Last year I put together a big Charlotte Holiday Activity Guide after getting overwhelmed trying to find information for myself online and I wanted to do that again this year since I received such positive feedback on how helpful it was. I’m also sure this year many people are curious if some activities are cancelled or being modified for safety so I’ve spent the time researching all of that to put in this comprehensive guide.
The good news is that while a few events are cancelled, the majority are still taking place and should be very safe for your family to enjoy.
Each title is clickable and will take you to the website for that specific activity so you can get more information. I really hope this will make things easier for you in this busy season.
As always, thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!
Speedway Christmas Lights
This is a drive-through light show inside of Charlotte Motor Speedway features more than 4 million lights that includes most of the speedway as well as the infield. While there’s no Christmas village, live nativity, petting zoo, or climbing on Santa’s lap this year, the Speedway has added a 5,400-square-foot ice rink and will again show drive-in holiday movies on its 16,000-square-foot HDTV each Thursday through Sunday through Dec. 27.
Lines can get long for this one so it’s best to get up there early and be first in line. You can purchase advanced tickets or buy at the gate. Make sure your kids are able to sit in the car for a somewhat long period of time. The lights are awesome but last year my kids were over being in the car by the end. For the best experience go on a weekday and/or arrive very early.
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway
When: Nov. 21st – Jan. 17th
Time: Monday-Sunday 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Price: $20-$25 per car (depending on day of week) and $40-$50 per van (depending on day of week). Check out their website for more pricing.
Light the Knights
The Charlotte Knights will be offering a new walkthrough holiday experience at Truist Field. You’ll walk through the lights at the ballpark and end at the Charlotte Christmas Village.
Light the Knights will open starting on Thursday, December 10th. Purchase tickets in advance online.
*We went to this and honestly it’s not worth the fee to get in. The lights are cute but it was much shorter than I expected and the Christmas Village is pretty scaled down this year.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Lights
Stroll through the garden and view their amazing Christmas light displays set to festive music. Grab a bite from the food trucks, roast marshmallows, sip a warm or cold beverage and soak up the season’s cheer.
We did this two years ago and really liked it. With all of the lights outside it’s a very Covid safe activity to enjoy.
Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden about 30 minutes from uptown near Belmont, NC
When: Nov. 27th – Jan.3rd
Price: Adult: $14.95; Senior (60+): $12.95 Child 2-12: $7.95; Child Under 2: Free
White Water Center Lights Display and Ice Skating
Lights is an illuminated walking trail that leads viewers through a series of immersive light installations featuring webs, vines, crystals and other natural features integrated into the forest. The experience offers a range of approachable, multi-sensory works created by artist Meredith Connelly that are site-specific to the Whitewater Center.
- 6:00pm – 10:00pm daily from Mid-November through February
- Price: Free and open to all ages
Skate on an ice trail or free skate on 17,000 sq. ft of ice. Located in the Upper Pond of the Whitewater Center, the skating environment features three distinct programming areas and an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages. Please note, an advance time slot is required with your pass to access Ice Skating. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Ice Skating has limited capacity and requires an assigned time slot to participate for all pass holders.
Carowinds Taste of the Season
Carowinds theme park is transformed into a winter wonderland with all the sights, sounds, food and experiences of the holiday season. This year the event is a holiday food festival that offers sampling seasonal foods with a tasting card. Select family rides will also be open to enjoy. Masks are required at the event.
Where: Carowinds Theme Park
When: Select Days Nov. 21st – Dec 20th. Limited capacity so reservations are required
Price: Free for season pass holders or $29.99 per a single day ticket.
Gingerbread Lane Ballantyne Hotel
The Ballantyne Hotel holds a Gingerbread house contest each year where artists create their best work of art that are then on display at the hotel. The public is allowed to come and view their work and vote for your favorite. Hot Cocoa is available to purchase. This year it will be held in their Carolina Room and masks are required.
Where: The Ballantyne Hotel
When: December 4th – 27th
Price: Free but donations are appreciated which go to Levine Children’s Hospital
McAdenville “Christmas Town” Lights
For more than 60 years the Christmas lights display in this small town just west of Charlotte has drawn huge crowds. All of the houses in the town are decorated in lights as well as many other large light displays across the town. You can drive through to view the lights or park and walk through the town.
There can be really long lines to get into the town so going during the week is ideal or going as early as possible. The lights displays may be a bit toned down this year due to the pandemic.
Where: McAdenville, NC
When: December 1st-December 26th, 5:30pm-10:00pm
Christmas at Billy Graham Library
During the Christmas season the library offers a live nativity with petting zoo, horse-drawn carriage rides, Storytime, and Christmas Carolers.
Where: Billy Graham Library – 4330 Westmont Drive Charlotte, NC
When: Nov. 20th-Dec. 23rd. Monday-Thursday 9:30am-9pm. Friday and Saturday 9:30am-10pm. Due to Covid restrictions advanced reservations are required.
Price: Free
Charlotte Neighborhood Christmas Lights
Driving around to look at private home Christmas lights is always such a fun thing to do at the holidays. Below I’ve listed out some of the best homes and neighborhoods to visit. Most of these displays start shortly after Thanksgiving and offer opportunities to donate to a charity organization when you go see their lights.
- A Sweitzers Christmas- 1001 Sunnyview Circle Matthews, NC
- Harbin Family Christmas Lights – 10223 Summer House Ct. Charlotte, NC
- Hillside Avenue in Myers Park
- Sherwood Forest Drive (photo above) – 7323 Sherwood Forest Drive (Santa is frequently outside handing out candy canes)
Take Photos with Santa
Many places are still offering photos with Santa but masks and reservations may be required. I’ve listed the ones that I know are running this year below but make sure to check out their websites for more information.
Here are most of the options:
This year The Singing Bears Uptown and Spencer Polar Express are unfortunately cancelled.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and thanks for stopping by!