NORAD Is Helping You Track Santa Again This Christmas
We’ve all wondered how he does it. How in the world does Santa Claus manage to visit every house with a child in it in just one night? Well, thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, you can see it happen for yourself.
For over 60 years, NORAD has used its state-of-the-art technological resources to track Santa as he makes his journey around the world. This year will be no different.
According to NewsNation, the tradition began by accident in 1955 when a young girl called the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center in Colorado Springs hoping to speak with Santa. An ad in her local newspaper had misprinted the phone number, so many children ended up calling the Air Force that night.
Although NORAD doesn’t start tracking Santa until he leaves the North Pole on Christmas Eve, the government agency’s website — NORADSanta.org — is set to go live on December 1st. It has all kinds of information and Christmas activities kids can do while they’re waiting for the big day to arrive.
Children will also be able to check on Santa’s whereabouts by phone at 1-877-HI-NORAD. The NORAD Tracks Santa Program Manager, Lt. Sean Carter, says they received more than 53,000 calls on Christmas Eve last year.
13 Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms In North Carolina
Maybe it’s the love I have for Christmas Vacation (because that movie would obviously make you romanticize getting a Christmas tree). Or Taylor Swift’s Christmas Tree Farm that is stuck in my head as I write this. But something has always seemed so magical to me about driving in the snow to pick out that most perfect of trees. Instead, my holiday tradition, which I still love because well it’s tradition, involves a shopping center lot. that doesn’t mean I can’t dream about what it would be like, eyes frozen shut and all, to cut my own Christmas tree. In hindsight, the fact that I shouldn’t be trusted with a saw could be a deterrent. But if you’d like to cut your own Christmas tree in North Carolina there are several options.
These include deep in the mountains, or closer to home near Charlotte. And these are family affairs for sure. Most of the 13 options listed below include Christmas trees (of course). But they also have Santa, hot chocolate, hayrides, shopping, and other activities. So if you think you’re going to be driving hours to spend 20 minutes finding a tree only to turn around a go home think again. You could also easily make a weekend out of some of these destinations as well. So maybe it’s time to make some new family traditions this year and skip the Walmart trees. Check out 13 places to cut your own Christmas tree here in North Carolina! (Ok a couple are technically South Carolina but we are going with distance from Charlotte!).
2022 Ultimate List Of Holiday Events In The Charlotte North Carolina Area
Thanksgiving is next week means it’s almost time for Christmas! I can already hear the chiming of the jingle bells and Mariah Carey belting ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’. In fact, the Queen City Christmas events are already in full swing! We are starting quickly. And with so many different events from parades to festivals to concerts to shopping and lights, it can be overwhelming. But we are here to help you make plans to get everything done this holiday season. Below you’ll find the ultimate list of Holiday events in the Charlotte area. Many are free and family oriented. Some are adults only. And some require tickets. But all offer a fun chance to get in the spirit of the season. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Here is the order in which you will find events:
- Lights Displays and Major Events
- Train Rides
- Parades
- Ice Skating
- Tree Lightings
- Holiday Shows, Performances, and Concerts
- Christmas Shows, Shopping, Craft Shows, Bazaars
- Town & Neighborhood Christmas Festivals
- Holiday 5Ks
**This list will be continuously updated throughout the holiday season**
Have an event you’d like included on this list? Email full info to Melanie.Day@bbgi.com.
Happy Holidays!
The Ultimate List of Holiday Events In The Charlotte Area
Lights Displays and Major Events
Light The Knights
Where: Truist Field Uptown Charlotte
When: November 23rd through January 6th
What: A walkthrough holiday lights exhibit, holiday shopping at the Charlotte Christmas Village, ice skating rink, and snow tubing.
Cost: Daily admission varies by activity and ranges from $10-$35 season passes are also available
Holidays At The Garden
Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Belmont
When: November 25th through December 31st
What: The garden is decorated with dazzling lights and holiday décor, s’mores at an outdoor fire, and food trucks.
Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for children
Speedway Christmas
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYM8Ux1PYxG/
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway Concord
When: November 18th-January 8th
What: Four million lights strewn across a four-mile course, with displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music and a Christmas Village with rides, animals, movies on the in-field, and more.
