School closures and three feet of snow getting you down? Cheer up, Charlotte because it’s time for the holidays! The New Year is just around the corner and the holidays are underway. If you’re looking for fun holiday festivities around the Queen City, throw on your snow pants and winter boots and check out these fun events happening this season.

Holiday on Ice

Visit Charlotte’s only outdoor ice skating rink, located in the heart of uptown at the NACAR Hall of Fame Plaza. Holiday on Ice is fun for all! Show off your skills or hang on tight to a friend at the 7,000 square foot rink this holiday season!

For more information on Holiday on Ice, visit Holiday on Ice Charlotte.

The Wacky, Tacky, Cackalacky, Ugly Sweater Party at Carowinds

It’s nearly impossible to avoid an ugly sweater party during the holiday season! Might as well put that ugly sweater to good use by stopping into Carowinds for the 2^nd Annual Wacky, Tacky, Cackalacky, Ugly Sweater Party on Friday, December 21^st in celebration of National Ugly Sweater Day! Guests who participate receive $20 off admission to WinterFest.

For more information on the Ugly Sweater Party, visit Carowinds.

Carowinds WinterFest

Step into holiday spirit galore! Carowinds WinterFest is filled with live shows and performances, more than five million lights, a 70-foot tree, desserts to cure that sweet tooth, and so much more! WinterFest is open until December 31^st at Carowinds’ transformed winter theme park and features many Charlie Brown inspired attractions, horse drawn carriages, and holiday performances such as Jingle Jazz, Holiday in Harmony and Christmas Bluegrass!

For more information on WinterFest, visit Carowinds.

Speedway Christmas

Featuring more than three million lights throughout a 3.75-mile motor speedway, Speedway Christmas presented by Disconnect and Drive takes place Thursday through Sunday nights until December 31^st. Not only does this event offer an incredible light show but the Christmas Village includes a 50ft. Ferris wheel, photos with Santa, food, games, fire pits, and many other fun activities for the family.

For more information on Speedway Christmas, visit Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum

If the cold weather is getting you down, cheer up with some holiday tunes and a cup of cocoa, cider, or beer while you explore Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition! The Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum offer more than half-a-million holiday lights throughout unique displays and landscapes. The Winter Lights are available nightly until December 31^st.

For more information on Winter Lights, visit North Carolina Arboretum.

The Polar Express Train Ride

Join this 1 ¼ hour round-trip journey departing from Bryson City and making its way through the wilderness until December 31^st. The train makes a special stop at none other than the North Pole where Santa will be waiting! Passengers enjoy the Polar Express soundtrack, hot cocoa, tasty treats, and magical stories. Sing along to Christmas carols on the return back to Bryson City Depot.

For more information on the Polar Express Train Ride, visit Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Charlotte Christmas Village

Now located on the NE corner of N. Tryon Street and 7^th Street, Charlotte Christmas Village is a quaint European inspired Christmas Market free to all! Enjoy European classics such as Austrian strudels, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, and glazed nuts while you explore the village. Unique special events include Charlotte Little Opera Company and an entire German Weekend filled with German entertainment.

For more information on the Charlotte Christmas Village, visit Charlotte Christmas Village.