The winter holiday season in the Carolinas just feels… right. Maybe it’s because I’m originally from Florida, where scarves are more for style than warmth and it’s not unusual to spend Christmas Day at the beach, but there’s a certain magic that fills the air this time of year in way the communities come together to celebrate.
From festive markets to dazzling light displays and cozy gatherings with hot cocoa in hand, the Queen City and its neighbors offer countless ways to celebrate the season. Whether you’re a longtime local, just visiting, or somewhere in between like me, I’m bringing you a guide that highlights some of the most beloved holiday events in the Charlotte area. Think of this post as your seasonal bucket list, brimming with joy, wonder, and the kind of memories that make this time of year so special.
So grab a festive sweater, a warm and toasty beverage, and let’s dive into all the ways Charlotte celebrates the most wonderful time of the year.
TOP HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA
WinterFest at Carowinds
2024 Dates: Weekends and Select Weekdays, November 15 – January 4, 2025
One of the most thrilling holiday events in the Charlotte area is WinterFest at Carowinds. This spectacular seasonal event comes to life right as the sun is setting and the park transforms into a glowing wonderland during the nightly tree lighting ceremony. While a selection of the park’s iconic heart-pounding rides remains open to delight coaster enthusiasts, the magic of WinterFest lies beyond the adrenaline-fueled attractions.
The entertainment programming is charming and nostalgic, featuring performances by The MistleTones and the Tinker’s Toy Factory stage show. Strolling through the park’s twinkling paths, you’ll find festive decorations and cute gift shops filled with unique treasures for your loved ones. But if you’re looking for something a little more active, there’s always ice skating on Snow Flake Lake. Strap on a pair of skates and grab a friend’s hand as you glide along in the chilly Carolina evening.
Afterward, warm up your fingers with a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus. You’ll leave with a box of tasty treats unlike anyone else’s, and with so many sprinkles and frosting colors, this activity keeps the little ones entertained for a long time.
Good boys and girls can write a letter to Santa filled with their wishes (and perhaps naughty ones should consider writing one last-minute appeal too!), before capturing the season’s magic with a photo alongside the man in red. Cap off your evening with the sweet WinterFest Wonderland Parade, and be sure to stay for the grand finale float—it’s the perfect ending to an unforgettable night.
→WinterFest at Carowinds // 14523 Carowinds Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28277
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Winter at Whitewater
2024 Dates: November 15 – mid-February, 2025
If you prefer your holidays with a side of adventure, the Whitewater Center has you covered. While it’s best known for its warm-weather activities (like you know, whitewater rafting), don’t let the drop in temperature keep you away. Bundle up and make your way for a cozy day in the great outdoors.
For the best value, purchase a day pass or annual pass, so you can take advantage of all of the wintertime paid activities. With added evening lighting, Wildwoods (for the kiddos) and Off-Leash (for the fur kiddos) will be open into the evening for extended play, and nighttime zip-lining is on the schedule at Canyon Zips.
One of my personal favorite winter activities is back this year—and bigger than ever: Ice Skating. With 4,000 square feet of ice and a rinkside Airstream serving warm drinks, it’s like something out of a Hallmark movie. And while the new Cask Curling may not quite fit that cozy scene, it sounds like fun friendly competition is in store. If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider joining the Whitewater Center’s ice hockey league, attending a Skate and Date event, or running in one of their upcoming races
Not looking to spend extra cash this season? I totally get it. The good news is that once you park, there’s still plenty to enjoy on a budget. The illuminated Winter Trail is even more stunning this year, crossing two suspension bridges and sprinkled with opportunities for fun and discovery. And if you’re still in need of a Christmas tree, swing by the Winter Market for a local one. Hey, would you look at that—two birds!
→U.S. National Whitewater Center // 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
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Camp North End’s Holiday Offerings
2024 Dates: November 22 – January 5, 2025 (some programming offered only on select dates)
A Saturday at Camp North End is always a great time, but things get even merrier in December when the former Ford factory site is transformed into Camp North Pole. The season kicks off with the opening of Pop by VTG CLT, a seasonal pop-up shop featuring goods from local makers and vintage resellers. I always manage to pick up a few unique gifts here, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
Next you’ll notice the installation of an outdoor ice skating rink, where skaters of all ages and levels lace up to take a twirl on the ice. And around this time, you’ll also spot lovingly crafted holiday scenes scattered throughout the site, like photo-ready snow globes and the return of the penguins.
But there’s even more holiday magic packed into the Camp North End calendar, with limited-time events like the Reindog Parade and Blk Mrkt’s Hunnid Dollar Art Fair. But if you can only choose one time to visit, make it a Saturday evening so you can enjoy Mistletoe Market. Local vendors gather all around Camp with a selection of specialty gifts and seasonal treats, making for an evening filled with holiday cheer.
It may be cold outside, but this is one event that always warms my heart. I’ve been attending since my first Christmas in Charlotte in 2019, and it’s become a tradition I look forward to every year!
