Ho-ho-hold on to your jingle bells—it's time to unwrap the magic of the holiday season! Charlotte and the surrounding areas are brimming with festive fun, from twinkling lights and cheerful parades to cozy markets and joyful gatherings. Whether you're ready to sleigh all day or just want to sprinkle in some seasonal cheer, our 2024 Holiday Event Guide is your go-to for family festivities that will keep spirits bright. Grab your cocoa and start making those merry memories!
Keep checking back because as more events are planned we will be adding them here. This is your one-stop for all things holiday fun in the QC. A special thank you to our friends at Atrium Health Levine Children’s for making this guide possible.
If all the holiday festivities leave you or your family feeling less than jolly, Atrium Health Levine Children’s is here to get you back to feeling merry & bright. Check out their blog to help your family prepare for sick season and this blog to know where to go for the right type of medical care.
From our Macaroni Kid family to yours, we wish you a happy, fun, and healthy holiday season!
Season’s Top Pick
December 5, 2024
7:00 PM
Free event
Everyone is invited to shine a light on the kids at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital and share love with our community. We’ll shine flashlights and the patients will shine back, this is an evening of light, love, and a lot of fun! Parking is available free of charge in the new parking deck located in front of Levine Children's Hospital.
Holiday Shows
Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
November 22-December 22, 2024
Tickets start at $22
The Herdmans are ready to wreak havoc! What happens when the “worst kids in the history of the world” find out about free food at Sunday school? What if they decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant? This hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy, adapted from Barbara Robinson’s classic story, will have your family laughing and crying as we celebrate the holidays.
Charlotte Ballet: Nutcracker, Belk Theater
December 6-22, 2024
Tickets start at $32
Celebrate the sights and sounds of the holidays at Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker! This unwavering holiday spectacular is complete with extravagant sets and costumes, the treasured Tchaikovsky score and, of course, a magnificent snowfall on the Belk Theater stage.
The 70th Annual Singing Christmas Tree, Halton Theater
December 14-15, 2024; times vary by date
Tickets start at $20
Carolina Voices presents a celebration of holiday entertainment at The 69th Annual Singing Christmas Tree! The warm sounds of the season will fill the CPCC Dale F. Halton Theater with soaring voices (on a specially designed tree!) performing all your favorite Christmas music! Bring the whole family for one of Charlotte’s longest-running Christmas productions!
Cirque de Noel, Knight Theater
December 19-22, 2024
Tickets start at $37.50
The circus meets the symphony! Back with a fresh show filled with awe-inspiring acrobatics and musical holiday favorites, this event will fill your family with the wonder of the season.
The Nutcracker, Halton Theater
December 21-22, 2024
Tickets start at $15
Enjoy a family-friendly performance of The Nutcracker presented by the Harris YMCA Dance Company this holiday season. There are many show options to choose from at the perfect value for a family tradition!
Clara's Trip, Booth Playhouse
December 27-29, 2024
Tickets start at $35
A contemporary twist on a holiday classic; this aerial and dance performance is great for the whole family.
Elf, the Musical, Belk Theater
December 26-29, 2024
Tickets start at $35
ELF The Musical is the hilarious modern Christmas classic about Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. This must-see Broadway holiday production is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.
A Christmas Carol, Booth Playhouse
November 26, 2024; 8PM
Tickets start at $30
Presented in an innovative manner by the talented members of the NETC Theatre Club, this timeless classic promises a unique experience for audiences of all ages.
Holiday Shopping
Southern Christmas Show at Park Expo
November 14-24, 2024
Tickets start at $18
It’s a Charlotte classic and a holiday must.
Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field + Christmas Market
November 27-January 3, 2025
Tickets start at $14.37
Lights, snow, Christmas trees, holiday treats, ice skating, and the expanded Snow Tubing Hill, presented by Atrium Health Levine Children's, with more lanes than ever before! Shop in the Christmas Village for unique handmade gifts and more. Tickets are required.
College Hockey at Truist Field
- Thursday, November 21: Duke (home) vs. Vanderbilt [BUY TICKETS]
- Friday, November 22: UNCC (home) vs. App State [BUY TICKETS]
- Saturday, November 23: NC State (home) vs. South Carolina [BUY TICKETS]
- Saturday, January 4: UNC (home) vs. Virginia Tech [BUY TICKETS]
North Carolina Christmas Extravaganza
November 30th - December 1, 2024 from 1-4pm
The perfect way to skip out on big box stores this Black Friday and choose to support SMALL on Small Business Saturday at this two-day show at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center!!
OMB’s Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) is a truly unique experience unlike any other in the Charlotte area. We transform our Biergarten into a German-style Christmas Village with traditional huts for shopping, holiday music, and tons of lights. Santa photos will be available as well, check the website for days and times. Both locations will be hosting this year - so check out South End or Ballantyne.
Select weekends November 29 - December 22nd
All holiday season long you can experience the best of South End and local, small business. Check the website for details on which business is hosting Santa or running holiday specials.
