The holidays are here, and it’s officially the season to be merry in the Queen City! With all that 2020 has brought about, you may be anticipating a holiday season that is a little different than years past. However, there is still much to look forward to with regards to holiday celebrations around Charlotte as many are saying “On with the show!”, but with a socially-distanced twist. Here are our picks for the top 10 holiday events in the Charlotte area.
Here is our round-up of the top 10 holiday events in the Charlotte-metro area that are sure to get you and yours in the holiday spirit.
1. Buckle-Up and Enjoy the (Light) Shows
What: From the festive Light Balls of Hillside Avenue in Myers Park to the festive home light displays in McAdenville, there is no shortage of Christmas lights for you to check out this holiday season. The best part about this activity: it is 100% free and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car.
When: Varies by location.
Where: McAdenville’s Christmas Lights | Drive down Hillside Avenue in Myers Park
Lights at the US National Whitewater Center – Leave your car for this event. Lights are free, but parking is $6.
2. Cut Down your own Christmas Tree
What: Calling all the Clark Griswolds! What better way to jumpstart your Christmas spirit than by loading up the car and heading to a Christmas tree farm for some good family fun. Along with cutting down your own tree, some farms also offer hayrides, hot chocolate, food, gifts, and more. Be sure to check with the farm you choose as COVID guidelines and requirements may vary.
When: Varies based on farm.
Where:
- Pine Top Farm – Salisbury, NC (Distance from Charlotte: 46 minutes)
- Grovestone Christmas Tree Farm – Albermarle, NC (Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour and 6 minutes)
- Grace Tree Farm – Denver, NC (Distance from Charlotte: 37 minutes)
- Almond Christmas Tree Farm – Albermarle, NC (Distance from Charlotte: 52 minutes)
- Penland Christmas Tree Farm – York, SC (Distance from Charlotte: 47 minutes)
3. Drive Through a Speedway Christmas
What: Race into the holiday season with a visit to the 11th edition of Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which has the socially distanced benefit of being a drive-through event with more than 4 million lights along the 3.75-mile course. The cost is just $25-$35 per car depending on the day of the week and you can tune in to 101.3 FM to listing to the displays’ accompanying Christmas music.
When: November 21st – January 17th
Where: 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord, NC 28027
4. Enjoy Ice Skating at the Whitewater Center
What: For the past few months, the U.S. National Whitewater Center has been open at reduced capacity and its holiday attractions, which debuted in 2019, are set to return as well. The Whitewater Center offers an ice-skating experience like no other on a 17,000-square-foot upper pond or you can explore the ice trail beginning in November. Looking to warm up after spending the day on-ice? Stop by the on-ice Airstream for hot cocoa and more. Take in all the beautiful Christmas lights at the center for free or purchase an activity pass to go all-in with the holiday festivities.
When: November – February
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center – 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28214
5. All Aboard the Tweetsie Railroad
What: A two-hour drive from Charlotte, Tweetsie Railroad is the perfect location to celebrate the holiday season as it transforms into a winter wonderland for Tweetsie Christmas. The site offers a three-mile trek through the Appalachian Mountains, live shows, amusement rides, and more. Tweetsie Railroad has been in operation since 1957, and organizers say they plan to bring back its Christmas attractions, though with socially distant guidelines. This means no crowding, but reservations are required. The winter wonderland version of the park is $44 for adults, $38 for kids (ages 3-12), and free for those 2 and under. Hours and days vary; check their website for more info.
When: Select evenings, November 13th – December 31st
Where: 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
6. Take a Stroll Through Holidays at the Garden
What: Grab your friends and family, and head to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for their annual “Holidays at the Garden.” The gorgeous, sprawling display is returning this year, but in a slightly smaller capacity. You will still be able to enjoy your wintertime favorites, take in the lights of the Piedmont Prairie, stroll among the blossoming cherry trees, grab a bite from the food trucks or roast a marshmallow beside a warm fire. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Garden will not host live entertainment, sadly Santa will not be visiting, and certain displays may be closed to protect the health and safety of guests. Tickets for adults, seniors (65+) and children (ages 2-12) can be bought in advance through this link.
When: November 27th – January 3rd
Where: The Belmont Garden- 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont, NC 28012
7. Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne
What: Each year, The Ballantyne hosts “Gingerbread Lane,” a competition where participants can craft gingerbread houses that the hotel displays and visitors can vote on throughout the holiday season. There’s a $1 donation per entry; all proceeds benefit Levine Children’s Hospital. This year, visitors can view the gingerbread masterpieces inside the hotel’s spacious Carolina Room to allow for social distancing, as well as having the option to donate online. The Gingerbread Hut sells hot cocoa and is open during the same hours (Dec. 4-27, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.). Masks are required for all visitors.
When: December 4th – 27th
Where: The Ballantyne – 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pwky., Charlotte, NC 28277
8. Tune-In to a Virtual Christmas Carol
What: The Charlotte Cirque and Dance Center, a school headed by aerial and contemporary dance figure Caroline Calouche, will be showing a modern interpretation of the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.” The live virtual show will run Dec. 19-20, and the center will broadcast it from the school. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online.
When: December 19th – 20th
Where: Online
9. Sip & Stroll Through the Fourth Ward
What: Grab your coats and step outside to celebrate the season with a festive evening stroll through Historic Fourth Ward. This self-guided, porch-crawl-style tour of exuberantly decorated homes will include seasonal music, carriage rides, and food & beverage tastings in the most walkable and picturesque Victorian-era heart of the neighborhood. Due to COVID-19, capacity will be strictly limited with day-specific tickets that may be purchased online only for $20 each.
When: December 3rd – 5th
Where: Historic Fourth Ward, Charlotte, NC
10. Celebrate Hanukkah in Charlotte
What: Drive-up Menorah lightings, Chanukah Wonderland, and more.
When: Hanukkah begins the evening of Thursday, December 10th, 2020, and ends the evening of Friday, December 18th.
Where: From Lake Norman to South Charlotte, there are many Hanukkah celebrations taking place throughout December. See a great list of events here.
We hope you enjoy these top 10 holiday events in the Charlotte area this December. We wish you and yours a joyful, safe, and healthy holiday season.
