The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Activities in Charlotte NC |

Get into the holiday spirit with this comprehensive guide to all of the festive fun with Christmas activities Charlotte, NC!

A toddler sits next to a reclining Santa Claus on a large green couch in front of a decorated Christmas tree, with red carpet and two green ottomans in the foreground.

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From sparkling light displays and cheerful parades to cozy holiday markets and family-friendly events, you’ll find everything you need to make this Christmas season extra special. This guide offers a ton of options for you to find the best ways to celebrate and create magical memories all around the Queen City.

Colorful Christmas trees, including red, pink, blue, and teal, line a gravel path under a bright, sunny sky with the city skyline visible in the background.

Where to Find Holiday Magic In and Around Charlotte NC

Charlotte knows how to do the holidays right — with a mix of big-city sparkle and small-town charm.

Over the years, we’ve made it a tradition to check out as many holiday events as we can — from Christmas light shows and festive train rides to holiday markets and ice skating rinks. Plus, we love a themed Whether you’re looking for a free family outing or something extra special to make the season bright, here are some of the best Christmas activities in Charlotte, NC to make your holiday merry and bright.

A young child in a pink and orange jacket uses a blue skating aid while ice skating outdoors on a sunny day. Other skaters and people are visible in the background.

Whether you’re planning a free family outing or looking for something extra special to make the season shine, this guide highlights the best Christmas activities in Charlotte, NC to keep your holidays merry and bright.

Events and activities are organized by category—from light shows to holiday markets, parades, and more—and then listed in chronological order so you can easily plan your festive fun all season long.

Christmas Tree Lighting Events

Nothing says “the holidays are here!” like the flipping of a switch and a crowd oohing and aahing. These tree-lightings are perfect late in November and early in December to get the whole family excited for the holiday season.

Santa Claus sits on a green couch holding two young children on his lap. One child smiles, wearing festive pajamas, while the other looks uncertain, also in pajamas. Greenery with red berries hangs in the background.

A Kannapolis Christmas Annual Tree Lighting and Celebration of Lights

Dates: Tree lighting on November 15, 2025, at 6 p.m., with fireworks around 6:15 p.m.
Details: Village Park, 700 West C Street, Kannapolis.

Kannapolis goes all out for the holidays! The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the season at Village Park with thousands of sparkling lights, live entertainment, and fireworks. Then, all season long, enjoy the Celebration of Lights featuring the Winterland Express Train, Village Park Carousel, and a visit with Santa himself. Don’t miss the singing bears performing holiday favorites — it’s pure nostalgic fun.

Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Tree Lighting Festival

Date: Tuesday November 18, 2025, 6:30 PM
Details: Free (mobile tickets required for entry), and the NFL/MLS clear bag policy will be in effect during the event.

The annual tree lighting ceremony hosted by the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium in Uptown is a free community tradition featuring hot chocolate stations, interactive crafts, entertainment featuring appearances from Sir Purr and Santa Claus and the lighting of the 50 foot tree at the corner of Mint and Graham Streets.

A brightly lit Christmas tree with a glowing star topper stands outdoors at night, next to green-lit canopies and decorated poles; city lights and a tall, illuminated building are visible in the background.

UCity Lights Winter Celebration

Date: November 22, 2025, from 4–8 p.m.
Details: The Shoppes at University Place, 8929 J.M. Keynes Drive

Head to The Shoppes at University Place for a magical evening filled with festive fun, holiday cheer, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! This family-friendly event transforms the area around the lake into a twinkling winter wonderland, complete with music, lights, and community spirit. Guests can make their own ornaments, sip on hot cocoa, and hop aboard the Polar Express before gathering to light up the towering Christmas tree together.

McAdenville Christmas Town USA Tree Lighting Ceremony

Date: December 1, 2025, 5:30 PM
Details: 102 Main Street, McAdenville, North Carolina

Your holiday itinerary should absolutely include the charming small town of McAdenville, North Carolina (a.k.a. “Christmas Town USA”) where the streets glimmer with lights and you feel like you’re living in a real life Hallmark movie. Each year, Christmas Town USA starts the season with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, with a visit from Santa and the flip of the switch to turn on the twinkles throughout the town.

