25 Best Christmas and Holiday Events in Charlotte NC (2025)
Looking for Christmas and Holiday Events in Charlotte NC?
The Queen City comes alive every November and December with sparkling lights, festive markets, small-town celebrations, and family-friendly traditions.
Whether you’re planning cozy date nights, memory-making adventures with the kids, or you want to soak in the holiday magic, Charlotte offers something special for everyone.
This guide shares 25 of the BEST Christmas events in Charlotte (2025), complete with dates, locations, insider tips, and magical experiences across the city and nearby small towns.
From iconic light shows to nostalgic parades, European-style Christmas markets, ice skating, theatre performances, and holiday gardens, these are the must-see events to make your season unforgettable.
Top Christmas and Holiday Events in Charlotte NC
1. Southern Christmas Show
📅 November 13th – 23rd, 2025
📍 The Park Expo & Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Step into a holiday wonderland at the Southern Christmas Show, one of North America’s largest holiday events. With countless vendors offering unique gifts, home décor, jewelry, and art, it’s the perfect place to find holiday treasures. From vintage ornaments to inspiring artwork, this event has everything you need to make your season magical.
2. Light the Knights Festival & Market
📅 November 26, 2025–January 4, 2026
📍 Truist Field, 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Truist Field transforms into a Christmas village filled with dazzling lights, ice skating, snow tubing, and holiday shopping. Perfect for families, this festival offers activities for all ages and memories to cherish for years.
3. German Christmas Market at OMB
📅 Weekends: November 28–December 22, 2025
📍 Olde Mecklenburg Brewery – All Locations
4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217 (plus their 2nd location)
The beloved German Christmas Market at OMB is back and it’s bigger and more festive than ever! Celebrate the season across four magical weekends, now taking place at both OMB locations.
Wander through the enchanting biergarten filled with:
✨ 50+ local vendors
✨ Seasonal foods & German-inspired treats
✨ Cozy fire pits & festive lights
✨ Live holiday music
✨ Fan-favorite drinks including Glühwein (traditional spiced wine), holiday brews, and more
🎅 Santa will be onsite for photos on Saturday, December 6th, from 2–5 PM!
2025 Christmas Market Dates:
- Weekend 1: November 28–30
- Weekend 2: December 5–7
- Weekend 3: December 12–14
- Weekend 4: December 19–21
With its warm, European-style holiday atmosphere, OMB’s Christmas Market is one of Charlotte’s most charming seasonal traditions—perfect for families, couples, and anyone who loves holiday cheer.
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Snow Tubing in North Carolina
4. Christmas Town USA (McAdenville)
📅 December 1–26, 2025
📍 McAdenville, NC
Just 25 minutes from Charlotte, McAdenville comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and classic traditions like the Tree Lighting Ceremony (December 2) and the Yule Log Parade (December 12). Plan ahead for heavy weekend traffic and follow official signage for easy navigation.
5. Christmas in Mint Hill
📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 5:30-9:00 pm
📍 Downtown Mint Hill, NC
Celebrate with a festive parade, tree lighting, and delicious treats. Santa even brings a direct-to-North-Pole mailbox for children to share their wishes from December 1–15!
6. Holidays in Huntersville
📅 Town Tree Lighting: Friday, December 5, 2025 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
📅 Holidays in Huntersville: Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 3:00 – 8:00 pm
📍 Veterans Park, Huntersville, NC
Kick off the holidays with two days of festive fun in Huntersville. On Friday, December 5, join the Town Tree Lighting from 6–9 p.m., featuring live music, holiday treats, and cheerful activities for all ages. Followed the next day with Holidays in Huntersville.
7. A Classic Christmas in Mooresville
📅 December 12, 2025, 5-9 p.m.
📍 Downtown Mooresville, NC
Step back in time with a Victorian-themed Christmas celebration in the heart of Mooresville. Stroll the charming downtown streets while enjoying holiday performances, shopping for unique gifts from local vendors, and savoring festive food. Don’t miss the carolers and photo opportunities with Santa. The event runs from 5–9 p.m. and captures the essence of a timeless Christmas.