Cost: $40 per car (up to 15 people) buses and express lane extra
McAdenville
Where: McAdenville (between I-85 and US-74)
When: December 1st-26th
What: McAdenville is known as Christmastown USA, the town is completely decorated in Christmas lights. Visitors can drive through or walk through the displays which encompass a 1.3 miles route.
Cost: FREE
Winterfest at Carowinds
Where: Carowinds Charlotte
When: Select nights from November 21st through January 1st
What: Holiday light displays with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and select attractions.
Cost: Tickets start at $32 per person, admission is included for season pass holders, some experiences are an additional cost.
Christmas At The Library
Where: Billy Graham Library Charlotte
When: November 28 thru December 23 (Closed on Sundays)
What: Celebrate Christmas with a live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, light displays, delicious treats, carolers, and inspiring Library exhibits.
Cost: Free
Zootastic Park's Christmas Wonderland of Lights
Where: Zootastic Park
When: November 27th-January 4th
What: Drive through a wildlife safari amid a spectacular display of lights at Zootastic Park. With nearly 4 million lights, a S’mores pit, pony rides, petting zoo, Tiger and Giraffe feeding, pictures with Santa and the zoo’s baby animals, and more, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Cost: $7
Train Rides
NC Transportation Museum THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Where: NC Transportation Museum Spencer
When: November 11-12, 18-20, 25-27 and December 2-4, 8-11, 13-23
What: Train ride to “the North Pole” set to the sounds of The Polar Express soundtrack, 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.
Cost: Tickets range from $35 to $390 for VIP tables for 4 people
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Where: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Bryson City
When: November 10th-December 31st
What: A 1¼ hour round-trip train ride from the Bryson City depot through the quiet wilderness for a special visit to the North Pole. The train ride is set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, and guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. The train will arrive at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting who will board the train greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift silver sleigh bell.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by train class, dates, and passenger ages
Tweetsie Christmas
Where: Tweetsie Railroad Blowing Rock
When: November 25, 26, 27 & 30, December 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30!
What: An open air train ride through thousands of lights, Santa’s Gingerbread house, live Christmas shows, and rides.
Cost: Adults $52, Children 3-12 $35, Children 0-2 Free
Parades
Mint Hill Parade
Where: Downtown Mint Hill
When: Saturday, December 3, 2022, 5:30-9:00 pm
What: Annual Christmas parade followed by a Tree Lighting
Cost: Free
Lake Wylie Holiday Boat Parade
Where: Lake Wylie/Papa Docs Shore Club
When: Saturday, Dec 10, 2022 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: Decorated and lighted boats will gather at Papa Doc’s Shore Club and then parade around Lake Wylie.
Cost: Free to attend $25 per boat in advance $30 day of
North Meck Holiday Parade
Where: Main Street in Davidson traveling to Cornelius
When: Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.
What: Annual Christmas Parade
Cost: Free to attend
Belmont Christmas Parade
Where: Historic Downtown Belmont
When: November 29, 2022 3:30 PM
What: Annual Parade through downtown Belmont
Cost: Free to attend
Town of Troutman Christmas Parade
Where: Old Murdock Road Troutman
When: Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 11:00 am
What: Annual Christmas Parade
Cost: Free
Northern Lights of Lake Norman Boat Parade
Where: Mooresville
When: December 10th 5-7:00 pm
What: Lighted boat parade benefiting Hope of Mooresville and Tunnel to Towers
Cost: Donations encouraged
Waxhaw Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Waxhaw
When: December 11 at 3 PM
What: Annual Christmas parade
Cost: Free to attend
Rock Hill Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Rock Hill
When: December 2, 2022 – 6:30 PM
What: Annual Christmas Parade
Cost: Free to attend
Gastonia Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Gastonia and CaroMont Health Park
When: December 4th at 5pm
What: Gaston County Jaycees Christmas Parade followed by the City of Gastonia Vendor Marketplace and the Keep Gastonia Beautiful Tree Lighting
Cost: Free to attend
Kannapolis Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Kannapolis
When: December 10 at 6 p.m.