A small child in a brown hat and gray jacket stands on a wooden path at night, holding a yellow glow stick, gazing at a large, colorful, lit Christmas tree and festive lights in the distance.

Belmont Christmas Tree Lighting

Date: December 1, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Details: Old City Hall, 37 N. Main Street, Belmont, North Carolina

Experience the magic of the season as Belmont’s Christmas tree illuminates the heart of downtown. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy caroling, seasonal treats, and that special small-town Christmas charm that makes Belmont feel straight out of a holiday movie.

Indian Trail’s Winter Fest and Tree Lighting

Date: December 5, 2025, from 6–9 p.m.
Details: Chestnut Square Park, Indian Trail

Bring the whole family to Chestnut Square Park for one of the most fun (and free!) holiday events around. There’s sledding, hot chocolate, photos with Santa, and—of course—the annual tree lighting. It’s festive, cozy, and guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again.

Four people ice skate on an outdoor rink in front of a brick building. One child uses a skating aid shaped like a triangle. Winter decorations, lights, and a Camp North Pole sign are visible in the background.

Ice Skating Rinks

Ice skating is not really my forte (I’ve only been a handful of times and cannot really skate, so its more like wall clinging on ice) but it’s a fun, festive, seasonal sport that is a fun family outing.

Two people ice skating, holding hands. One is facing the camera and smiling, while the other is turned away, appearing slightly blurred. There are other skaters and city lights in the background.

Charlotte’s holiday season brings a flurry of festive ice skating rinks. Whether you’re gliding under Uptown’s skyline at Light the Knights, playing pond hockey or cask curling, or just participating in free skate at the massive 24,000 Winter at Whitewater rink (which is open mid-November through mid-February), or celebrating the season at Camp North Pole with an outdoor ice skating rink, outdoor igloos and other art installations, and fire pits, there are six outdoor ice skating options in the Charlotte area to make magical winter memories, even if the weather in North Carolina doesn’t feel very “wintery.”

A young girl in a white jacket, patterned leggings, and a colorful hat smiles while ice skating outdoors. Other people are skating in the background under a cloudy sky.

Holiday Markets And Shopping Events

There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than strolling through one of Charlotte’s festive holiday markets. Whether you’re searching for handmade gifts, sipping hot coca or just soaking in the sparkle, Charlotte’s holiday markets offer something magical for everyone.

Nebel’s Night Alley Market

Date: November 8, 2025, 4-8PM
Details: 1930 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203

The holiday shopping season kicks off with Nebel’s Night Alley Market on November 8 from 4 to 8pm in South End, where lights, music and holiday cheer will set the tone for the season.

A smiling toddler with blond hair stands in front of a decorated Christmas tree, wearing a red shirt that says ITS A BEAUT CLARK and green pants. Colorful ornaments and framed pictures are visible in the background.

Southern Christmas Show

Date: November 13-23, 2025, Sunday through Wednesday 10AM-6PM, Thursday through Saturday 10AM-9PM
Details: The Park Expo and Conference Center 800 Briar Creek Rd Charlotte, NC 28205

Christmas is coming to Charlotte early from November 13 through 23 with the Southern Christmas Show, which is not only the largest Christmas show in the Southeast, but in all of North America! Whether your armed with a long shopping list, or just looking for a festive day out with family and friends, the Southern Christmas Show features 100s of vendors selling apparel, seasonal and home decor, jewelry, housewares, toys and more, including gourmet treats and wine to sample. Plus the The Park Expo and Conference Center’s halls will be totally decked with twinkling light, holiday decorations, and an appearance from the big man himself.

A colorful vintage store interior with shelves full of eclectic items like glassware, bottles, board games, and trinkets. A wavy red and yellow mural decorates the purple wall in the background.