Holiday Market at the Greenway
December 7, 2024
Shop our Winter Holiday Market to enjoy cool weather, delicious items from the Gateway Canteen, a scenic area of the Greenway and local shopping. 50 vendors will feature locally made goods, including but not limited to home décor, candles, soaps, holiday gifts and family items. A gift wrapping station will be on-site. Also, get ready to meet the new members of the Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm at the farm animal photo station! Stick around for live music from 3-8pm!
The Gateway Canteen will be selling s’mores kits at the s’mores station. Meals and snacks, in addition to hot drinks, including loose-leaf tea and lattes. Fuel your shopping with one of the Canteen’s signature drinks of peppermint hot chocolate or a Yule Mule for adults 21+.
Mistletoe Market at Camp North End
First three Saturdays in December: 7, 14, 21 from 3-8 pm
Join us for some of the most magical nights of the year. All are welcome to eat, drink, shop, and be merry at Camp with friends, fam, and lovers in tow.
Matthews Mainline; Downtown Matthews
December 14, 2024 11-5 pm
Shopping from over 100 of the best local businesses, food trucks, holiday cheer!
Christmas Tree Lightings and Celebrations
Town of Weddington Christmas Tree Lighting
November 22, 2024 at 5 pm
Food trucks, singing, and loads of family fun, culminating in tree lighting.
Piedmont Town Center Tree Lighting
November 22 at 6:00 PM
The free family event will feature face painting, cookie making, train rides, pictures with Santa, and much more! Be sure to join us for all the festivities!
All is Bright: Blakeney Town Center Tree Lighting
November 23, 2024 at 3-6:00 PM
This magical evening will be filled with FREE family fun, including photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, balloon artistry, face painting, crafts, delicious hot cocoa, and even a chance to explore a real-life fire truck!
Town of Waxhaw Touch-a-Truck and Tree Lighting at the New Downtown Park
November 23, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Come out and enjoy a hands-on experience with dozens of cool vehicles, equipment, and heavy machinery including Police Cars, Fire Trucks, and many more! Santa will be making an appearance at the Downtown Park this year! Families are welcome to come visit Santa during his short visit here in Waxhaw and take a photo with him! While on-site, be sure to enjoy hot chocolate and sweet treats. Sensory Hour - 3 p.m - 4 p.m
Annual Union County Christmas Parade
November 24 at 2:00 PM
The Union County Christmas Parade in downtown Monroe. This long-held tradition is an exciting opportunity for families, friends, businesses, and local governments to gather in the spirit of community and holiday celebration. The Alliance for Children hosts the parade each year as its fundraiser to support programs that have a lasting impact on our youngest children.
Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Tree Lighting
November 26 at 5:00 PM
While this is a free event, tickets are required. Marking the 11th year of the Tree Lighting Festival, and the 3rd with Charlotte FC since the franchise's inception, this year's festival returns to the corner of Mint Street and Graham Street outside of Bank of America Stadium
December 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bring your holiday spirit to our annual Christmas Parade! The Parade will step off at Post office Drive and travel down Indian Trail Road to Old Monroe Road.
December 5 - 8, 2024
Get ready for a weekend filled with festive activities, enchanting decorations, delicious treats, and heartwarming memories that will last a lifetime.
December 6, 2024 at 6:30 PM
The parade begins at Oakland Ave and ends at Fountain Park.
Make memories in downtown Rock Hill for the 2023 Rock Hill Christmas Parade!
Indian Trail Winterfest and Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6 at 6 - 9:00 PM
Love Winter season? We will have free hot chocolate, sledding, photos with Santa, and our annual tree lighting!
Town of Monroe Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7, 3-8 PM
The Monroe Parks and Recreation Department's Annual Christmas On Main event! Be sure to bring the entire family as we light the Christmas Tree and welcome the holiday season.
December 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM
The parade features local schools, officials, churches, businesses, scouts, queens, and of course, Santa & more! Filming of the parade for Comporium Channel 115 takes place in front of the Fort Mill Fire Station at 121 Tom Hall Street. Emcees for the event, David Ward, local Historian, and Rachel Richardson, CN2 News, will introduce each entry as they pass this location.
Christmas in the Park - Stallings Municipal Park
December 7, 2024; 3 - 6:00 PM
Join us for a magical afternoon of holiday cheer at our much-anticipated Christmas in the Park event on Saturday, December 7th! Bring your family and friends to experience the joy of the season! Tree lighting is at 5:45 and there will be food trucks and activities for the whole family prior.
December 8, 2024 at 3:00 PM
This locals favorite parade feature local school marching bands, entries and floats by 70 businesses and members of the community and an appearance from a special guest from the North Pole! Announcers cover the entire parade route to make sure that you hear all of the details surrounding the fun entries passing by. The theme for 2023 is "Merry & Bright!"
Mint Hill Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
December 7 at 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Join the town of Mint Hill, downtown, for a special nighttime parade featuring local businesses, organizations, bands, and of course, Santa. The parade will travel down Matthews-Mint Hill Road from Bain School to the Mint Hill Library. Santa will leave after the parade and return to Town Hall for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
Indian Land Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
December 14 at 4:00 PM
Come and enjoy the festivities as we prepare our community for the holiday season. Don't forget to bring your family and friends to meet Santa Claus, who is eagerly waiting to see you at the parade.