8. Kannapolis Christmas Parade
📅 December 13, 2025
📍 Downtown Kannapolis, NC
The Kannapolis Christmas Parade is a nighttime spectacle starting at 6 p.m. Watch as floats, marching bands, and twinkling lights wind through the streets, creating a magical atmosphere. This beloved annual tradition is perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts looking to experience the season’s cheer.
9. Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
📅 Friday, November 28 – Tuesday, December 30, 2025
📍 11611 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC
Explore the magic of the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, a walking trail filled with over one million sparkling lights and captivating holiday displays. Set in the scenic backyard of the Ballantyne Hotel, this event features festive treats, music, and immersive holiday decor. Tickets start around $20 on weekdays, making it an affordable option for families and couples alike.
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10. Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express
📅 Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Celebration of Lights at 6 p.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025. The Celebration of Lights will then run through December 30.
📍 Village Park, 700 West C Street, Kannapolis, NC
This month-long celebration transforms Village Park into a winter wonderland with over 250,000 lights. Take a ride on the Winterland Express to spot all 12 Days of Christmas, roast marshmallows, or enjoy performances by the Singing Bears. The event is free to enter, with tickets for the train and carousel rides. Hours are 6–9 p.m. on Sundays–Thursdays and 6–10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
11. Charlotte SantaCon
📅 Saturday, December 20th, 2025
📍 Slingshot Social Game Club + Various Venues, 332 West Bland Street, Charlotte, NC
For the 21+ crowd, SantaCon is a festive bar crawl filled with holiday cheer. Participants dress in Santa-themed attire and hop from venue to venue, enjoying drinks, caroling, and seasonal treats. Tickets are required and can be purchased online for this spirited event.
12. The 71st Annual Singing Christmas Tree
📅 December 13 & 14, 2025
📍 Central Piedmont Community College, 1206 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC
This beloved Charlotte tradition features the voices of the MainStage Choir performing atop a 32-foot Christmas tree. With twinkling lights, theatrical performances, and energetic dance routines, this event is perfect for families. Secure your tickets early for this magical celebration.
13. Annual Christmas Extravaganza
📅 Nov 29 – 30, 2025
📍 Gold Hall 1, Cabarrus Arena, 4751 NC Highway 49 North, Concord, NC
$7 General Admission | $5 for Military/Healthcare/Teachers/Veterans | Free Parking Celebrate Christmas in Concord at this festival filled with family-friendly activities. Enjoy photos with Santa, a toy giveaway, holiday games and crafts, and festive treats.
14. Run Run Rudolph 5K/10K
📅 December 20 at 8 AM
📍 10101 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, NC
Get active this holiday season with the Run Run Rudolph race in University Research Park. Participants can choose between 5K or 10K and enjoy holiday treats like hot cocoa and donuts at the finish line. Awards are given for the best-dressed holiday outfits, so come prepared to spread some Christmas cheer! Register Here.
15. Winterfest at Carowinds
📅 Nov. 28, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026
📍 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Carowinds’ Winterfest is a dazzling holiday celebration featuring millions of lights, live entertainment, holiday-themed rides, and delicious seasonal treats. Don’t miss the nightly Christmas parade and ice-skating opportunities. Open select nights, this event is a holiday favorite for families and thrill-seekers alike.
16. Ice Skating at the US National Whitewater Center
📅 Mid-November to Mid-February
📍 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
The US National Whitewater Center transforms its upper pond into an expansive ice-skating rink complete with illuminated trails and free-skate zones. This picturesque outdoor experience runs through mid-February, offering a unique way to celebrate winter in Charlotte.
17. Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas
📅 Friday, November 21, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM 10:00 PM
📍 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC
Take a magical drive through Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Speedway Christmas, featuring over 5 million lights along a 4-mile route, including sections of the NASCAR racetrack! Afterward, enjoy cozy fire pits, festive treats, and visits with Santa. Rain or shine, this event is perfect for families looking for holiday fun.