VTGCLT POP

Dates: November 14-December 5, 2025, Friday through Sunday 10AM-7PM; December 6-December 23, 2025, daily 10AM-7PM
Details: Elizabeth on Seventh, 1942 E 7th Street, Suite 104, Charlotte NC 28204

Vintage Charlotte, a local business that hosts pop up retail events featuring vintage and handmade creatives, is hosting its 11th annual holiday pop up shop, approrpiately named VTGCLT Pop. The shop is popping up in the Elizabeth neighborhood this year features 90 local and regional vintage and handmade brands in store. Fun fact: we bought a bunch of our gifts and decor at their market last year!

A cocktail glass sits on a reflective table in a dimly lit bar, with a decorated Christmas tree covered in white and blue lights blurred in the background. Warm hanging lights add to the festive atmosphere.

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Christmas Market

Dates: Four consecutive weekends from November 28th to December 21st, 2025 (Nov 28-30, Dec 5-7, Dec 12-14 and Dec 19-21)
Details: 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217 and 15025 Bowl St, Charlotte, NC 28277

OMB’s annual Christmas Market returns for four consecutive weekends at both the brewery’s LoSo and Ballantyne Locations. The brewery’s market is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmarkt, that are festive markets that typically open in late November and run through late December, and OMB’s version features over 50 local vendors, festive music and lights, traditional Gluhwein (spiced wine pronounced “Gloo-vine”), holiday beer, hot cocoa, food, fire pits and photos with Santa (and free pints for people who donate a coat to their Winter Coat Drive).

Shop Small Saturday

Date: November 29, 2025, 11AM-5PM
Details: South End, Camden Road, Atherton to Park Ave.

For one-of-a-kind finds, Shop Smalll Saturday is the perfect was to support local artists, makers and businesses. Over 120 small businesses will be set up along Camden Road in South End so you can stroll outside, handle your holiday shopping (or buy something for yourself) and support small!

While this is only a one day event, you can shop local all season long using our shop small Charlotte guide.

A man and a young child sit smiling in front of a colorful sign that reads “Have a Holly Jolly Holiday.” They are bundled in winter clothes, enjoying a festive outdoor setting with bright decorations.

Mistletoe Market

Dates: The first three Saturdays of December (December 6, 13 and 20) from 2-7 pm
Details: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206 (parking available at 120 Razades Way – Parking Garage – Free for first 2 hours; $4 per every additional hour, 1776 Statesville Ave. – Surface Parking Lot – FREE , 1801 N. Graham St. – Surface Parking Lot – FREE )

Mistletoe Market at Camp North End is one of your families can’t miss favorites of the holiday season!

Featuring local makers, food stalls, live music, and themed area, Camp North End is one of the most festive places to spend a Saturday in December. Each area of Camp North End is transformed:

Mount Holly is the hub for all thing kids with Santa letter writing with Good Postage, storytime with That’s Novel Books, and a musical appearance from the Jolly Lollies.
Candy Keswick Lane offers delicious treats and holiday bites
The Tower of Lights in the Boileryard features live music and festive programming

A young child in a red jacket stands among colorful Christmas trees painted pink, green, blue, orange, and yellow, outdoors on a cloudy day. The ground is covered with gravel and mulch.

Holiday Parades

The Charlotte area has a wonderful lineup of festive parades lighting up the streets and spreading cheer across the region.

Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade

Dates: November 26, 2025, parade begins at 5:45 PM and is live on WCCB at 6pm
Details: Parade route is from 9th Street to Good Samaritan Way with live performances and floats traveling down Tryon Street

The holidays in Charlotte officially begin with the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade in Uptown, one of the largest and oldest Thanksgiving parades in the Southeast. It’s a true family friendly spectacle featuring dazzling floats, marching bands, giant balloons, dancers, and plenty of holiday cheer parading down Tryon Street. Bring your own blanket and chair, and buy some food and drinks from local vendors along the parade route!