What: Nighttime Christmas parade
Cost: Free
Indian Land Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Indian Land beginning at Indian Land Middle School
When: December 10th 4pm
What: Christmas Parade
Cost: Free
LNYC Christmas Flotilla & Parade
Where: Hello Sailer Cornelius
When: December 7th
What: Take in this spectacle of floating lights as the Lake Norman Yacht Club members and others deck their boats out for a holiday parade! The best place to watch is at Hello Sailor restaurant in Cornelius, where the boats will pass by around 6:30. The event benefits Toys for Tots, so if you would like to support their efforts, bring a new, unwrapped toy.
Cost: Free
Indian Trail Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Indian Trail
When: December 4th
What: Annual Christmas Parade ending in Chestnut Square Park
Cost: Free
Ice Skating
Whitewater Center
Where: Whitewater Center Charlotte
When: Available mid-November through mid-February.
What: 24,000 sq. ft. of unique skating space split into four distinct skating areas, including two ice trails and two free skate zones.
Cost: $25 per person
Charlotte Knights Stadium
Where: Truist Field Uptown Charlotte
When: November 23rd through January 6th
What: A regulation-size outdoor hockey rink with activities for all to enjoy, including ice skating, learning to play hockey, tournaments, figure skating, and more.
Cost: $25 per person, all activity pass $35, season passes $99
Birkdale On Ice
Where: Birkdale Huntersville
When: November 19 – January 16
What: Outdoor ice rink that will be reservation only
Cost: $18/person includes skates, children under 12 $14 including skates
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Founders Holiday Ice Rink
Where: Old Town Rock Hill
When: November 17th-January 16th
What: Ice skating rink
Cost: $15 covers skate rental & 90 minutes on the ice.
Tree Lightings
Christmas In Huntersville
Where: Downtown Huntersville
When: Saturday, December 2nd 6-9pm (Tree lighting) Sunday, December 3rd 2-8pm
What: Tree lighting, vendors, food and drinks, Santa, children’s rides and activities, holiday performances.
Cost: Free to attend
Mint Hill Tree Lighting
Where: Downtown Mint Hill
When: December 3rd
What: Following the parade tree lighting, visits with Santa, food trucks, entertainment.
Cost: Free
Town of Indian Trail Winterfest and Tree Lighting
Where: Chestnut Square Park
When: December 2nd 6-9pm
What: Santa, holiday inflatables, s’mores by an open fire, a sledding hill, and community tree lighting!
Cost: Free
Belmont Tree Lighting
Where: Downtown Belmont at City Hall
When: Monday, November 28th, 6:30 pm
What: Tree lighting, holiday music, lights, and festivities.
Cost: Free
Harrisburg's Christmas Tree Lighting
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkYJiASOvs6/
Where: Downtown Harrisburg
When: December 2nd 6-8:30pm
What: Tree lighting, food trucks, train rides, and local performances.
Cost: Free
Indian Land Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where: Downtown Indian Land
When: December 10th 6:30pm
What: Tree Lighting and Christmas carols
Cost: Free
Troutman Tree Lighting
Where: Troutman ESC Park
When: December 1st 6pm
What: Tree lighting, hot chocolate and festive tunes.
Cost: Free
Holiday Shows, Performances, and Concerts
Singing Christmas Tree
Where: Halton Theater CPCC Charlotte
When: December 9-11th
What: The warm sounds of the season will fill the CPCC Dale F. Halton Theater as the soaring voices of MainStage Choir (in a 32’ specially-designed tree!) perform all your favorite Christmas music – from the inspirational and sacred, to the traditional, pop, and family classics. The stage will sparkle with whimsical dance, magical tricks, puppetry and special friends.
Cost: $13-$50 per ticket
Charlotte Ballet's Nutcracker
Where: Belk Theater
When: December 9th-23rd
What: 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.
Cost: $30-$131 per ticket
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Musical
Where: McColl Family Theatre Imaginon
When: November 19th- December 22nd
What: 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.
Cost: $16-$26 per ticket
A Christmas Carol
Where: Theater Charlotte
When: December 9th-18th
What: Celebrating its 16th year, this holiday tradition returns to its home on Queens Road with a few new surprises! Return to the streets of London with the classic tale of hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge, haunted by his old partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Along with beloved characters like Fezziwig, Belle, the Cratchits, Fred, and, of course, Tiny Tim, the spirits gradually warm Scrooge’s heart as well as ours.
