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 21st - January 1st, 2023
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. You will love the lavish decorations, live holiday entertainment, and shimmering lights on one of the area’s largest Christmas trees.
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 new walking trail of lights, and weekly activities, the U.S. National Whitewater Center has something for everyone. Ice skating is available from mid-November to mid-February, and features 4 distinct skating areas for skaters of all skill levels. Their brand-new light program includes over 50 installations across a half-mile walking trail throughout the Ridge and Canyon trails. Plan your visit on their website today!
Speedway Christmas | November 18th - January 8th
Presented by Atrium Health, Charlotte Motor Speedways Christmas is one of the largest holiday traditions in the Charlotte area. With four million Christmas lights, a four-mile-long course, and synchronized music and light displays, you don’t want to miss this! Open November 18 through January 8 from 6-10 PM, with the exception of Christmas Eve, you can visit this holiday attraction all season long. Read more and purchase your tickets on their website.
Gingerbread Lane | December 3rd - 26th
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.
ChristmasVille | December 1st - 4th
Rock Hill’s famous ChristmasVille is back from December 1st-4th! This 4-day affair kicks off with the opening ceremony at Fountain park featuring the Winthrop RockHettes on Thursday, December 1st, followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony at Winthrop University and Christmas parade on Friday, December 2nd. With over 60 events and activities, an expansive pop-up market filled with items from local crafters, plenty of food, and a visit from Santa, ChristmasVille is a great place to get into the holiday spirit! Learn more and see all of the different events and activities here!
Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade | December 17th
The 4th annual Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade is back! This nautical parade celebrates the holiday season and lights up the northern part of Lake Norman. The parade will begin at 5:30 PM and follow the usual parade route of Blythe Landing to Ramsey Creek to the Duke Explorium. Food trucks will be at the Explorium as well as the toy donation collection for Little Smiles of North Carolina.
Ballantyne Jewish Center Menorah Lightings | December 19th and 21st
Join The Ballantyne Jewish Center for their annual menorah lighting ceremonies in StoneCrest and Waxhaw! This will be StoneCrest’s 9th annual ceremony and Waxhaw’s 8th! The StoneCrest lighting will be held at the Fountain Plaza on December 19th and the Waxhaw lighting will be located at 111 E North Main Street on December 21st. Both events are free and will have music, delicious food such as latkes and donuts, and plenty of activities for the whole family!
From all of us here at Helen Adams Realty, have a safe and happy holiday season!