Lincolnton Christmas Parade

Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025, parade begins at 4:00 p.m.
Details: Downtown Lincolnton

A longtime favorite for families across the region, the Lincolnton Christmas Parade delivers classic holiday charm as the streets of the small town come alive with decorated floats, marching bands and community performers. The evening culminates with the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.

Airstream trailer decorated with colorful string lights and a glowing neon Cocktails sign in the window, parked near a brick building at dusk.

Mint Hill Christmas Parade

Dates: December 6 2025 from 5:30PM-9PM
Details: Parade begins at 5:30 p.m., entertainment starts around 6:00 p.m., and the tree lighting happens at 7:30 p.m. in Downtown Mint Hill and at the Mint Hill Town Hall.

Another cozy small-town celebration is the Mint Hill Christmas Parade, which winds its way down Matthews-Mint Hill Road filling the streets with music, lights and hometown pride. After the parade, the crowd gathers at town hall for live entertainment, food trucks and the official tree lighting ceremony. Santa will be there to greet kids and there’s even a special North Pole mailbox at Mint Hill’s town hall from December 1 through 17 so children can mail letters to Santa.

Yule Log Parade

Date: December 11, 2025 5PM
Details: 100 Main Street, McAdenville NC

No round up of local parades would be complete without the McAdenville Yule Log Parade which has been a beloved town tradition since 1949. Each December, residents and visitors gather to watch the Yule Log–symbolizing warmth and community–pulled through the streets of Christmas Town USA before being placed in the fire mark the start of the holiday season.

Holiday Shows And Performances

Throughout the holiday season Charlotte’s stages have holiday performances in the spotlight. From ballet to Broadway, there’s something enchanting for everyone.

Ballet dancers in white tutus perform on stage, arms gracefully extended, against a backdrop of a dark, snowy forest with tall trees and blue-toned lighting, creating a magical winter scene.

The Nutcracker

Dates: Charlotte Ballet December 5-21, 2025; Charlotte Youth Ballet December 5-7, 2025
Details: Charlotte Ballet has both evening and matinee performances available at at Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202; Charlotte Youth Ballet’s performances are at 1206 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204

Follow Clara on her whimsical adventure to the Land of Sweets in this timeless holiday tradition. Charlotte Ballet’s The Nutcracker takes center stage at the Belk Theater, enchanting audiences with Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s elegant choreography, a live score performed by the Charlotte Symphony, and a cast of more than 100 dancers.

The Charlotte Youth Ballet also presents its own beloved rendition to CPCC’s Halton Theater, blending the talent of local students with seasoned regional professionals for a heartwarming performance that embodies the spirit of community and holiday tradition.

The Charlotte Symphony

Dates: Various performances from November 28, 2025 through December 13, 2025
Details: Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202 and Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, depending on the performance

The Charlotte Symphony fills the season with festive music, starting with Home Alone in Concert , where the full movie plays on screen as the orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score. Other can’t-miss shows include Handel’s Messiah, Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas, featuring North Carolina’s rich music heritage like blues and bluegrass, and the Holiday Pops Family Concert with singalongs, Santa, and plenty of festive cheer.

The Charlotte Symphony also celebrates the joy of Hanukkah with an uplifting evening of music, light, and community at the annual Festival of Lights concert. This festive concert brings together voices from Charlotte’s Jewish communities for a heartwarming night filled with the spirit of the Festival of Lights — featuring cantors and a children’s choir from local congregations, music from across the centuries, and a lively sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs.

A symphony orchestra performs on stage with a large choir behind them. The stage is decorated with a festive wreath and warm lighting, creating a celebratory atmosphere in a concert hall.

Holiday Musicals and Plays

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ The Musical (Nov. 22–Dec. 23) brings the classic TV special to life for all ages at The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, a perfect first theater experience for little ones.

More holiday favorites return to local stages, too. Matthews Playhouse presents Scrooge the Musical (Dec. 12–21), a spirited adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale, while Theatre Charlotte continues its long-running tradition with A Christmas Carol, back for its 19th consecutive year. For something extra whimsical, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! brings the mean green one to the stage at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Christmas at the Carolina

Whether you’re in the mood for live music or classic movies, Christmas at the Carolina Theatre offers a dose of nostalgia throughout December by screening family friendly films like Muppet Christmas Carol and The Nightmare Before Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, and Elf.

