The holidays have arrived, and whether you enjoy the cold, prefer to stay warm, or are simply looking for something to do this holiday season, Charlotte has something for everyone! Read on to explore the many places to celebrate the holidays in and around Charlotte!
Carowinds WinterFest | November 17th - January 1st
Gather the whole family at Carowinds’ WinterFest, the area’s most enchanting holiday attraction with a sleigh-full of fun things to do. Listen to your favorite holiday singalongs and smell the sweet aromas of freshly baked treats as you walk through the winter wonderland. Find unique gifts at their specialty shops, play holiday-themed games, and catch the season’s best live shows and entertainment.
Speedway Christmas | November 17th - January 7th
Presented by Atrium Health, Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas is one of the largest holiday drive-through shows in the Southeast. With more than five million Christmas lights, a four-mile-long course, and synchronized music and light displays, you don’t want to miss this. Open daily from 6-10 PM, except Christmas Eve, you can visit this holiday attraction all season long.
Founders Holiday Ice Rink | November 18th - January 15th
Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the heart of downtown Rock Hill where there is a real outdoor ice rink. This will be perfect for family outings, date nights, and weekend fun throughout the holiday season. After a skate, grab dinner nearby and stroll Main Street lit up in holiday lights.
Visit the U.S. National Whitewater Center | Mid-November - Mid-February
If you’re looking to get outside and enjoy the cold weather, visiting the U.S. National Whitewater Center is a must. With its expansive outdoor ice skating rink, a walking trail of lights, and weekly activities, there is something for everyone.
Light the Knights | through January 1st
The 4th Annual Light the Knights Festival, together with Truist, is now open at Truist Field. Enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, shopping, holiday treats, tens of thousands of lights, decor, and more this year. It's everything you need for a fun-filled day out.
Christmas Town USA | December 1st - 26th (5:30 to 10 p.m.)
This is the 68th year that McAdenville, North Carolina has been known as “Christmas Town USA.” Every winter, this small town transforms into a festive, twinkling wonderland, dotted with thousands of lights, dramatic displays, and a spirited Main Street. Come ready to take a drive or stroll and be filled with the holiday spirit.
Gingerbread Lane | December 11rd - 24th
The Ballantyne Hotel will be displaying sweet gingerbread creations from bakers of all skill levels and offering hot cocoa and other festive refreshments from a life-size gingerbread hut. This free event runs from December 1st through the 26th and is open from 11 AM- 7 PM daily. If you would like to vote on your favorite entry, the cost is a minimum donation of $1 to benefit Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.
Drive Thru Menorah Lighting | December 13th
Head to SouthPark for a spectacular Scissor Lift Menorah Lighting near Symphony Park. Guests will remain in their cars during the event which will feature music, donuts, refreshments, and exciting Chanukah activities.
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting | December 12th
The Ballantyne Jewish Center presents its annual menorah lighting complete with latkes and donuts, festive music, hot drinks, fun Chanukah crafts, and more.
Sun City Canhukah Celebration | December 14th
A menorah lighting, delicious dinner, latkes, donuts, and more will be available at this festive event held by the Jewish Learning & Heritage Club of Sun City. Ticket details and RSVP information can be found on their website.
Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade | December 16th
Back for its 5th year, this parade celebrates the holiday season and lights up the northern part of Lake Norman. Money collected this season will benefit two organizations: Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Home Hope of Mooresville. Come to the lake to dive into the holiday spirit.
From everyone here at Helen Adams Realty, have a safe and happy holiday season!