Cost: Adult – $30, Senior (62+) – $26, Student – $15
Academy of Dance and Fine Arts Nutcracker
Where: Mooresville Performing Arts Center
When: December 4th and 5th
What: The Academy of Dance and Fine Arts Ballet Companies presents our 11th annual Holiday Spectacular to benefit The Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center. Our Saturday Holiday Benefit Show is a holiday variety show with singers and dancers and the Nutcracker Suite to follow. The Sunday Show is the Nutcracker Ballet.
Cost: Adults $20, Children $15, Under 4 Free
Charlotte Symphony Holiday Pops
Where: Knight Theater
When: December 16th-18th
What: Create lasting memories with family and friends at our all-new immersive holiday concert experience! You’ll sing along to classic holiday favorites like “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Joy to the World” with the Charlotte Master Chorale, and be dazzled by newer works like “Christmastime in Charlotte” and “The Polar Express Suite.” Santa joins your Charlotte Symphony on stage to share one of his favorite parts of the season — the spectacular glow of holiday lights — and even brings along an electrifying friend from the North Pole.
Cost: $19-$86 per ticket
Charlotte Youth Ballet Nutcracker
Where: CPCC Halton Theater
When: December 2nd-4th
What: The Charlotte Youth Ballet brings to the stage its 41st annual holiday classic production of Tchaikosvky’s The Nutcracker featuring the choreography of Charlotte legend Gay Porter and Bridget Young.
Cost: $25-$35 per ticket
Holiday Dreams: A Spectacular Holiday Cirque!
Where: Ovens Auditorium
When: December 15th
What: Holiday Dreams, A Spectacular Holiday Cirque! was created with a loving belief that people can come together and experience the magic of the Holidays in a fun, exciting and technologically advanced show for the whole family.
Cost: $45-$90 per ticket
Hip Hop Nutcracker
Where: Knight Theater
When: December 26th and 27th
What: A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season as it returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovksy’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.
Cost: $19.99-$59.99 per ticket
Clara's Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story
Where: Booth Playhouse
When: December 15th-20th
What: A contemporary twist on a holiday classic. Clara attends a holiday party hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Flowers. At the party, she meets Beau and they dance the night away. Only one problem. Clara is a passionate dancer but not the most coordinated. She trips, falls and is whisked off to the hospital to learn that her ankle is broken. That night her friends and get-well gifts swirl in her dreams.
Cost: $30-$45 per ticket
Debbie Gibson's Winterlicious
Where: Knight Theater
When: December 7th
What: Debbie Gibson’s first full length holiday album, Winterlicious, was released on October 21 and her holiday tour of the same name will kick off on November 25. The 14-track album contains a blend of classics, a duet of “White Christmas” with her Daddy Joe, and originals including a duet called “Heartbreak Holiday” with her other favorite Joe, Joey McIntyre.
Cost: $34-$434 (VIP Experience)
Harris YMCA 20th Anniversary Nutcracker
Where: CPCC Halton Theater
When: December 17th and 18th
What: Enjoy a family-friendly performance of The Nutcracker presented by the Harris YMCA Dance Company this holiday season.
Cost: $15-$25 per ticket
The Real Christmas Story Dinner Theater
Where: NarroWay Theater
When: November 5th-December 30th
What: See your favorite Christmas scenes! Hear your favorite Christmas songs! Then watch in awe-stricken wonder as NarroWay beautifully re-creates “The Real Christmas Story.” And enjoy a Christmas dinner.
Cost: Adult with dinner (ages 19 – 54) $44.95, Senior with dinner (ages 55 and above), $42.95Youth with dinner (thru age 18) $24.95
Holiday Brass & Organ
Where: First United Methodist Church
When: November 29th
What: This joyful concert pairs the shimmering sounds of brass with the resplendent tones of First United Methodist Church’s 3,500-pipe organ for a spectacular holiday experience that’s sure to be a musical highlight of the season.
Cost: $15 per person
A Jazzy Soul Christmas
Where: CPCC Halton Theater
When: December 15th
What: Experience “A Jazzy Soul Christmas” with vocalist and national recording artist Rhonda Thomas and the dynamic saxophonist Jeff Spark! Join us for a night of holiday favorites featuring the music of Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway, Nat King Cole and original songs from Rhonda and Jeff!