They’re also spreading cheer with a lineup of live holiday music, including Nashville Noel: A Country Christmas Spectacular, Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico and Mark and Maggie O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas.

A house and yard are festively decorated with colorful Christmas lights, candy canes, wreaths, stars, inflatable elves, and Christmas trees. Strings of lights cover the trees, porch, and lawn, creating a bright holiday scene.

Festive Light Displays And Drive Thru Experiences

Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express

Dates: November 15 – December 30, 6–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday, 6–10 p.m. Friday–Saturday
(Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day)
Details: 700 W C St, Kannapolis, NC 28081

Walk among more than 250,000 lights or catch a ride on the Winterland Express at Kannapolis’ annual Celebration of Lights in Village Park. Enjoy hands-on fun with holiday crafts, gather around the fire pit for s’mores, and explore weekend markets featuring local artisans and crafters.Admission to the park and viewing of the lights and other festivities is free; tickets are required to ride the carousel and train. Free parking is avaliable at Village Park.

A tunnel is decorated with thousands of small, colorful holiday lights in red, blue, and green, creating a vibrant, festive canopy. Two cars with red taillights are visible driving through the tunnel.

Speedway Christmas

Dates Friday, November 21, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026 6PM-10PM; Christmas Village is open Nov. 21-23; Nov. 27- 30; Dec. 4-7; Dec. 11-14; Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 25-28, but is closed on Christmas Eve
Details Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. South
Concord, NC 28027

Cruise through over five million dazzling holiday lights perfectly synchronized to music as you wind along a four mile court circling the oval, pit road and infield road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway.As a bonus, holiday movies light up the big screen, and Santa himself will be waiting in the infield Christmas Village — the perfect spot to hop out, snap some photos, and stretch your legs. Access to the festive Christmas Village in the infield is free with your ticket!

Illuminated Winter Trail at Winter at Whitewater

Dates: mid-November through mid-February
Details: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214; no pass or reservation required.

A free, half mile walk through the woods following a beautifully lit trail featuring fun for the whole family including obstacles, play structures and suspension bridges.

Light the Knights at Truist Field

Dates: November 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Details: Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte, 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Charlotte Knights are transforming Truist Field into a winter wonderland (after making the outfield a pumpkin patch in the fall) complete with an NHL-sized outdoor ice rink and a 10-lane, 150-foot snow tubing hill right in the outfield. Whether you’re skating under the skyline, trying your hand at hockey, or just watching the ice shows with a cup of cocoa, it’s a must-do holiday outing for families and friends.

Tickets for skating and snow tubing are sold at limited capacity, so grab them early — once they’re gone, they’re gone. You can purchase tickets online in advance, which is highly recommended to guarantee your spot.

A small child in red runs toward an adult pushing a stroller under a tunnel of colorful holiday lights at night, with green, blue, and white lights creating a festive, glowing archway.

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular

Dates: Open Nightly from Friday, November 28 though Sunday, December 30, 2025 – 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Christmas Eve: December 24, 2025 – 5:30pm – 7:30pm (Closing Early), Christmas Day: December 25, 2025 – Closed
Details: Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

One of Charlotte’s newer holiday events, this walk-through light experience has massive glowing tunnels, food trucks, and photo ops galore. It’s stroller-friendly and perfect for little ones who love to run; we’ve gone the past three years with our toddlers!

Winterfest at Carowinds

Dates: select dates November 28, 2025 through January 3, 2026; 11 AM to 7 PM,
Details 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273

One of the South’s most popular theme parks transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of shimmering lights, lavish holiday displays, live shows and strolling performers, plus a huge Christmas tree and special holiday treats.

