Intro
The Queen City is a wonderful place to spend the holiday season. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere, Charlotte, NC, offers a variety of ways to celebrate Christmas. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are 10 ways to get into the holiday spirit in Charlotte.
From festive light displays to holiday markets and special events, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Speedway Christmas
Kick off the holiday season with a visit to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where you can drive through a festive light display featuring over 3.75 million lights. This popular event also includes a Christmas village, ice skating rink, and visits with Santa.
What to Expect:
- A 3.75-mile drive-through light display
- Christmas village with food, drinks, and shopping
- Ice skating rink and skate rentals
- Visits with Santa and photo opportunities
2. Charlotte Christmas Village
Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, the Christmas Village is a festive holiday market featuring local vendors, food, drinks, and entertainment. You can find unique gifts, try traditional German cuisine, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
What to Expect:
- Local vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts
- Traditional German food and drinks
- Live music and entertainment
- Visits with Santa and photo opportunities
3. Ice Skating at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Get into the holiday spirit with a fun day of ice skating at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This outdoor rink is open from late November to mid-January, offering a unique and festive experience for visitors of all ages.
What to Expect:
- Outdoor ice skating rink
- Skate rentals available
- Hot chocolate and snacks
- Special events and activities throughout the season
4. Holiday Lights at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Experience the beauty of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in a whole new way with its festive holiday lights display. Featuring over 600,000 lights, this stunning display is a must-see during the holiday season.
What to Expect:
- 600,000+ lights on display
- Festively decorated gardens and glasshouse
- Special events and activities throughout the season
- Hot chocolate and snacks available
5. Christmas at the Billy Graham Library
Visit the Billy Graham Library to experience a unique and meaningful Christmas celebration. This special event features a festive lights display, live music, and a special message from the Graham family.
What to Expect:
- Festive lights display
- Live music and entertainment
- Special message from the Graham family
- Hot chocolate and snacks available
6. The Polar Express
Take a magical journey to the North Pole with The Polar Express, a beloved holiday tradition. This special event features a festive train ride, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa.
What to Expect:
- Festive train ride to the North Pole
- Hot chocolate and snacks
- Visit from Santa and photo opportunities
- Special events and activities throughout the season
7. The Charlotte Symphony's Holiday Pops
Get into the holiday spirit with the Charlotte Symphony's Holiday Pops concert, featuring festive music and special guests. This beloved tradition is a must-see during the holiday season.
What to Expect:
- Festive music and special guests
- Holiday classics and modern favorites
- Special events and activities throughout the season
8. The Nutcracker
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker, a beloved holiday ballet. This stunning production features beautiful costumes, sets, and music, making it a must-see during the holiday season.
What to Expect:
- Stunning ballet production
- Beautiful costumes and sets
- Festive music and special effects
- Special events and activities throughout the season
9. The Charlotte Knights' Christmas Party
Join the Charlotte Knights for a fun and festive Christmas party, featuring holiday lights, decorations, and special events. This unique celebration is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
What to Expect:
- Festive lights and decorations
- Special events and activities
- Hot chocolate and snacks
- Visits with Santa and photo opportunities
10. The Charlotte Christmas Parade
End the holiday season with a bang at the Charlotte Christmas Parade, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. This beloved tradition is a must-see during the holiday season.
What to Expect:
- Festive floats and marching bands
- Visits from Santa and photo opportunities
- Special events and activities throughout the season
- Hot chocolate and snacks available
Charlotte NC Christmas Image Gallery
We hope you've enjoyed this article on the top 10 ways to celebrate Christmas in Charlotte, NC. From festive light displays to holiday markets and special events, there's something for everyone to enjoy in the Queen City. Whether you're a local or just visiting, we invite you to experience the magic of the holiday season in Charlotte.