Cost: $25-$40
Noel & Maria Home For The Holidays
Where: Booth Playhouse
When: November 29th
What: Join Noel & Maria for their 3rd annual holiday show “Home for the Holidays 2022.” On the heels of their 2019 release “Merry Christmas My Dear,” Noel & Maria reinterpret Christmas classics as well as contemporary holiday favorites in an intimate cabaret setting.
Cost: $39.50-$49.50 per ticket
Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet
Where: Ovens Auditorium
When: December 16th
What: This Christmas, bring the whole family back to a simpler time with NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet! The acclaimed holiday tradition is LIVE in theaters for the 30 Anniversary tour. Gather friends and family to re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique.
Cost: $34-$74 per ticket
Handel Messiah
Where: Knight Theater
When: December 2nd-4th
What: Conductor Laureate Christopher Warren-Green returns to the Charlotte stage to lead his world-renowned interpretation of Handel’s Messiah.
Cost: $19-$87
A Soulflo Christmas
Where: Studio 229 on Brevard
When: December 2nd
What: A S.O.U.L.F.L.O. Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year! Join us Friday, December 2, 2022, at Studio 229 in the Historic District of Uptown Charlotte for “A Celebration of Good Yuletide Times and Tunes.” Kick the month off with your favorite holiday classics and back down memory lane melodies with soulful originals to help you get in the Christmas mood. This event is 21+
Cost: $25-$55 for table
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
Where: Knight Theater
When: December 9th-1tth
What: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together again to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Sun Records, now donned with a Christmas tree, garland, and mistletoe, rings with the sounds of the season and the chart toppers that made these four famous.
Cost: $29-$99.50 per ticket
A Very Dave Barnes Christmas
Where: Booth Playhouse
When: December 5th
What: For Dave Barnes, being a musician is like being the author of a Choose Your Own Adventure book. There’s no set path, so instead the singer-songwriter follows his instinct, often veering away from the well-trodden trail for somewhere more unlikely.
Cost: $20-$95 (VIP) per ticket
Adrian Crutchfield For You At Christmas
Where: Studio 229 on Brevard
When: December 7th
What: Join us for this exclusive evening of Christmas Magic and Jazz with Adrian Crutchfield, Wednesday December 7th at 7:00pm, live at Studio 229 on Brevard in Uptown Charlotte! Tis the season so we bring you this exclusive concert.
Cost: $35-$90 per table
Tosco Music Holiday Party
Where: Knight Theater
When: December 19th
What: Come celebrate the season with an evening of festive music and song! Since 2016, Tosco Music returns each December for our Tosco Music Holiday Party. As with all our music parties, the evening will feature more than a dozen performers and plenty of singalongs. Enjoy your favorite holiday classics, traditional Christmas carols, and discover new holiday songs too!
Cost: $18.50-$52.50 per ticket
Cirque De Noel
Where: Knight Theater
When: December 21st-23rd
What: 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.
Cost: $10-$132 per ticket
Jazz & Soul Music A Charlie Brown Christmas
Where: Middle C Jazz Club
When: December 21st and 22nd
What: Experience the classic multi-platinum album played in its entirety in the spirit of The Vince Guaraldi Trio! The Sean Mason Trio and Tyra Scott will perform A Charlie Brown Christmas live along with other jazzy holiday favorites! Join us as we celebrate the holidays and the magic of Christmas with live Jazz interpretations of your favorites including “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmastime is Here”.
Cost: $45 per ticket
Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Swing
Where: Booth Playhouse
When: December 8th-10th
What: JazzArts Charlotte presents the region’s premiere of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
Cost: $38-$45 per ticket
Soulful Noel 10!
Where: Booth Playhouse
When: December 21st-22nd
What: This original musical revue tells the age-old story of the reason for the season. The cast of OnQ creatives re-frame tradition in a contemporary way with classics such as, Christmas Time is Here, Little Drummer Boy, and What Do the Lonely Do. Fill your cup of eggnog with some R&B, Funk, Gospel, Soul, a dash of Noel, and a lot of OnQ!
Cost: $28
Christmas Shows, Shopping, Crafts, Bazaars
Charlotte Christmas Village
Where: Truist Field
When: November 23rd-December 23rd
What: A twinkling European-inspired market located in Charlotte’s Uptown! Charlotte’s “Best Holiday Event” for 3 years!