Holiday in the Gardens

Dates: November 28 through Dec 27, 2025, 5PM-10PM (last admission 9PM)
Details: Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012

Step into a sparkling winter wonderland where millions of twinkling lights illuminate the night, fountains dance to festive music, and the air is filled with holiday cheer. Stroll the beautifully lit paths of The Gardens at Stowe with family and friends, cozy up by a glowing outdoor fire, and indulge in delicious seasonal bites or a warm drink that’s sure to melt away the winter chill.

Kids will love the Prairie Castle Playground, transformed by dazzling lights that make every evening feel magical. Don’t miss the Four Seasons Light Show, one of the most anticipated highlights of the season, or hop aboard the holiday trackless train, running on Saturday evenings through Christmas. Santa himself makes an appearance on Friday and Saturday nights in December, ready for photos and Christmas wishes.

The fun doesn’t stop there — enjoy live music on select evenings, and for the grown-ups, sneak away to a festive speakeasy offering exclusive holiday cocktails (just a $5 cover to enter).

Colorful Christmas decorations fill a ceiling, featuring hanging ornaments, shiny baubles, snowflakes, and multicolored string lights, creating a festive and vibrant holiday atmosphere indoors.

McAdenville Christmas Town USA

Dates: December 1-26, 2025, 5:30PM-10PM daily
Details: McAdenville, North Carolina (driving directions: from Interstate 85 South, take exit 26 in Belmont and enter Wesleyan Drive from Highway 74, from Interstate 85 North, take exit 22 and enter Main Street on Highway 7 from Lowell. Both Church Street and Academy Street are closed to all vehicles)

For nearly a month, McAdenville’s streets transform into a real life holiday movie featuring a wonderland of lights and holiday decorations. There are two ways to enjoy the magic: drive through the glowing neighborhoods in a caravan or take a leisurely stroll, warm drink in hand, to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

The small town in the Charlotte area experiences about half a million visitors between December 1st and 26th each year, so here are a few pro tips:

Visit early in the month, on a weekday if possible
The lights come on promptly at 5:30pm each evening and turn off at exactly 10:00pm
Plan to arrive before 5PM to enjoy shopping, dining and seasonal music.
Public parking is available off of Poplar Street, Elm Street, McAdenville Elementary School, and the parking lot by the Carstarphen Bridge, at the rear entrance of the Dynamo 31 building, with best availability before 5PM.

A nighttime scene in Gaston County features a fountain lit from below in the center of a pond, surrounded by glowing Christmas lights and illuminated holiday decorations, set against a dark sky.

Christmas at the Library

Dates December 1-23, 2025, Monday through Thursday, 5PM – 9PM, Friday and Saturday, 5PM – 10PM
Details: Billy Graham Library 330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217

Christmas at the Billy Graham Library offers a peaceful and heartwarming way to celebrate the season with a live nativity, petting zoo, carolers, story time and more. A highlight for many visitors is a horse drawn carriage ride throughout the library grounds decked out in holiday lights and decorations.

Fourth Ward Holiday Sip and Stroll

Dates: Dec 4-6, 2025, 5-9PM
Details: Event check in is at the corner of W. 9th and N. Poplar Streets, Charlotte, NC 28202. Please check in there to receive your guidebook (required for touring).

Celebrate the season with a festive outdoor evening stroll through Historic Fourth Ward, beautifully decorated for the holidays! This self-guided, porch-crawl-style tour in the historic heart of Uptown features seasonal live music and include sdelicious food and cocktail tastings from neighborhood restaurants and businesses including Assorted Table, The Asbury, The Daily, Sea Level, Spaghett, Pizzeria Sapienza and more. The Sip & Stroll is a self-guided, outdoor-only event (rain or shine), but you can upgrade your ticket the Holiday Home Tour to add interior tours of three historic, beautifully decorated homes.

A man dressed as Santa Claus sits on a green velvet couch holding a young child in plaid pajamas. The background features festive holiday greenery and decorations.