→Camp North End // 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
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Speedway Christmas
2024 Dates: November 22 – January 5, 2025
How about checking off a bucket list item this holiday season? If you’ve ever dreamed of driving on a NASCAR race track, Speedway Christmas is your chance. While you won’t be able to rev your engine and race around the track, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of over five million twinkling lights as you cruise along the iconic oval.
You might be thinking, “But Alyssa, lights don’t make sound,” and I’m delighted to prove you wrong. Tune your car radio to 101.3 FM, and you’ll see the light displays sync up with the music. It’s hard not to just keep cruising, but from Thursday to Sunday, take a break and park for a stroll through the Christmas Village at the center of the track. There you’ll find festive photo ops, food and craft vendors, activities, a bar, and even restrooms for a quick pit stop (you’re welcome).
Admission to this must-see regional event is priced per vehicle, so round up your friends and neighbors (safely, of course, with seatbelts for everyone!). Want to make a full day of it? Check out my Concord Day Trip Guide for even more ways to enjoy the area.
→Charlotte Motor Speedway // 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027
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Christmas Markets at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten
2024 Dates: Weekends, November 29 – December 22
While I haven’t yet experienced the Christmas markets of Europe (though that’s high on my list—ask me again in a few weeks!), the Christmas Markets at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery are said to offer one of the closest experiences this side of the Atlantic. For four weekends, over fifty local vendors will be set up at the brewery’s Lower South End and Ballantyne locations, offering unique gifts perfect for everyone on your list.
But these markets aren’t just about shopping—they’re a full-on celebration. Enjoy live music, sip on warm Gluhwein or hot cocoa, indulge in delicious bites, and of course, toast to the holidays with a German-inspired beer. With different vendors each weekend, it’s worth stopping by more than once to take in everything this festive event has to offer (check their website for the full schedule of vendors so you don’t miss a favorite!).
→The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten // 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
→The Olde Mecklenburg Restaurant & Biergarten at Ballantyne // 15025 Bowl St, Charlotte, NC 28277
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The Chickadee Hill Farms Annual Tree Festival
2024 Dates: November 29-30 and December 1, 5-8, 12-15
Experience winter charm on the farm at the Chickadee Hill Farms Annual Tree Festival! Now in its fifth year, this event has become a cherished holiday tradition for families throughout the region. Wander along the lighted path as you shop for unique gifts from local vendors, indulge in festive treats, try your hand at carnival games, and enter to win a Christmas tree in the raffle. Plus, little ones will love hopping aboard the train and sharing their holiday wishes with Santa himself.
For an extra-special touch, tickets come with options to add memorable experiences. Meet the adorable miniature rescue ponies, or upgrade to a VIP package that includes champagne and a selection of cheeses. No matter how you choose to enjoy your evening, your visit helps support a great cause—part of every ticket sold benefits Piedmont Animal Rescue, making this festive outing even more meaningful.
→Chickadee Hill Farms Annual Tree Festival // 181 E Monbo Rd, Statesville, NC 28677
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McAdenville’s Christmas Town U.S.A.
2024 Dates: December 2 – 26
The longest-running event on this list takes place just 25 minutes from Charlotte in the charming town of McAdenville, better known as Christmas Town U.S.A. Each December, this North Carolina community comes alive with dazzling holiday lights and festive music, drawing visitors from near and far to revel in the seasonal splendor.
The festivities begin on December 2 with the annual tree lighting ceremony, when a local schoolchild flips the switch to illuminate the town’s breathtaking displays. For nearly a month, McAdenville’s streets transform into a wonderland of twinkling lights, offering 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 light displays are truly impressive—not just for their scale but also for the incredible dedication of the residents who make this tradition possible year after year. However, the event’s popularity is no secret, and with over half a million visitors expected this season, traffic and long lines are to be anticipated. To make the most of your visit, consider coming early in December, preferably on a weekday. Arrive before 5 p.m. if you plan to walk through so you can secure parking and be ready when the lights switch on at 5:30 p.m.
No matter when you choose to visit, please remember, these are residents’ real homes and they should be treated with respect to ensure this treasured tradition continues. Don’t trample through their lawns, and be mindful of where you pause to take in the sights, so everyone can share in the magic of Christmas Town U.S.A.
→McAdenville’s Christmas Town U.S.A. // 212 Wesleyan Dr, McAdenville, NC 28101
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ChristmasVille
2024 Dates: December 5 – 8
At the start of December, Old Town Rock Hill transforms into the enchanting world of ChristmasVille. This South Carolina holiday festival fills the streets with joy and wonder, beginning with an Opening Ceremony and Santa’s grand arrival.
