Fun and Festive Holiday Events Around Charlotte
We are getting in the holiday spirit over here at Genevieve Williams Real Estate and invite you to celebrate the season with us. From ice skating and tree lightings to gingerbread houses and musical performances, we have rounded up some of our favorite holiday events across Charlotte this year.
For more information on each event, click on the event name.
Parades
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
November 26 at 5:30pm in Uptown Charlotte
The 79th year of the Charlotte Thanksgiving Parade is planned for Thanksgiving Eve again this year. With a route along Tryon Street beginning at 9th Street and ending at Good Samaritan Way, 100,000+ anticipated spectators will be treated to floats, larger-than-life balloons, marching bands, and performers.
Large-Scale Lighting Displays
November 21 - January 4 at Charlotte Motor Speedway
The Southeast’s largest drive-thru holiday light show features more than 5 million lights synchronized to Christmas music on a four-mile course circling the iconic oval, pit road, and infield road course.
November 28 - December 27 at Daniel Stowe Conservancy
This gorgeous botanical garden just outside of Charlotte in Belmont, NC becomes an enchanting winter wonderland with dramatic displays and thousands of lights illuminating the trees, topiaries, and flora.
December 1 - 26 in McAdenville, NC
Visit the town that has been voted as having one of the best light displays in the country and join half a million December visitors along the Main Street route with dozens of residences covered in lights, a tradition that dates back to the 1950s.
Events and Experiences
November 7 - December 23 at the North Carolina Transportation Museum
Inspired by The Polar Express book and movie, the North Carolina Transportation Museum (located about an hour north of Charlotte) invites passengers to board a magical train trip filled with caroling and holiday entertainment bound for the North Pole.
November 13 - 23 at The Park Expo & Confernce Center
This popular seasonal market is the biggest in the city with 400+ vendor booths, countless holiday morsels and sweet treats, a Christmas Tree Lane featuring dozens of fresh Fraser firs decorated by designers in varied styles, and Santa himself.
Mid-November - Mid-February at the Whitewater Center
The Whitewater Center’s beloved open-air ice rink is back for another season of ice skating as well as numerous holiday events, a winter pop-up market, a Christmas tree lot, illuminated walking trails, and winter activities for all ages.
November 26 - January 4 at Truist Field
Uptown Charlotte’s baseball field turns will again be turned into a winter wonderland with an ice rink in the infield, a 10-lane snow tubing slope in right field, holiday lights, shopping, and live entertainment including a chance to meet the big guy himself, Santa.
November 27 in SouthPark
Celebrated as one of the 20 Best Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots in America, Charlotte’s Turkey Trot has been a Thanksgiving tradition for 37 years. In 2025, participants can choose from an 8K Run, a 5K Run/Walk, a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and a 50-yard Tot Trot that all start and finish at SouthPark Mall.
November 28 - January 3 at Carowinds
Carowinds gets into the holiday spirit in a big way thanks to live shows, holiday-themed activities, festive food and drinks, and, of course, your favorite rides for a sleigh full of fun!
Gingerbread Lane and Cocoa House
December 14-28 at The Ballantyne Hotel
One of Charlotte's most luxurious hotels holds an annual gingerbread house contest for professionals, amateurs, and kids. The creations are on display for all to see and you can vote on your favorite and grab a hot chocolate in the life-size gingerbread house during this signature holiday event.
Performances
November 28-29 at Belk Theater
A true holiday favorite, this beloved classic movie features renowned composer John Williams' charming and delightful score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as the entire feature-length film plays on the big screen.
December 5-21 at Belk Theater
An annual tradition by the Charlotte Ballet that tells the unforgettable tale of a young girl who enters a magical wonderful of toy soldiers, sugar plum fairies, and, of course, nutcrackers.
Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony
December 10 at Ovens Auditorium
The world’s biggest-selling soprano and legendary GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist Sarah Brightman brings her new Christmas spectacle to Charlotte this year. Accompanied by an orchestra, choir, and special guests, this enchanting holiday show will feature both Sarah’s holiday classics and greatest hits.
Clara's Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story
December 12-14 at Booth Playhouse
A contemporary twist on the holiday classic "The Nutcracker" filled with visually stunning dance and aerobatics presented by Caroline Calouche & Co.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve
December 13 at Spectrum Center
This award-winning, nationally-touring concert rolls back into Charlotte in December to treat fans to their unique style and rock opera renditions of Christmas music.
December 12-14 at Knight Theater
Celebrate North Carolina’s rich musical heritage with the Charlotte Symphony. Sounds of bluegrass, blues, and gospel converge in traditional holiday songs — honoring our ties to Hannukah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas — that feel uniquely like Carolina.
Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert
December 18 at Knight Theater
Experience the joy of Hanukkah and the spirit of the Festival of Lights with the Charlotte Symphony featuring cantors and a children’s choir from local congregations, music from across the centuries, and a lively sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
December 23-28 at Belk Theater
With magnificent sets inspired by by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations and featuring hit songs from the original animated series, you will be delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical about the true meaning of Christmas.
What holiday events do you have on your calendar this year? Let us know in the comments so we can add them to our list!