Cost: $10 per person
Belmont Christmas Village
Where: Downtown Belmont
When: December 3rd
What: Christmas Village is an event that focuses on our downtown shops and restaurants, many of which will be offering special holiday features for the evening. Downtown will be full of music, horse carriage rides, hay rides, and even a carousel so make sure to join us for an evening of festive fun.
Cost: Free
A Holly Jolly Pop Up Market
Where: Carolina Place Mall
When: December 10th-11th
What: Shop small and support local businesses at our pop up market!
Cost: Free
Christmas Buy Black Market
Where: Venue at 8704
When: December 18th
What: Come support up to 30 black owned businesses! T’was the weekend before Christmas!
Cost: Free
Levine Senior Center Holiday Craft Fair
Where: Levine Senior Center Matthews
When: December 5th
What: The Levine Senior Center is having its Annual Holiday Craft Fair! There will be over 25 local vendors featuring one-of-a-kind items, a bake sale, a basket raffle, and a book sale. This event is free to the public. Lunch is available for purchase.
Cost: Free
Girl Tribe Holiday Pop Up
Where: Charlotte Convention Center
When: December 10th and 11th
What: Girl Tribe Pop Up will return to the Charlotte Convention Center on Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th for a full weekend of Holiday shopping showcasing your women-owned brands! Attendees can expect an expertly curated collection of 100+ women-led businesses including premiere boutiques, clothing designers, jewelers, artists and makers that come together to bring you the ultimate day of shopping, one-of-a-kind activations, lots of fun photo moments full of Holiday cheer and so much more.
Cost: $5-$25 (VIP)
Mt. Hope Christmas Market
Where: Mount Hope Church Salisbury
When: December 3rd
What: Annual Christmas Market. Indoor and Outdoor vendors. Crafts and Vendor items.
Cost: Free
December Vendor Night Market
Where: Pilot Brewing
When: December 10th
What: Come out and enjoy a holiday vendor market hosted by Maker’s Market CLT! Vendors will be taking over the Snooze patio and first row of parking spots. Enjoy a food truck and great shopping from local vendors to get all of your holiday shopping done! Food truck and vendors are TBD – stay tuned!
Cost: Free
OMB Christmas Market
Where: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
When: November 25th to 27th, December 2nd to 4th, December 9th to 11th, December 16th to 18th
What: 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, tons of lights, Gluhwein (our spiced wine pronounced “Gloo-vine,”) hot cocoa, festive food, warm fire pits, and of course, there will be plenty of beer, including seasonal favorites Yule Bock and Dunkel!
Cost: Free
Children's Theater The Winter Wonderland Shop
Where: ImaginOn
When: December 1-3
What: The Winter Wonderland Shop, benefiting Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, carries Charlotte’s longstanding tradition as our community’s leading family-centric shopping event. ImaginOn will be full of magic, snowflakes, and a snow-kissed stage. Children up to 12 years old are invited to shop on the Wells Fargo Playhouse stage for pre-wrapped gifts at low-costto give to their loved ones.
Cost: Free to attend, gifts cost between $1-7
Mistletoe Sip and Shop In Downtown Mooresville
Where: Downtown Mooresville
When: December 6th
What: Bring your favorite people and enjoy kicking off the holiday season in the heart of Mooresville. The unique shops and businesses downtown will be offering open houses, store specials, sumptuous sips, yummy appetizers, gifts, treats & more! There will also be a life-sized snow globe for some fun holiday photos, a strolling barbershop quartet, and carolers.
Cost: Free
Town Christmas Festivals
North Carolina Christmas Festival
Where: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
When: December 17th
What: The 2022 North Carolina Christmas Festival is the perfect holiday experience. Free pictures with Santa Claus, free toy giveaway for the kids, free gift wrapping, Christmas coloring & word search, ornament decoration, and more! Vendors, entertainment, and more round out this family friendly, free event. Also featuring Charlotte’s annual “Candycane Hunt.”
