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.
Large-Scale Light Displays
November 19 – January 16 at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Drive through four million lights strung up along a 4-mile course, all synchronized to Christmas music.
Speedway Christmas
November 26 – January 2 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.
Holidays at the Garden
December 1-26 at McAdenville, NC
Visit the town that has been voted as having on 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.
Christmas Town USA
Holiday Boat Parades
Festively lit and decorated boats and hit the water around Charlotte several times this year.
11th Annual Lake Norman Christmas Flotilla and Parade
December 4 at Lake Norman
December 11 at Lake Wylie
3rd Annual Lake Norman Christmas Lights Boat Parade
December 18 at Lake Norman
Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade
Experiences and Markets
November 11-21 at The Park Expo & Conference Center
This popular seasonal market is the biggest in the city with 440 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.
Southern Christmas Show
November 11 – Mid-February at the Whitewater Center
The Whitewater Center’s beloved open-air ice rink is back! Debuting in 2021 is a new ice skating trail in the upper pond, which increases the total size of the outdoor rink to more than 24,000 square feet.
The Whitewater Center
November 12 – December 23 at the North Carolina Transporation Museum
Inspired by The Polar Express book and movie, the North Carolina Transporation Museum, which is located about an hour north of Charlotte, invites passengers to board a train bound for the North Pole.
November 13 – January 2 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!
Carowinds WinterFest
Charlotte Christmas Village and Light the Knights
November 24 – December 23 at Truist Field
This German-inspired Christmas market is coming back to Uptown Charlotte with schnitzel, strudel, hot cider, homemade crafts, local gifts, and music performances.
Charlotte Christmas Village and Light the Knights
December 3-26 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 throughout the month.
Performances
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical
November 16-21 at Belk Theater
This beloved children’s tale takes the stage takes and brings some of the holiday’s most recognized tunes to life in this heart-warming Broadway-style show.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical
Charlotte Symphony Holiday Concerts
A trio of musical journeys to guide you through the holidays by celebrated conductor Christopher Warren-Green.
November 26-27 at Belk Theater
December 10-19 at Knight Theater
December 29-30 at Belk Theater
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
November 28 at Belk Theater
This nationally-touring concert rolls back into Charlotte to treat fans to their unique style and beautiful renditions of everyone’s favorite Christmas music.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
December 3 at Ovens Auditorium
Featuring an original story and score that is sure to delight the entire family, this musical transports the audience to the North Pole to glimpse at the magical lives of Santa’s Scout Elves.
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
Charlotte Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 3-26 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.
Charlotte Ballet’s The Nutcracker | Photo by Peter Zay
Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story
December 16-19 at Booth Playhouse
A contemporary twist on the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” filled with visually stunning dance and aerobatics presented by Caroline Calouche & Co.
Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story
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!
