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 Parade
November 22 at 5:30pm on Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte
The 77th year of the Charlotte Thanksgiving Parade is planned for Thanksgiving Eve again this year. The anticipated 100,000+ spectators will be treated to floats, larger-than-life balloons, marching bands, and performers.
Large-Scale Light Displays
November 17 – January 7 at Charlotte Motor Speedway
It’s the 14th season for the Southeast’s largest drive-through holiday light show. Drive through four million lights strung up along a 4-mile course, all synchronized to Christmas music.
November 24 – December 23 at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
This gorgeous 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 at McAdenville, NC
Visit the town that has been voted as having one of the best light displays in the country and enjoy the 1.3-mile route along Main Street with dozens of residences covered in lights, a tradition that dates back to the 1950s.
Experiences and Markets
November 9-19 at The Park Expo & Conference 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 its fifth year! The ice rink consists of over 24,000 square feet of skating space split into four distinct areas including two ice trails and two free stake zones.
November 10 – December 23 at the North Carolina Transportation Museum
Inspired by The Polar Express book and movie, the North Carolina Transportation Museum, which is located about an hour north of Charlotte, invites passengers to board a train bound for the North Pole.
November 17 – January 1 at Carowinds
Carowinds gets into the holiday spirit in a big way thanks to live shows, holiday-themed games, ice skating, cookie decorating, and a nightly parade. Plus, your favorite rides are still a sleigh full of fun!
November 22 – January 1 at Truist Field
The German-inspired Christmas market is temporarily closed in 2023, but there is no stopping the fun at Truist Field. Enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, shopping, and a lights display– all located right on the baseball field!
November 24 – December 17 at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
The German holiday tradition of Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) comes to Charlotte with 140 unique vendors to shop, not to mention a variety of OMB festive libations like Christmas cocktails and Yule Bock beer that you can enjoy around the cozy fire pits.
December 11-24 at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
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 during this beloved holiday event.
Performances
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
December 2 at Belk Theater
For over 35 years, Mannheim Steamroller has brought the spirit of the holiday season alive with dazzling Christmas classics performed in their signature style.
Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story
December 7-10 at Booth Playhouse
A contemporary twist on the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” filled with visually stunning dance and aerobatics presented by Caroline Calouche & Co.
Charlotte Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 8-23 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.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
December 9 at Spectrum Center
This award-winning, nationally-touring concert rolls back into Charlotte to treat fans to their unique style and rock opera renditions of Christmas music.
December 13-14 at Booth Playhouse
Based on the hilarious movie, Elf the Musical follows the story of Buddy, an orphan who was raised as an elf at the North Pole until he embarked on a journey home and discovered his true identity.
Charlotte Symphony: Holiday Pops
December 15-17 at Knight Theater
The Charlotte Symphony makes the magic of the season come to life with classic holiday favorites, sing-alongs, special guest artists, and even snow falling in the Knight Theater!
Charlotte Symphony: Cirque de Noel
December 20-23 at Knight Theater
The circus meets the symphony in Cirque de Noel! Back with a fresh show filled with awe-inspiring acrobatics and musical holiday favorites, this event is sure to fill you with the wonder of the season.
What holiday events do you have on your calendar this year? Let us know in the comments below so we can add to our list!
