Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images for Origins

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving at your house this year and you have family and friends coming into town, you not only want them to enjoy their meal, but you also want them to have a fun and entertaining time. It can be difficult to find things to do but Charlotte Five has ya covered. They’ve come up with the best places to check out for 2022. 

This list has something for everyone. From coffee shops to Christmas lights, you’ll be able to find something to do so your guests will remember their trip to the Queen City. And there’s plenty of places where your guests can snag a souvenir so they’ll always thing fondly of Charlotte.

  • Bitty and Beaus Coffee

    Caffeine is a must for me, especially when I’m with lots of family! Bitty and Beaus is a great place to check out. It not only offers great coffee and treats, but it’s also known nationwide for its inclusion and employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The location in South End is accessible from the city’s Light Rail, so you don’t have to worry about parking.

  • Brunch At Numerous Locations

    Who doesn’t love brunch! Great food and mimosas is always a good way to start the day. Luckily, Charlotte has numerous places for a fabulous brunch. A few options are Cafe Monte, The Hanger, and Link + Pin. Choose the location that’s a fit for your family and taste some of the best Charlotte has to offer.

  • Camp North End

    Camp North End is a great spot for food and shopping. There are great local stores to browse, and yummy local restaurants to grab a bite. And if you have guests staying with you for a bit, Camp North End’s Mistletoe Market begins Dec. 3 so you can do some early Christmas shopping.

  • Charlotte Christmas Village

    Baseball season is over and Truist Field will soon turn into a festive holiday village. Charlotte Christmas Market’s Christmas Village and Light the Knights runs from Nov. 25-Dec. 23. You can browse the market for gifts while eating a bratwurst or schnitzel and sipping yummy cider. There are lots of different events, so make sure to check the schedule before you go.

  • Charlotte Motor Speedway

    Every holiday season, Charlotte Motor Speedway holds their ‘Speedway Christmas’ and it will delight everyone in your family. There’s a 4-mile course of holiday displays with 4 million lights synchronized to your favorite Christmas music. It starts November 18 and runs thru January 8, so you’ll have lots of time to check it out. There’s also a Christmas Village to explore

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  • Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

    Any time of year you’ll see beauty at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont. It’s just outside of Charlotte, about a 30-minute drive, and it’s worth making the trip, especially at Christmas. Holidays at the Garden is an event where people can walk through the garden and admire the holiday lights and blossoming cherry trees. The event, which begins Nov. 25, will also feature food trucks, marshmallow stations and warm beverages. The kids will love it!

  • Winterfest at Carowinds

    Carowinds is a treat for the family any time of year, but their Winterfest event is something special. There are amazing light displays to see as well as ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, attractions and holiday food. You can also shop for the perfect holiday gift in one of the numerous gift shops.

    Kids will especially love the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, a nightly Christmas parade with lavishly decorated floats, festive music and performers. It’s a fun place to check out! I still remember going to Carowinds as a kid with my dad. Great memories!

     

  • McAdenville 'Christmas Town USA'

    Although not on Charlotte Five’s list, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention McAdenville. As a Gaston County girl, it’s a must! If you’re from the Charlotte area or have lived here for a while, then you’re familiar with McAdenville. ‘Christmas Town USA‘ is such a sight to see. The entire town is lit up and you can walk or drive thru to see the Christmas magic. The holiday cheer begins December 1 and goes thru December 26. Be prepared for a crowd. It’s a popular attraction during the holidays!

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