Throughout the weekend, the festival offers a packed calendar of activities sure to delight visitors of all ages. From a gingerbread house contest and historic trolley tours to the Holiday Hounds pet adoption event and sled racing, there’s no shortage of festive fun. Visitors more active than I am can join the Reindeer Romp 5K, while those seeking something more leisurely might enjoy decorating sugar cookies, browsing the artisan and craft market, or taking in a live performance (you’ll probably find me at all three!).
Snack your way through the vendor booths, relax in the beer garden, or indulge in specialty tastings and meals. If you’re a wine enthusiast, the Wonderful, Whimsical Wines: A West Coast Journey ticketed tasting promises to be an unforgettable treat.
Traveling from Charlotte couldn’t be simpler, and once in Rock Hill, getting around is a breeze. The ChristmasVille trolley makes exploring the festival effortless, with convenient stops at the York County Back Lot (Black St/Elk Ave), Wells Fargo Lot, Vendor Market on Caldwell, and Elizabeth Avenue. Running Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., it’s the perfect way to enjoy the event without the hassle of parking.
→ChristmasVille // E Main St, Rock Hill, SC 29730
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Gather & Give Fundraiser from Good Friends Charlotte
2024 Dates: December 12 (registration ends November 27)
A list of holiday events and gatherings wouldn’t be complete without a way to give back, and perhaps one of the loveliest opportunities to do so is through the annual Gather & Give Fundraiser from Good Friends Charlotte. With the donations generated from this fundraiser and other year-round efforts, your support directly aids forty nonprofit community partners in serving more than 3,000 Charlotte area families each year.
Sometimes the small details are the ones that are most vital, so grants from Good Friends provide: security measures for domestic violence survivors, financial stability for those facing unforeseen medical expenses, meals for veterans, laptops and job empowerment training for a brighter future, and summer camp for local children.
Since the women-led nonprofit’s launch in 1987, the swell of support and generosity from the community grows larger and larger every year. More than 1,200 attendees are expected at this year’s Gather & Give fundraiser luncheon at the Charlotte Convention Center; find registration options and donation information here.
→Charlotte Convention Center // 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
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Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park
2024 Date: December 25
Gather the whole family and head to SouthPark for Chabad of Charlotte’s beloved Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park. This annual celebration marks the beginning of the Festival of Lights, offering a memorable evening filled with delicious food, lively music, and engaging entertainment for all ages.
As the sun sets, join thousands of locals for the grand menorah lighting—a moment of unity and tradition. Afterward, the festivities continue with more live performances and an artisan market where you can browse unique local goods, perfect for gifting or treating yourself.
Kids will love the dedicated play area, which promises plenty of fun and festive activities to keep them entertained. Meanwhile, everyone can savor holiday classics like crispy latkes and sweet, pillowy doughnuts—both traditional treats that symbolize the holiday’s rich history.
Best of all, this joyous community event is free and open to the public, making it a must-attend celebration for families, friends, and neighbors.
→Symphony Park // 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
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Free Soup Day
2025 Date: January 1, 2025
There’s no better way to begin a New Year than by attending an event filled to the brim with warmth, community, and abundance: Free Soup Day at Free Range Brewing.
This heartwarming event has become a special tradition since its humble beginnings in 2016, when the brewery team hosted a New Year’s Day gathering for culinary friends. Fast forward to today, and Free Soup Day has grown into a collaboration with over 20 talented local chefs, serving an estimated 3,000 bowls of soup each year.
What makes this event so special is its spirit of giving. The city’s best chefs each work tirelessly to create a special soup or stew to share, and all we have to do is just show up, grab a bowl (or several!), and enjoy the hearty comfort it brings. There’s no admission fee, no purchase requirement—just generosity doled out one ladleful at a time.
For me, Free Soup Day embodies everything I love about Charlotte: a strong sense of community, a thriving culinary scene, and the simple pleasure of coming together to share a meal. Here’s to welcoming the new year in my very favorite way!
→Free Range Brewing // 2320 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
FINAL THOUGHTS ON CHARLOTTE HOLIDAY EVENTS
As the mercury drops, the holiday spirit warms our region, blanketing the Carolinas with twinkling lights and countless opportunities to create memories with friends and family. Amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I hope you find a moment to pause, step away from the rush, and enjoy yourself in one or more of these wonderful community celebrations. This season only comes once a year, after all!
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Questions for you
What is your favorite Charlotte area holiday event?
Does your family have any fun holiday traditions?
Keep your season bright by reading one of these next:
• A Winter Weekend in Boone and Blowing Rock
• A Weekend Guide to Asheville
• The Sweetest Holiday Weekend Getaway to Johnson City, Tennessee
• Dollywood at Christmastime
• The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Charlotte
• Christmas in New York City
• A Winter Getaway to Providence, Rhode Island
• 2024 Carowinds Guide
• All of My Winter Packing Lists
• Every Essential Day Trip from Charlotte
• Holiday Gift Guides
• All Charlotte Guides
• All Travel Guides by Destination
• Checking In: Hotel Reviews
• Shop My Closet
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