The holidays have arrived, and whether you enjoy the cold, prefer to stay warm, or are simply looking for something to do this holiday season, Charlotte has something for everyone! Read on to explore the many places to enjoy the month of December in and around Charlotte!
Uptown Holiday Market | Nov. 30 - Dec. 3
The Uptown Holiday Market is an outdoor holiday market with the look and feel of a European Christmas Market. The market will include vendors selling traditional handmade crafts, gifts, Christmas items, and packaged and prepared foods.
76th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade | Dec. 2
Designed to ring in your holiday cheer, the 76th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade features a joyful collection of bands, floats, dancing, go-carts, singing, and more.
Winter Artisan Market | Dec. 2
Shop the Winter Holiday Market to enjoy cool weather, delicious items from the Gateway Canteen, local shopping from over 50 vendors, and a gift wrapping station on-site. Meet the new members of the Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm at the farm animal photo station and stick around for live music from 3-8pm.
North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade | Dec. 2
The towns of Davidson and Cornelius proudly present the 41st Annual North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade. The route follows Main Street (Hwy. 115) from Davidson through Cornelius and ends at the intersection of North Main Street and Catawba Avenue in Cornelius.
A Huntersville Christmas | Dec. 2
Join in on Huntersville Christmas including free children’s rides, holiday performances on stage from a variety of local groups, Carolers of Christmas Past, 50+ local vendors, balloon twisters, roaming holiday characters, pictures with Santa, and more.
Mistletoe Market | Dec. 2, 9, & 16
Mistletoe Market takes place in all three districts of Camp North End. There will be a curated vendor market, Camp North Pole igloos, fire pits, live music, photo opportunities and more.
Santa Paws in the Park | Dec. 3
Bring your families and your four-legged best friends for the annual Santa Paws in the Park event. Enjoy shopping for unique dog gifts, participating in fun dog-related activities, pictures with Santa, and more.
Holiday Pop-Up Market | Dec. 6
Get a head start on holiday shopping, get lunch from local food trucks, sip on free seasonal beverages, and listen to live music at this festive holiday market at Brixham Park.
Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll | Dec. 7 - 9
Celebrate the season with a festive outdoor evening stroll through Historic Fourth Ward, beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | Dec. 7 - 30
Explore an outdoor walking trail with over one million holiday lights, hundreds of Christmas trees, and several larger-than-life installations.
Kickoff to Christmas Tree Lighting | Dec. 7
Kick off the Christmas Holiday in downtown York. Join in for fun music, exciting dance groups, a Santa Claus appearance, a P.A.T.H toy drive, and delicious food trucks.
The Menorah Lighting at Birkdale | Dec. 7
Help light up the night. Guests are invited to the Parkway to celebrate Chanukah with a traditional Menorah lighting ceremony, children's crafts, donuts, and latkes gelt.
Indian Land Christmas Parade | Dec. 9
Kick off the holiday season with the Indian Land Christmas Parade followed by a tree lighting ceremony.
2023 Bulb Planting | Dec. 9
Five Blossoms Farm will be planting 17k+ bulbs for you to enjoy next spring. No previous planting experience is necessary and refreshments will be provided.
Gingerbread Lane | Dec. 11 - 24
See an enchanting display of gingerbread creations from novice to professional bakers at The Ballantyne Hotel. Gingerbread Lane is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Lake Wylie Holiday Boat Parade | Dec. 16
Join in a tradition of fun and festivity on Lake Wylie, where they will be celebrating the holiday season with boats decorated in festive lights and decorations. With floats, music, and plenty of holiday cheer, the Annual Holiday Boat Parade is sure to make your holiday season extra special.
Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade | Dec. 16
The Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade starts at Blythe Landing, then goes to Ramsey Creek Park, and then to the Duke Energy Explorium where you can enjoy food trucks and Santa.
Undeck the Hall | Dec. 26
With a very memorable holiday tradition, fans, visitors, and members can select a gift from trees decorated with presents from the NASCAR community.
CLT NYE | Dec. 31
This annual, free Charlotte tradition is back to celebrate the start of 2024! CLT NYE includes a DJ, live music, the lighting of the Queen City crown, and a huge fireworks display starting at midnight.