Charlotte Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Charlotte and surrounding areas
Charlotte sparkles this Christmas season with Holiday lights and festive events centered around Uptown and the Green neighborhood, where seasonal cheer fills the streets. Carowinds WinterFest, Charlotte Christmas Village Pop-Up Retailer, and The Nutcracker by Charlotte Ballet bring family fun and a mix of holiday activities to the city. From neighborhood light displays to downtown performances, Charlotte’s holiday attractions and seasonal entertainment make it easy to find joyful activities and memorable festive events for every visitor.
Find the best Charlotte Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
21 eventsEvolved European market to holiday pop-up retailer.
Christmas Lights
14 eventsAmusement park transformed into a holiday wonderland
Christmas Shows
6 eventsLive orchestra and breathtaking choreography
Other Christmas Activities
22 eventsAnnual Christmas Parade with Santa Claus
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Carowinds WinterFest
Amusement park transformed into a holiday wonderland
-
Speedway Christmas
(Concord)
Southeast's largest drive-thru holiday light show.
-
Statesville Christmas Parade
(Statesville)
Annual Christmas Parade with Santa Claus
-
Charlotte Christmas Village Pop-Up Retailer
Evolved European market to holiday pop-up retailer.
-
The Nutcracker by Charlotte Ballet
Live orchestra and breathtaking choreography
-
Winterfest - A German Christmas Marketplace
(Spencer)
German-inspired Christmas marketplace with artisan crafts and live entertainment.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Parties Near Charlotte
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Charlotte.
Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll
Victorian-era neighborhood holiday stroll with tastings.
Parranda Navideña Venezolana 2025
12th annual Venezuelan Christmas celebration with live gaitas and dinner.
Jazz at the Garden Holidays: Adam Hawley
Smooth jazz with a sneak peek of holiday lights.
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Charlotte
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Also Near Charlotte
Gastonia
- Dino Nights & Holiday Lights
- Yule Love Mount Holly - Merry Market at The Grand Hall
- Christmas in Cramerton Parade and Holiday Bazaar
Charlotte Christmas FAQ
The Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular and Speedway Christmas are two of the largest annual events, drawing families for light displays and festive activities each holiday season.
Charlotte has a tradition of community light displays and holiday markets, with many neighborhoods decorating homes and parks for the season in creative ways.
Popular neighborhoods for Christmas lights include Dilworth, Myers Park, and Ballantyne, where residents often go all out with festive decorations.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found at parks, community centers, and shopping areas throughout Charlotte, especially during the holiday season.
Free holiday activities include neighborhood light walks, outdoor markets, and some park events. Many local parks and community centers also offer seasonal activities at no cost.
Families with kids enjoy the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, holiday markets with crafts, and visits to Santa at local events throughout Charlotte.