec5:30 pmfri10:00 pmCarolina Holiday Light SpectacularNightly from Nov. 28 - Dec. 30thBallantyne's Backyard, 11611 North Community House Road5:30 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:General admission $10-$25

sat20dec11:00 amsat4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

sat20dec12:00 pmsat6:00 pmWinterfest in Downtown MatthewsDowntown Matthews, 210 MATTHEWS STATION Street12:00 pm - 6:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:Free

sat20dec2:00 pmsat3:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street2:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

sun21dec11:00 amsun4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

mon22dec11:00 ammon12:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

tue23dec11:00 amtue4:00 pmRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerMultiple Times Each Date Available!McColl Family Theatre, 300 East 7th Street11:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:$30-$40

tue23dec2:00 pmtue6:30 pmHow the Grinch Stole ChristmasBlumental ArtsBlumenthal Arts Center, 130 North Tryon St. , Charlotte, NC 282022:00 pm - 6:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:52+

wed24dec2:00 pmwed4:00 pmHow the Grinch Stole ChristmasBlumental ArtsBlumenthal Arts Center, 130 North Tryon St. , Charlotte, NC 282022:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:52+

fri26dec2:00 pmfri6:30 pmHow the Grinch Stole ChristmasBlumental ArtsBlumenthal Arts Center, 130 North Tryon St. , Charlotte, NC 282022:00 pm - 6:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:52+

fri26dec5:30 pmfri10:00 pmCarolina Holiday Light SpectacularNightly from Nov. 28 - Dec. 30thBallantyne's Backyard, 11611 North Community House Road5:30 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:General admission $10-$25

sat27dec11:00 amsat3:00 pmHow the Grinch Stole ChristmasBlumental ArtsBlumenthal Arts Center, 130 North Tryon St. , Charlotte, NC 2820211:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:52+

sun28dec11:00 amsun3:00 pmHow the Grinch Stole ChristmasBlumental ArtsBlumenthal Arts Center, 130 North Tryon St. , Charlotte, NC 2820211:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Price:52+

novSpeedway ChristmasNovember 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy SMonth Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00) Price:$46+

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, amusing live entertainment, and even an ice skating rink. Plus, the park will have some special holiday-themed foods to try out.

Winterfest occurs from November 28, 2025 through January 3, 2026.

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 46h 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 from November 26th, 2025 through January 4th, 2026.


A Christmas in Concord, NC: Holiday Events

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway

This spectacular display features over 4 million lights, which is one of the largest in the country. 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. We visited in 2023 and were blown away by how amazing this setup really is.

You can visit Speedway Christmas most nights from November 21st, 2025 through January 4th, 2026. 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.

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!

Places to see Christmas light displays in Charlotte, North Carolina

Sea of Lights at the Sea Life Aquarium

One of the best times of year to visit the SEA LIFE Charlotte aquarium at the Great Mills Mall is during the holidays. In December, the Aquarium will deck the halls with their Sea of Lights: Holiday Beneath the Waves 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 25 beautifully decorated Christmas trees.

Tickets start at $18.99 per adult and $15.99 per child. 

The Concord Christmas Parade

The 2025 Concord Christmas Parade
November 22nd, 2025 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


Kannapolis, NC: Holiday Celebrations Throughout the City

Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony in Village Park

Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 15th, 2025 at 6 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 15th, 2025 through December 30th, 2025. 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 for 2023 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

Celebration of Lights in Kannapolis, North Carolina

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 13th, 2025 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.


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.

About the Author
Erin is a Greenville, South Carolina native who loves taking her two young daughters on adventures around the Southeast. Erin enjoys gardening, hiking, and dabbling in DIY projects. Her favorite things to do with her husband and kids include sensory activities, swimming, playing with their dogs, and exploring the local state and national parks.

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