Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia · November 15, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Christmas and holiday events for kids in Charlotte
86 tree lightings, Santa visits, light displays and holiday shows around Charlotte, November 15 to New Year’s Day. 30 are free.
Don’t miss
- Dec1TueLight displays
Through Dec 26
Christmas Town U.S.A. Light Display
Downtown McAdenville
- Dec1TueChristmas
Through Dec 23
Christmas at the Billy Graham Library
Billy Graham Library
FreeAll ages
- Dec4FriNutcracker and shows
Through Dec 23
Charlotte Ballet: The Nutcracker
Belk Theater, Blumenthal Arts Center
Paid
NovemberSun, Nov 15 – Mon, Nov 30
- Nov15SunTrain rides
Sun, Nov 15
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at NC Transportation Museum
N.C. Transportation Museum
Paid
- Nov20FriTree lightings
Fri, Nov 20 · 6:00 PM
Concord 29th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Concord (main stage at Union Street & Barbrick Avenue)
Free
- Nov21SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Nov 21 · 11:00 AM
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
Paid
- Nov21SatChristmas
Sat, Nov 21 · 11:00 AM
Neon Christmas Tree
Painting with a Twist - Indian Trail, NC
From $30Ages 6+
- Nov21SatParades
Sat, Nov 21 · 2:30 PM
98th Concord Christmas Parade
Concord Christmas Parade route (start: Church Street N at Lake Concord Road)
Free
- Nov23MonChristmas
Mon, Nov 23 · 10:15 AM
Young Explorers: Turkey Adventures and Snowman Adventures at Quest
Quest Nature Center at Latta Nature Preserve
Ages 2–3
- Nov24TueParades
Tue, Nov 24 · 3:00 PM
82nd Annual Mooresville Christmas Parade
Main Street, Downtown Mooresville (start at Statesville Avenue)
Free
- Nov24TueChristmas
Tue, Nov 24 · 4:30 PM
Holiday Stained Glass — Mint Hill Library
Mint Hill Library
- Nov27FriNutcracker and shows
Fri, Nov 27
Charlotte Symphony: Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Concert
Ovens Auditorium
Paid
- Nov28SatChristmas
Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM
Holidays at the Garden: Light Exhibit at Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Daniel Stowe Conservancy (The Gardens)
PaidAll ages
- Nov29SunParades
Sun, Nov 29 · 4:00 PM
68th Annual Lincolnton Christmas Parade
Lincolnton parade route (start: E. Main Street at Flint St.)
DecemberTue, Dec 1 – Fri, Dec 18
- Dec1TueTree lightings
Tue, Dec 1 · 5:30 PM
Downtown Tree Lighting (Yule Love Mount Holly)
Downtown Mount Holly, Main Street
Free
- Dec1TueTree lightings
Tue, Dec 1 · 5:30 PM
McAdenville Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dynamo 31
- Dec2WedChristmas
Wed, Dec 2 · 11:00 AM
Holidays Heard 'Round the World at Main Street Children's Museum
Main Street Children's Museum
- Dec3ThuChristmas
Thu, Dec 3 · 8:00 AM
ChristmasVille Preschool Day
Freedom Center (Freedom Temple Gymnasium)
Free
- Dec3ThuTree lightings
Thu, Dec 3 · 5:00 PM
Fort Mill Christmas Village & Lighting of the Tree
Fort Mill Amphitheater at Walter Y. Elisha Park
Free
- Dec3ThuChristmas
Thu, Dec 3 · 6:00 PM
Christmas in Davidson
Davidson Town Green (downtown Main Street)
- Dec3ThuSanta visits
Thu, Dec 3 · 6:00 PM
ChristmasVille Opening Ceremony + Santa's Arrival
Fountain Park
Free
- Dec3ThuSanta visits
Thu, Dec 3 · 6:30 PM
Cookies + Cocoa with Santa at ChristmasVille
First Presbyterian Church
- Dec3ThuChristmas
Through Dec 13
Davidson Community Players: Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Cain Center for the Arts
From $20All ages
- Dec4FriTree lightings
Fri, Dec 4 · 5:30 PM
Town of Pineville Tree Lighting
Pineville Town Hall
- Dec4FriChristmas
Fri, Dec 4 · 6:00 PM
Holiday Express Pajama Movie Night at Southview Recreation Center
Southview Recreation Center
Ages 5–12
- Dec4FriTree lightings
Fri, Dec 4 · 6:00 PM
Huntersville Town Tree Lighting
Veterans Park - Downtown Huntersville
FreeAll ages
- Dec4FriSanta visits
Fri, Dec 4 · 6:00 PM
Santa Central at Statesville City Hall
Statesville City Hall (Historic City Hall)
- Dec5SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa (Gastonia)
Rankin Lake Clubhouse
From $9
- Dec5SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 8:00 AM
YMCA Krueger Reindeer Romp 5K & Joan Bailey Kids' Obstacle Course
Harris YMCA
Paid
- Dec5SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
Grant the Gnome's Grand Playland at ChristmasVille
Old Town Rock Hill (near Fountain Park)
FreeAll ages
- Dec5SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
Santa's Main Street Workshop at ChristmasVille