Cost: Free
Christmasville Rock Hill
Where: Old Town Rock Hill
When: December 1st-4th
What: Old Town Rock Hill comes alive as a charming, picturesque holiday village and outdoor art festival. With more than 70 events and activities, the award-winning ChristmasVille festival offers horse-drawn carriage rides, historic tours, strolling Dickens carolers, art, theater, dance, music, a gingerbread house contest, multiple Santa activities, and a REAL ice skating rink!
Cost: Free
Christmas In Davidson
Where: Downtown Davidson
When: December 1st-3rd
What: Annual Christmas festival featuring holiday light shows, entertainment, a live nativity, live music, food, holiday shopping, and more.
Cost: Free
Historic Gold Hill Christmas In The Village
Where: Historic Gold Hill
When: December 2nd-4th
What: Looking for a less hectic Christmas experience? Then make Historic Gold Hill your holiday destination by visiting Santa and the Historic Gold Hill merchants Friday, December 2 through Sunday December 4. In the Village you can step back in time and enjoy the season in a lovely, relaxed, quaint setting surrounded by nine unique specialty shops and Mama T’s restaurant. Merchants will offer complimentary light refreshments in their shops, hayrides, marshmallow roasting, live music, and free photo ops with Santa. All activities are free to the public.
Christmas In Cornelius
Where: Old Town Cornelius
When: December 3rd
What: Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of live bands, Christmas carols and choirs, food trucks, craft breweries, holiday kids activities and even a visit from Santa himself!
Cost: Free
Festival of Trees
Where: Downtown Belmont
When: November 28th-all of December
What: Join us in downtown Belmont as businesses along Main Street and Stowe Park are filled with a display of festive trees decorated by local schools and non-profit organizations for all to enjoy throughout the month of December.
Cost: Free
4th Ward Sip & Stroll
Where: 4th Ward Uptown Charlotte
When: December 1st-3rd
What: Celebrate the season with a festive outdoor evening stroll through Historic Fourth Ward, beautifully decorated for the holidays! This self-guided, porch-crawl-style tour will include delicious food and beverage tastings (while they last), seasonal live music, Ride Charlotte golf cart rides, and carriage rides (Thurs/Fri Only) (first-come, first-served) in the most walkable and picturesque Victorian-era heart of the neighborhood.
Cost: $30-$60
Holiday Light Spectacular Ballantyne
Where: Ballantyne’s Backyard
When: December 12th-31st
What: Walk Through The Magic Of The Holidays. 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.
Cost: $15-$35 (VIP) per ticket
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights
Where: Village Park Kannapolis
When: November 20th-December 30th
What: Come to Village Park and enjoy all the beautiful lights and displays in celebration of the holidays. Area choirs and school groups will perform on select evenings between 6 and 8 pm (December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15). Bring your wish list for your visit with Santa – you are welcome to take your photo with him at no charge. Other activities include making a holiday craft, enjoying smore’s around the fire pit and much more. Local craft and artisans be on hand on the weekends so come prepared to do your Christmas shopping. Food trucks will have food and drinks for sale.
Cost: Free
Downtown Mooresville Holiday Light Spectacular
Where: The lawn at Mooresville Town Hall
When: November 26th-Christmas
What: An orchestrated light show with 115,000+ lights set to music. The show takes place on the lawn at Town Hall, 413 N. Main Street, every evening beginning at 5:30. It’s fun for the kids (and adults!) and is a perfect way to start a night downtown.
Cost: Free
A Classic Christmas in Mooresville
Where: Broad & Mainstreets Mooresville
When: December 13th and 20ths
What: This annual Friday night holiday celebration includes Santa visits, a Christmas tree lane, wagon rides, life-sized snow globe, ice skating and more! Activities take place on Broad & Main Streets from 6-8pm; ice skating 5-9pm. Loading for wagon rides takes place at the Christian Mission on Broad Street.
Cost: Free
Holiday 5Ks and Races
Huntersville Holiday 5K
Where: Huntersville
When: December 9th
What: The Huntersville Holiday 5k will start on Friday night at 7:00 pm. It will be followed the next day by the Huntersville Half Marathon and 10K which will start on Saturday morning at 8:00 am.
Cost: Registration fee varies by event and when you register.
Reindeer Romp
Where: Harris YMCA
When: December 3rd
What: A fun, healthy event for the whole family that can become your favorite holiday tradition! Decorate your stroller or find a Santa costume and come ready to win a best decorated or best dressed prize! Enjoy hot chocolate, great food and pictures with Santa when you finish!
