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2026 season · Updated Friday, November 6

Holiday events in Charlotte 2026

Parades, tree lightings, holiday markets, shows and ice skating in Charlotte and the towns around it, with dates, times and prices checked against each organizer's own site.

Parades and tree lightings

  • Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium

    Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte

    Coming up

    Uptown's main tree lighting: a 50-foot Norway spruce lit at 7 PM, then a concourse festival until 9 with Santa, crafts and hot chocolate.

    Dates
    Tue, Nov 17
    Time
    5:30 PM – 9 PM
    Price
    Free, ticket required

    Details and directionsTickets

  • Concord Tree Lighting Ceremony

    Downtown Concord, Concord

    Coming up

    Concord's 29th tree lighting downtown, with stages, Santa Land in Courthouse Plaza, food trucks, a kids' zone and fireworks.

    Dates
    Fri, Nov 20
    Time
    6 PM – 9 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • Concord Christmas Parade

    Downtown Concord, Concord

    Coming up

    The 98th Concord Christmas Parade, a route of just over two miles through downtown along Church St, Buffalo Ave and Union St.

    Dates
    Sat, Nov 21
    Time
    From 2:30 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • The Lighting of Birkdale Village

    Birkdale Village, Huntersville

    Coming up

    Birkdale Village's holiday kickoff on Sat Nov 21, 2-7pm: kids' activities, a 4:30pm Santa parade, the 6pm tree lighting, and the opening of Birkdale on Ice.

    Dates
    Sat, Nov 21
    Time
    Parade 4:30pm, tree lighting 6pm
    Price
    No admission listed; free parking, $8 valet

    Details and directions

  • UCity Lights Winter Celebration

    The Shoppes at University Place, Charlotte

    Coming up

    A free holiday kickoff at The Shoppes at University Place on Sat Nov 21, 4-8pm, with Santa, ornament crafts, Polar Express train rides and a 7pm tree lighting by the lake.

    Dates
    Sat, Nov 21
    Time
    Tree lighting at 7pm
    Price
    Free; reserve via Eventbrite

    Details and directions

  • Mooresville Christmas Parade

    Main Street, downtown Mooresville, Mooresville

    Coming up

    Mooresville's 82nd Christmas parade on Main Street, held on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving since 1944.

    Dates
    Tue, Nov 24
    Time
    From 3 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade

    Tryon Street, Uptown, Charlotte

    Coming up

    Uptown's 80th annual parade moves to the night before Thanksgiving this year, with balloons, floats and bands along Tryon Street.

    Dates
    Wed, Nov 25
    Time
    From 5:30 PM
    Price
    Free; VIP bleachers $40

    Details and directionsTickets

  • Light Up Cornelius

    Downtown Cornelius, Cornelius

    Coming up

    The 15th Light Up Cornelius: performances, sledding, inflatables, a model train display and vendors, with the tree lit at 6:30 PM.

    Dates
    Sat, Nov 28
    Time
    4 PM – 7 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • Fort Mill Christmas Village and Lighting of the Tree

    Fort Mill Amphitheater at Walter Y. Elisha Park, Fort Mill, SC

    Coming up

    Fort Mill lights its 50-foot tree at 6 PM, with school choirs, Christmas Village vendors, trackless train rides, food trucks and Santa photos.

    Dates
    Thu, Dec 3
    Time
    5 PM – 8 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • Huntersville Town Tree Lighting

    Veterans Park, Huntersville

    Coming up

    Huntersville lights its tree at 6:30 PM at Veterans Park, with live music, rides, treats and Santa's Workshop.

    Dates
    Fri, Dec 4
    Time
    6 PM – 8 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • Pineville Tree Lighting

    Pineville Town Hall, Pineville

    Coming up

    The Town of Pineville's annual tree lighting at Town Hall.

    Dates
    Fri, Dec 4
    Time
    5:30 PM – 7 PM
    Price
    Price not listed

    Details and directions

  • Cornelius Christmas Parade

    Highway 115, Cornelius, Cornelius

    Coming up

    A morning parade north on NC 115, then vendors, music, kids' activities and photos with Santa at Town Hall until 2 PM.

