Charlotte is a city that takes the holidays very seriously- the community offers activities and events that will appeal to everyone, no matter what holiday they celebrate. Whether you’re new to Charlotte or simply want to mix up your holiday festivities routine, the list below is a great way to start your holiday bucket list.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
The Charlotte Motor Speedway turns into a Christmas wonderland for the month of December. This is the seventh year of the Speedway Christmas and they’ve taken everything up a notch. Begin with a drive through the 3.75-mile course that is illuminated with over 3 million lights. Then spend the evening strolling through the Christmas Village that has a plethora of activities with something to appeal to everyone, including a petting zoo, Bethlehem village, horse-drawn wagon rides, photos with Santa and drive-in movies.
Ice Skating at NASCAR Hall of Fame
Every year the NASCAR Hall of Fame delights Charlotteans by setting up an ice rink in its outdoor plaza during the holiday season. NASCAR plans themed skate days that appeal to both adults and kids alike- go with your significant other on Date Night, which includes a designated couples-only skate, or bring your kids on Princess Day where you and your kids can skate with Cinderella and Elsa! People of all ages enjoy the NASCAR Hall of Fame outdoor skating and taking pictures with the giant polar bear every holiday season!
Charlotte Christmas Village | Christkindlmarkt
The Charlotte Christmas Village, located in uptown Charlotte at Romare Bearden Park, is a new fixture in the Charlotte holiday festivity line-up. It is a romantic, European-inspired Christmas Market that will have booths selling both European and local merchandise, specialty foods such as Austrian strudels, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and roasted nuts and the European-classic beverage Glühwein. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to Europe during the holidays as you walk through this authentic Christmas village. The best part is admission is free for everyone!
VTGCLT
VTGCLT hosts a Winter Market pop-up shop every year in Charlotte during the holidays. This pop-up shop is the perfect place to knock out all your holiday shopping while simultaneously supporting local businesses, as the entire market consists entirely of regional vintage & handmade vendors. Not only do local businesses supply the merchandise, they also provide the food and beverages served in order to keep shoppers satisfied and caffeinated. Charlotteans line up every year to get first dibs on the amazing selection of goods being sold at VTGCLT- it’s a tradition that everyone loves, and it supports the community.
Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour
The Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour allows everyone to be able to take a look inside some of Charlotte’s most beautiful homes as they are pristinely decorated for the holiday season. This walkable, self-guided tour not only allows you to look at homes, but also listen to choirs and handbell ensembles, take a horse and carriage ride, taste test wine and beer samples and snack on treats from selected Center City restaurants. This event is one that Charlotteans look forward to every year.
There are so many different ways you can spend the holiday season in Charlotte, and whether you’re wanting to spend time with loved ones or find the perfect gift for the people on your list, the events and festivities above are great ways to celebrate the holiday season.