Visits With Santa

Santa is making plenty of stops around Charlotte this season, ready to hear every wish and pose for those classic holiday photos. Catch him at area malls including SouthPark, Concord Mills, Carolina Place, Northlake Mall, and Charlotte Premium Outlets where festive backdrops make for the perfect family picture. You can also find him spreading cheer at local businesses like Optimist Hall. Wherever you go, don’t forget your camera—and your Christmas spirit!

Santa Claus sits on a festive armchair, holding a black dog wearing a green holiday hat. They are surrounded by Christmas trees with lights and wrapped presents, with a snowy winter scene in the background.

Polar Express Experiences

NC Transportation Museum

Dates: November 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 2025, December 5-7, 11-23, 2025
Details: North Carolina Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Dr, Spencer, North Carolina 28159

A beloved holiday favorite comes to life at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, where families can climb aboard The Polar Express Train Ride for a magical trip to the “North Pole.” Guests are encouraged to wear their coziest pajamas as they sip hot chocolate, nibble on cookies, and listen to a live reading of the classic holiday story. The journey is filled with singing, dancing, and plenty of Christmas cheer—and of course, the highlight of the night is a special visit from Santa Claus himself, who greets each passenger with a magical silver sleigh bell as a keepsake. This immersive, joy-filled experience is one of the most treasured holiday traditions in North Carolina and sells out quickly each year.

A white mug filled with hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows sits on a rustic wooden table. Some hot chocolate has spilled onto the inside rim of the mug.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Dates: November 1 through December 31, 2025
Details: 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC 28713

For another unforgettable holiday adventure, head west to Bryson City and board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Polar Express Train Ride. This experience brings the magic of the movie to life with clips from the film, cheerful carolers, and the smell of fresh hot cocoa in the air. As the train winds its way toward the “North Pole,” families enjoy treats, storytelling, and a sense of wonder that grows with every mile. Upon arrival, Santa greets each child with a special gift—a silver bell—and joins passengers in singing Christmas carols on the return trip. Set against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, this classic holiday train ride feels straight out of a storybook.

A young child sits at a table in front of a decorated gingerbread house, yawning or shouting with eyes closed. The table has bowls of candy, and a Christmas tree is visible in the background.

Christmas Themed Food And Drink Specials

Holiday Tea at The Ballantyne

Enjoy elegant, seasonal sweets, tea sandwiches, and live music during this afternoon holiday tea experience, Thursdays through Sundays from 1–4 p.m. ($70 adults / $35 kids 12 & under). Don’t miss The Ballantyne Hotel’s Gingerbread Lane (Dec. 11–24), where you can stroll among intricate gingerbread creations and vote for your favorites!

A bright, top-down view of an elegant afternoon tea setting with floral china, cups filled with tea, assorted pastries, finger sandwiches, macarons, scones, and small desserts on a white tablecloth.

Festive Pop-Ups & Holiday Bars

Sip your way through the season with themed experiences across the city:

Tinsel Town at Billy Sunday
House of Krampus Humbug
Sippin’ Santa at The Royal Tot
Miracle at BackStage Lounge
Santa’s Favorite Watering Hole at Vinyl
Holiday Experience at Supperland Speakeasy
Christmas Bar at The Garrison
Tinsel Town at Papa Doc’s
Nauti North Pole at The Waterman
Blue Christmas at Blue Door (through Jan. 1)

Three glasses of drinks on a wooden table in the foreground, with colorful holiday lights and a decorated Christmas tree blurred in the background, creating a festive atmosphere.

You can also toast the season with loocal brews like Sycamore’s Christmas Cookie Ale or cozy up with limited-edition holiday drinks from your favorite Charlotte coffee shops. If you prefer to stay cozy at home (maybe snuggle up with some holiday movies), whip up a cranberry bourbon smash or a Christmas white Russian!

A family sits together in front of a decorated Christmas tree, surrounded by wrapped presents. Two adults smile at their two young children, all dressed in festive pajamas. The room is decorated for the holidays.

From our family to yours, we wish you a beautiful, magical holiday season and a Happy New Year!