    Dates
    Sat, Dec 5
    Time
    10 AM – 2 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • Fort Mill Christmas Parade

    Historic downtown Fort Mill, Fort Mill, SC

    Coming up

    The town's 79th Christmas parade, through historic downtown Fort Mill.

    Dates
    Sat, Dec 5
    Time
    From 11 AM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade

    Downtown Davidson, Davidson

    Coming up

    The 44th North Meck Christmas parade in downtown Davidson, on a shorter route of just under a mile this year.

    Dates
    Sat, Dec 5
    Time
    From 1 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • Winter Wonderlights

    Stumptown Park, Matthews

    Coming up

    An afternoon in Stumptown Park with crafts, inflatables, performances and Santa, then the park lighting at about 5:30 and the tree at about 6:30.

    Dates
    Sat, Dec 5
    Time
    3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
    Price
    No tickets needed

    Details and directions

Holiday markets and festivals

  • Southern Christmas Show

    The Park Expo and Conference Center, Charlotte

    Coming up

    The 59th Southern Christmas Show: about 400 vendors selling gifts, decor, clothing and food at the Park Expo, November 11–22.

    Dates
    Nov 11–22, daily
    Time
    10 AM–9 PM Thu–Sat and Nov 11; 10 AM–6 PM Sun–Wed
    Price
    Adults $20–$25, kids $12

    Details and directionsTickets

  • Holiday Pop-Up Shop 2026

    Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center, Charlotte

    Coming up

    The Mint Hill Chamber's holiday market of local small businesses and crafters at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center, Sat Nov 14, 10am-2pm, with hot cocoa and Santa photos.

    Dates
    Sat, Nov 14
    Time
    10 AM – 2 PM
    Price
    Price not listed

    Details and directions

  • Jingle Bowl

    The Bowl at Ballantyne, Charlotte

    Coming up

    A holiday kickoff for kids at The Bowl at Ballantyne on Sat Nov 21, 11am-1pm, with a DJ, Frozen princess characters, crafts and photos with Santa.

    Dates
    Sat, Nov 21
    Time
    11 AM – 1 PM
    Price
    Price not listed

    Details and directions

  • 5th Annual Christmas Extravaganza

    Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, Concord

    Coming up

    About 200 indoor holiday vendors selling gifts, handmade goods and décor at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord, Fri-Sun Nov 27-29. $10 covers all three days.

    Dates
    Nov 27–29
    Time
    Fri & Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm
    Price
    $10, good all three days

    Details and directions

  • Museum Store Market at the Gantt Center

    Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Charlotte

    Coming up

    Free holiday market of Black-owned vendors throughout the Gantt Center, Nov 27–29, noon–4 PM, ending on Museum Store Sunday.

    Dates
    Nov 27–29
    Time
    12 PM – 4 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • OMB Christmas Market (Ballantyne)

    The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Ballantyne, Charlotte

    Coming up

    OMB's free Christmas Market comes to its Ballantyne brewery at The Bowl, opening Black Friday and running Fri-Sun through Dec 20, with local makers, Glühwein and Santa on Saturdays.

    Dates
    Nov 27–29, Dec 4–6, Dec 11–13, Dec 18–20
    Time
    Fri & Sat noon-9pm (opens 11am Fri Nov 27), Sun noon-7pm; Santa Saturdays 2-5pm
    Price
    Free to attend

    Details and directions

  • OMB Christmas Market (LoSo)

    The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (LoSo), Charlotte

    Coming up

    The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's free German-style Christmas Market opens Black Friday at its LoSo Brauhaus and runs Fri-Sun through Dec 20, with local vendors, Glühwein and Santa on Saturdays.

    Dates
    Nov 27–29, Dec 4–6, Dec 11–13, Dec 18–20
    Time
    Fri & Sat noon-9pm (opens 11am Fri Nov 27), Sun noon-7pm; Santa Saturdays 2-5pm
    Price
    Free to attend

    Details and directions

  • Cabarrus Brewing Holiday Market

    Cabarrus Brewing Company (Gibson Mill), Concord

    Coming up

    Dozens of Christmas vendor booths at Cabarrus Brewing Company in Concord's Gibson Mill on Small Business Saturday, Nov 28, 10am-5pm. Free.