Cost: $35
Cedar Lake Tree Farm
Location: 5829 NC-27 Iron Station, NC 28080
Distance From Charlotte: 40 minutes
About The Farm: Browse the tree lot or choose and cut trees. Visitors can also enjoy a visit with Santa, firepits, and other activities.
Helms Christmas Tree Farm
Location: 6345 Christmas Tree Lane, Vale, North Carolina 28168
Distance From Charlotte: 1 hr
About The Farm: Helms Christmas Tree Farm is a Choose and cut farm, visitors can use a saw to go cut down their own perfect Christmas tree.
Penland Christmas Tree Farm
Location: 6457 Campbell Road York, South Carolina 29745
Distance From Charlotte: 45 minutes
About The Farm: This choose and cut farm gives you several options for the variety of trees. There is also hayrides, hot chocolate, and roasting of marshmallows!
Pine Top Farm
Posted by Pinetop Farm In Salisbury, NC on Monday, November 4, 2013
Location: 830 Majolica Road Salisbury, NC 28147
Distance From Charlotte: 45 minutes
About The Farm: Bring your family to the farm. Pinetop Farm choose and cut offers a special Holiday experience. The also offer Premium Fraser Fir precut trees.
Circle C Tree Farms
Location: 372 Will Cook Rd. Boone, NC 28607
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hrs
About The Farm: Enjoy winter and the mountains while picking your Frasier fir Christmas tree. Make sure to wear hiking boots, and enjoy winter in Boone!
C & J Christmas Trees
Location: 1999 Brookshire Road Boone, NC 28607
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hrs
About The Farm: This faamily owned and operated Christmas Tree Farm is in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains just five minutes from Downtown Boone.
Bear Valley Farm
Location: 231 Bee Tree Rd. Glenville, NC 28736
Distance From Charlotte: 3.25 hrs
About The Farm: Bear Valley Farm is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Here, crystal clear springs, crisp mountain air and rich soil help us grow some of the finest Fraser Firs on earth.
Lil’ Grandfather Choose and Cut
Location: 15371 NC Hwy 18 South Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Distance From Charlotte: 1 hr 50 mins
About The Farm: Lil’ Grandfather Mountain is a full-service choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm. We offer premium Fraser fir, White Pine, and Blue Spruce Christmas trees. As well as wreaths, roping, baskets, and specialty wreaths. There are also free horse rides, hay rides, hay bale movie theater, heated restroom, Santa Claus and Santa’s workshop, handmade local crafts, and concessions.
Sandy Hollar Farms
Location: 63 Sandy Hollar Lane Leicester, NC
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hrs 40 mins
About The Farm: A family farm with Choose & Cut Christmas trees located in Sandy Mush Valley in Leicester, North Carolina. The farms offers choose & cut Christmas trees in a large variety of sizes as well as hayrides, fresh wreaths, and garlands as well our Christmas shop.
Smoky Mountain Christmas Tree Farm
Location: 756 Hemphill Rd. Waynesville 28785
Distance From Charlotte: 2.5 hrs
About The Farm: Hundreds of customers visit the farm every year for Christmas Tree Farm life! They sell Fraser Fir in all sizes, wreaths, garlands, and pre-cut trees for the Christmas Season.
Frosty’s Choose & Cut
Location: 2152 Beaver Creek School Road West Jefferson, NC 28694
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hrs
About The Farm: The name doesn’t say it all. This is not just choose and cut trees. You can also visit with Santa, take a souvenir ornament from the trunk of your tree home, build a wreath, and participate in other holiday activities!
Mistletoe Meadows
Location: 270 Mistletoe Meadows Parkway Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hrs
About The Farm: Make holiday memories in the fresh mountain air and choose and cut your tree right on the Mistletoe Meadows Farm. Enjoy a cup of cocoa at the barn and take a hayride during the special holiday farm weekends.
Panoramic View Tree Farm
Location: 368 Panoramic Ln, Boone, NC 28607
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hrs 10 mins
About The Farm: Choose your perfect tree and wreath while you enjoy petting the cows, hayrides, and children’s horse rides.