2024 Village of Lake Park Christmas Tree Lighting
December 8 from 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Family fun featuring: music, carriage rides, a Christmas carousel, a bounce house and special appearances by: Santa Clause, Mrs. Clause, The Grinch, Buddy the Elf and free doughnuts & hot chocolate.
Waverly Wonderland
DATE and INFO TBD
December to Remember at Promenade on Providence
DATE and INFO TBD
Carolina Holiday Lights Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard
December 5-29, 2024; 5:00-10:00 PM daily
Bring your friends and family and immerse yourself in the wonder of the season with over a million Christmas lights along a half-mile walking trail. $28 for trail and $12 for the Alpine Slide.
Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade
December 21 at 5:30 - 7:00 PM
The parade route has GROWN! Starting at Blythe Landing, then head to Ramsey Creek, from there we head to a new cove at the Peninsula and then have the finale at the Duke Energy Explorium with food trucks and Santa!
Menorah Lightings & Hanukkah Celebrations
Family Chanukkah Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog
December 1, 2024 at 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Tickets start at $12; registration is required.
Join us for a Hanukkah celebration featuring a morning filled with a delightful breakfast, activities, and lots of fun with Clifford the Big Red Dog.
TBD
Join the town of Matthews as they welcome Hanukkah and light the menorah.
December 26, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Free fun for the family in Waxhaw - come light the lights and celebrate Hanukkah!
Miscellaneous Holiday Lights & Fun for the Family
Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health
November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tickets start at $35
We love the speedway lights! It gets crowded so plan to be in the car for a while. We like to go on New Year's Eve, after the holiday, when it's less crowded and still as much fun.
Select Nights November 15, 2024 - January 4, 2025
Tickets start at $32.99
Check out the lights, stay late for the parade, and rent an "igloo" for hot cocoa and treats! Carowinds is converted into a winter wonderland and holiday light spectacular.
Winter at the Whitewater Center
Mid-November through mid-February
Tickets start at $25
From the Winter Trail, Ice Skating and Winter Market (with Christmas Trees), to new activations for kiddos and pups alike at Wildwoods and Off Leash, celebrate Winter at Whitewater.
Outdoor Skating in Union County
November 25, 2024 - January 20, 2025; Daily (except some holidays) 1:30 - 9:15 PM
6467 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail
$12 per hour, includes skate rental
Gingerbread Lane at the Ballantyne Hotel
December 15-28, 2024
Come for the houses, stay for the cocoa! Dress up or down, this is one of our family favorites during the holidays. This wonderful event benefits Atrium Health Levine Children's. Read more about it here.
Wild Lights at the Riverbanks Zoo
Select evenings November 15, 2024 - January 12, 2025
Tickets start at $21
This is a not-to-miss experience for the kiddos. I love it!
November 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-30, and December 1, 6-8, 12-23
Tickets start at $40
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers are entertained by a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic, The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers deboard to watch Santa present the first gift of Christmas. Before exiting the train at Candy Cane Lane, all passengers who BELIEVE will receive their own sleigh bell.
Christmastown USA ~ McAdenville
December 2-26
5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Some of the best light displays in the Carolinas, you won't want to miss it. Park nearby and walk or drive through. If you walk, however, you'll be able to hit the side streets. It's a family favorite. Tree lighting is December 2nd and the Yule Log parade is December 12th.
Jingle Bowl at the Bowl in Ballantyne
December 6, 2024 from 5 - 8 PM
Join us for a festive evening at The Jingle Bowl! On Friday, December 6 from 5 to 8 p.m., celebrate the holiday season with fun for everyone. Enjoy free selfies with Santa, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, Frozen princesses, s'mores, a live DJ and more!
December 13, 2024 at 6 PM
Join us for a night of family fun at the 2nd Annual Mint Hill Mingle & Jingle. Featuring The Polar Express on the big screen, train rides around the park, snacking on popcorn and hot chocolate as well as holiday crafts. Santa Claus will make an appearance after picking up his letters at Town Hall.
Tuesdays - Sundays, November 29 - December 29, 2024 from 5:00 - 10:00 PM
Winter will glisten with dazzling lights, sparkling fountains, and holiday décor throughout the Garden this season. Gather with family around the warmth of an outdoor fire while kids, young and old, delight in making s’mores. Grab a snack at our food trucks and a warm beverage. Shop at The Garden Store for gifts for everyone on your list. Take your picture in front of the Orchid Tree located outside the Great Hall.
December 2 - 23; Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. / Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Experience Christmas at the Billy Graham Library with a live Nativity, petting zoo, carriage rides, story time and more. Entry is free but activity pricing varies. Visit the website for more information.
And for some outdoor fun of your making, make sure to check out our Snow Tubing Guide.
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Many thanks to our friends at Atrium Health Levine Children's for sponsoring this guide.