    Dates
    Sat, Nov 28
    Time
    10 AM – 5 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • Owl & Ember Collective Holiday Artisan & Wellness Market

    Griffith Hall at Lenny Boy Brewing Co., Charlotte

    Coming up

    A free indoor Small Business Saturday market of handmade goods and wellness products in Griffith Hall at Lenny Boy Brewing in South End, Sat Nov 28, 1-6pm.

    Dates
    Sat, Nov 28
    Time
    1 PM – 6 PM
    Price
    Free admission

    Details and directions

  • Small Business Saturday Holiday Trail

    Downtown Concord, Concord

    Coming up

    Downtown Concord's free Small Business Saturday on Nov 28, 11am-4pm, with 60+ vendors along Union Street and trolleys to Gibson Mill Market and Southern Strain Brewery.

    Dates
    Sat, Nov 28
    Time
    11 AM – 4 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • Christmas in Davidson

    Davidson Town Green, Davidson

    Coming up

    A three-night downtown festival with a light show, live nativity scenes, an artisan village and a children's craft area. Santa arrives Thursday at 6.

    Dates
    Dec 3–5
    Time
    6 PM – 9 PM
    Price
    Price not listed

    Details and directions

  • Holidays in Huntersville

    Veterans Park, Huntersville

    Coming up

    An afternoon festival at Veterans Park with more than 50 local gift vendors, free children's rides, ice sculptures, stage shows and Santa.

    Dates
    Sat, Dec 5
    Time
    3 PM – 8 PM
    Price
    Free

    Details and directions

  • Mistletoe Market

    Ford Factory, Camp North End, Charlotte

    Coming up

    A holiday vendor market inside Camp North End's Ford Factory on three December Saturdays.

    Dates
    Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19
    Time
    2 PM – 7 PM
    Price
    Price not listed

    Details and directions

Holiday shows

Ice skating

  • Birkdale on Ice

    Birkdale Village, Huntersville

    Coming up

    An outdoor rink on the Birkdale Village plaza in Huntersville with 75-minute sessions, daily from November 21 to January 10.

    Dates
    Nov 21–Jan 10, daily
    Time
    Weekdays 3–10 PM, Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun noon–7 PM; longer over the holidays
    Price
    $18, kids $14, skates included

    Details and directionsTickets

  • Ice Skating at Camp North Pole

    Ford Factory, Camp North End, Charlotte

    Coming up

    An outdoor rink at Camp North End with one-hour sessions, open daily from November 21 to January 10.

    Dates
    Nov 21–Jan 10, daily
    Time
    Mon–Thu 4–9 PM, Fri 4–10 PM, Sat 11 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–9 PM; longer over the holidays
    Price
    $18, kids $15, skates included

    Details and directionsTickets

  • Ice Skating at The Bowl

    TD Amp Ballantyne at The Bowl, Charlotte

    Coming up

    An outdoor holiday ice rink inside TD Amp Ballantyne, open daily Nov 21 to Jan 10, including noon-10pm over Thanksgiving break. $20 with skate rental.

    Dates
    Nov 21–Jan 10, daily
    Time
    Mon-Thu 4-9pm, Fri 4-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun noon-9pm; Thanksgiving break (Nov 25-27) noon-10pm
    Price
    $20 with rental; $15 ages 5 and under; $18 with own skates

    Details and directions

  • Light the Knights

    Truist Field, Charlotte

    Coming up

    Holiday lights, a Tunnel of Lights and a holiday market at Truist Field, plus an ice rink and snow tubing hill on the ballpark field.

    Dates
    Nov 25, Nov 27–29, Dec 3–6, Dec 10–13, Dec 17–23, Dec 26–30, Jan 1–3
    Time
    Weeknights 5–10 PM; weekends and holiday-week days from 2 PM (Sundays until 9 PM)
    Price
    $12 plus fees; skating and tubing $40

    Details and directionsTickets

Good to know

  • Parades close streets for several hours. Check the organizer's page for road closures and parking before you go.
  • Holiday shows on December weekends often sell out, so buy tickets early or look for weeknight performances.
  • Town tree lightings are usually free and short, so they pair well with dinner nearby.