18. Nutcracker with the Charlotte Ballet
📅 December 5–21, 2025
📍 Belk Theater, 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC
Experience the timeless magic of “The Nutcracker” with the Charlotte Ballet. This breathtaking performance, complete with elaborate costumes and stunning choreography, is a holiday tradition that delights audiences of all ages.
19. Holidays at the Gardens (Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens)
📅 November 28–December 27, 2025, select nights
📍 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC
Stroll through the enchanting gardens adorned with festive lights, cozy fire pits, and seasonal music. Enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa, and holiday treats as you take in the beauty of this winter wonderland. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
20. Gingerbread Lane at the Ballantyne Hotel
📅 December 14-28, 2025
📍 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC
Marvel at intricate gingerbread creations and indulge in festive treats at this luxury hotel. Cast your vote for the best display while enjoying gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa in this charming holiday event.
21. Christmas in Davidson
📅 December 5th – December 7th, 2025
📍 Downtown Davidson, NC
Join one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions in charming downtown Davidson. This three-night event features festive trolley rides, local artisan markets, live music, and the Giving Tree Village. Visitors can enjoy live nativity scenes, visits with Santa, and storytime with Mrs. Claus. Strolling along Main Street during Christmas in Davidson is a truly magical experience.
22. Birkdale Village Holiday Events
📅 End of Nov through Jan 2026
📍 Birkdale Commons Pkwy & Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville, NC
Celebrate the holidays at Birkdale Village with festive activities like Birkdale on Ice, an outdoor skating rink in The Plaza. The holiday season kicks off with the Lighting of Birkdale Village on November 22, featuring live music, carriage rides, and a visit from Santa. Book your skate time in advance and enjoy a family-friendly winter wonderland in the heart of Huntersville. Great option to enjoy some shopping with holiday activities.
23. Christmas at the Library
📅 December 1-23, 2025
📍 Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC
Step into the serene holiday atmosphere of the Billy Graham Library, where the season comes alive with activities like a live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Christmas caroling. Don’t miss the petting zoo or the chance to enjoy holiday treats like cinnamon rolls and hot apple cider. This family-friendly event combines the festive spirit with a focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
24. Holiday Shows at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
📅 Various Dates Throughout December
📍 Belk Theater, Knight Theater, and Oven Auditorium
From classic performances like “The Nutcracker” to modern holiday comedies, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center hosts a wide variety of shows to capture the holiday spirit. Check their event calendar for details on festive plays, musical performances, and dance productions throughout the season.
25. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Winter Performances
📅 Various Dates Throughout December
📍 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC
Bring the whole family to enjoy the magic of the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, featuring holiday-themed plays and performances designed for audiences of all ages. Their seasonal shows are perfect for creating lasting memories and introducing kids to the joy of live theater.
Christmas Activities in Charlotte NC: FAQs
📌 What is winter like in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Charlotte winters are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F. You’ll still want a cozy jacket, but outdoor holiday events are usually very comfortable.
📌 Does Charlotte, NC get snow in December?
Snow is rare in December. Charlotte averages only about 3.5 inches of snow per year, but the city makes up for it with dazzling holiday lights, festive displays, and winter-themed events.
📌 Is December a good time to visit Charlotte?
Absolutely — December is one of the best times to visit! From holiday markets to light trails, parades, theatre shows, and Christmas villages, the city feels magical throughout the season.
📌 What is Charlotte best known for?
Charlotte is known for its vibrant culture, incredible food scene, breweries, museums, outdoor spaces, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, all of which make the city a festive destination in winter.
📌 What months are snowiest in Charlotte?
Charlotte typically sees the most snow between December and March, but even then, snowfall is light and rare.
Other Nearby Holiday Attractions
🎄 Forest City NC Christmas Lights
🎄 Winterfest at Tryon Equestrian Center
Final Thoughts
With these 25 magical holiday events in Charlotte, you’re sure to find something that brings joy, excitement, and a little sparkle to your season. Whether you’re strolling through glowing light displays, skating under the stars, shopping at festive markets, or enjoying cozy small-town celebrations, the Queen City is full of unforgettable Christmas moments.
I hope this guide helps you plan beautiful memories with the people you love.
✨ Have a magical holiday season!
