Carowinds Winterfest
November 21 - December 20
Gather the whole family at Carowinds' WinterFest, the area's most enchanting holiday attraction with a sleigh-full of fun things to do for Christmas. Listen to your favorite holiday singalongs and smell the sweet aromas of freshly baked treats. Find unique gifts at our specialty shops, play holiday-themed games, and catch the season's best live shows and entertainment. You will love the lavish decorations, live holiday entertainment, and shimmering lights on one of the area’s largest Christmas trees.
Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas
November 21, 2020 - January 17, 2021
Speedway Christmas has returned to Charlotte Motor Speedway, and it’s bigger and better than ever! The 11th edition of Charlotte’s spectacular drive-through light show features more than 4 million lights over a 3.75-mile course. Socially distanced and weather proof, this is the perfect winter wonderland escape for this year’s holiday season!
Holidays at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
November 27, 2020 – January 3, 2021 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Sing along to your wintertime favorite songs at the popular garden display, take in the festive lights and stroll among the blossoming cherry trees, and explore the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens seasonal decorations. Grab a bite from the food trucks, roast a marshmallow beside a roaring fire, sip a warm or cold beverage and soak up the season’s cheer. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, there will not be live entertainment or a visit from Santa this year. The Garden is committed to protecting the health and safety of our guests and varies its protocols according to current restrictions and recommendations.
Christmas Town USA
December 1 - December 26 from 5:30pm to 10 pm
Welcome to McAdenville, North Carolina - also known as Christmas Town USA! As with so many other aspects of our lives touched by the pandemic, there will likewise be changes to Christmas Town’s annual celebrations so that this event may be celebrated safely, responsibly and within CDC guidelines. Holiday merchants will be open and you’ll still be able to stroll along the light-filled streets to get into the Christmas spirit. It is free to park, walk or drive through McAdenville.
Ice Skating at US National Whitewater Center
Skate on an ice trail or free skate on 17,000 sq. ft of ice at the US National Whitewater Center. Located in the Upper Pond of the Whitewater Center, the skating rink features three distinct skating 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.
Build Your Own Menorah with Chabad of Lake Norman
Sunday, December 6 from 10:30 am to 3 pm
Chabad of Lake Norman is partnering with The Home Depot to offer a Menorah making workshop for children. You must register online and choose your own time slot so that you can be socially distanced outdoors while building your menorah for the holiday season! There will be snacks, activities, and games for the family to enjoy while decorating your own menorah.
Scissor Lift Menorah Lighting at SouthPark
Sunday, December 13 at 5 pm
Join Charlotte's Highest Chanukah Menorah Lighting in the Parking Lot of Dick's Sporting Goods at Southpark Mall! There will be games, music, and so much more. Participants will be asked to remain in their cars as the Menorah lighting will be visible from everyone's cars and the audio will be broadcast through your radio transmitter.
Virtual Event - Light Over Darkness
Sunday, December 13 at 5:30 pm
Join Temple Israel virtually for a festive evening of street art, Hanukkah candle lighting and holiday singing! Temple Israel’s clergy will spray paint the fourth night’s flame on Charlotte’s large Hanukkah Mural Project. To join in via Zoom, click here.