FAQ

When is the Charlotte Thanksgiving parade?

Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade: Wed, Nov 25, starting at 5:30 PM. Uptown's 80th annual parade moves to the night before Thanksgiving this year, with balloons, floats and bands along Tryon Street.

Where are the Christmas tree lightings around Charlotte?

Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte (Tue, Nov 17); Concord Tree Lighting Ceremony in Concord (Fri, Nov 20); The Lighting of Birkdale Village in Huntersville (Sat, Nov 21); UCity Lights Winter Celebration in Charlotte (Sat, Nov 21); Light Up Cornelius in Cornelius (Sat, Nov 28); Fort Mill Christmas Village and Lighting of the Tree in Fort Mill (Thu, Dec 3); Huntersville Town Tree Lighting in Huntersville (Fri, Dec 4); Pineville Tree Lighting in Pineville (Fri, Dec 4); Winter Wonderlights in Matthews (Sat, Dec 5).

Are there holiday markets in Charlotte?

Yes: Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte (Nov 11–22, daily); Holiday Pop-Up Shop 2026 in Charlotte (Sat, Nov 14); Jingle Bowl in Charlotte (Sat, Nov 21); 5th Annual Christmas Extravaganza in Concord (Nov 27–29); Museum Store Market at the Gantt Center in Charlotte (Nov 27–29); OMB Christmas Market (Ballantyne) in Charlotte (Nov 27–29, Dec 4–6, Dec 11–13, Dec 18–20); OMB Christmas Market (LoSo) in Charlotte (Nov 27–29, Dec 4–6, Dec 11–13, Dec 18–20); Cabarrus Brewing Holiday Market in Concord (Sat, Nov 28); Owl & Ember Collective Holiday Artisan & Wellness Market in Charlotte (Sat, Nov 28); Small Business Saturday Holiday Trail in Concord (Sat, Nov 28); Christmas in Davidson in Davidson (Dec 3–5); Holidays in Huntersville in Huntersville (Sat, Dec 5); Mistletoe Market in Charlotte (Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19).

What holiday shows are on in Charlotte?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical in Charlotte (Nov 21–22, Nov 27–29, Dec 5–6, Dec 12–13, Dec 18–20, Dec 22–23); A Motown Christmas in Charlotte (Fri, Nov 27); Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas in Concert in Charlotte (Nov 27–28); The Nutcracker by Matthews Ballet and Dance in Matthews (Nov 28–29, Dec 5–6); Christmas Together with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and CeCe Winans in Charlotte (Sun, Nov 29); Derek Hough Dance For The Holidays in Charlotte (Sun, Nov 29); Jim Brickman: A Christmas Celebration in Charlotte (Thu, Dec 3); Charlotte Ballet's The Nutcracker in Charlotte (Dec 4–6, Dec 11–13, Dec 17–20, Dec 22–23); Charlotte Symphony: Handel's Messiah in Charlotte (Dec 4–6); Holiday Jazz ft. Justin Ray in Charlotte (Fri, Dec 4); Yule Y'all! 10: A Decade of Decking Your Halls (18+) in Charlotte (Dec 4–5); Charlotte Symphony: Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert in Charlotte (Thu, Dec 10); Charlotte Symphony: Cirque de Noel in Charlotte (Dec 11–13); The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in Matthews (Dec 11–13, Dec 17–20); Theatre Charlotte's A Christmas Carol in Charlotte (Dec 11–13, Dec 16–20); Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve in Charlotte (Sat, Dec 12); Charlotte Symphony Holiday Pops in Charlotte (Dec 18–20); Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet 2026 in Charlotte (Fri, Dec 18); The Hip Hop Nutcracker in Charlotte (Dec 29–31, Jan 2–3).

Where can I go ice skating in Charlotte this winter?

Birkdale on Ice in Huntersville (Nov 21–Jan 10, daily); Ice Skating at Camp North Pole in Charlotte (Nov 21–Jan 10, daily); Ice Skating at The Bowl in Charlotte (Nov 21–Jan 10, daily); Light the Knights in Charlotte (Nov 25, Nov 27–29, Dec 3–6, Dec 10–13, Dec 17–23, Dec 26–30, Jan 1–3).

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