Main Street, Old Town Rock Hill
Up to 12
- Dec5SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
Whimsical Character Breakfast at ChristmasVille
The Gathering Space
Paid
- Dec5SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Santa at the Lake
Rankin Lake viewing pier
Free
- Dec5SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:30 AM
Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday Tail — Children's Theatre of Charlotte
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
Paid
- Dec5SatCrafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:30 AM
Gingerbread Workshop for Kids — Downtown Statesville
The Watering Hole
From $3All ages
- Dec5SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 5 · 11:00 AM
Gnome for the Holidays at Main Street Children's Museum
Main Street Children's Museum
- Dec5SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 5 · 11:00 AM
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at ChristmasVille
Old Town Rock Hill (boarding across from Fountain Park)
Paid
- Dec5SatParades
Sat, Dec 5 · 11:00 AM
Town of Troutman Christmas Parade
Troutman parade route (start on Old Murdock Road)
- Dec5SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 11:30 AM
Storytime with Santa at ChristmasVille
Old Town Rock Hill (outdoor stage area)
Free
- Dec5SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Reading and the Grinch's House
SouthState Bank (drive-thru area)
- Dec5SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 5 · 3:00 PM
Christmas in the Park (Stallings)
Stallings Municipal Park
Free
- Dec5SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 5 · 3:00 PM
Holidays in Huntersville
Veterans Park - Downtown Huntersville
FreeAll ages
- Dec5SatTree lightings
Sat, Dec 5 · 5:30 PM
Mint Hill Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Mint Hill Town Hall (tree lighting); parade from Bain School along Matthews Mint Hill Road
- Dec6SunSanta visits
Sun, Dec 6 · 9:00 AM
Sensory Sensitive Santa at ChristmasVille
Knowledge Perk
Free
- Dec6SunSanta visits
Sun, Dec 6 · 10:00 AM
Santa at the Lake
Lake Norman State Park – Swim Beach
- Dec6SunChristmas
Sun, Dec 6 · 10:30 AM
Very Important Gnome (VIG) Club at ChristmasVille
Main Street Children's Museum
PaidAges 2–10
- Dec6SunChristmas
Sun, Dec 6 · 4:30 PM
Christmas in the City (Gastonia)
Rotary Pavilion
Free
- Dec9WedSanta visits
Wed, Dec 9 · 2:30 PM
Santa in the Grand Hall
The Grand Hall
Free
- Dec10ThuCrafts and cookies
Thu, Dec 10 · 5:00 PM
Gingerbread House Decorating Party for Toddlers — Sugaw Creek
Sugaw Creek Recreation Center
Ages 2–3
- Dec10ThuSanta visits
Thu, Dec 10 · 5:00 PM
Santa's Village at American Legion Post 321 — Huntersville
American Legion Post 321 building (Veterans Park area, downtown Huntersville)
Free
- Dec10ThuParades
Thu, Dec 10 · 5:30 PM
Yule Log Parade
Yule Log gathering point near 100 Main Street
- Dec11FriChristmas
Through Dec 20
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever — Matthews Playhouse
Matthews Playhouse (Matthews Community Center)
PaidAll ages
- Dec11FriNutcracker and shows
Through Dec 20
Theatre Charlotte: A Christmas Carol
Theatre Charlotte
Paid
- Dec12SatCrafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
A Sweet Holiday Workshop: Gingerbread Houses
Tuckaseegee Recreation Center
From $15Ages 5+
- Dec12SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Christmas at the Farm at Kings Mountain State Park
Kings Mountain State Park – Living History Farm
With admission
- Dec12SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Nature Holiday Celebration
Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve
Free
- Dec12SatLight displays
Through Dec 13
Christmas Candlelight Tours at Historic Brattonsville
Historic Brattonsville
- Dec12SatParades
Sat, Dec 12 · 6:00 PM
Kannapolis Christmas Parade
Downtown Kannapolis – Laureate Way and West Avenue parade route
FreeAll ages
- Dec13SunChristmas
Sun, Dec 13 · 1:30 PM
Allegra Westbrooks Community Christmas Celebration
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
FreeAll ages
- Dec13SunParades
Sun, Dec 13 · 3:00 PM
Statesville Christmas Parade
Downtown Statesville – Center Street parade route
Free
- Dec14MonNutcracker and shows
Through Dec 18
December Homeschool Theatre Intensive: Holiday Theatre
Matthews Community Center (Matthews Playhouse)
From $350
- Dec14MonCrafts and cookies
Mon, Dec 14 · 4:00 PM
Christmas Crafts — Steele Creek Library
Steele Creek Library
Ages 3–11
- Dec17ThuChristmas
Thu, Dec 17 · 4:00 PM
Draw Holiday Kawaii Art — Mint Hill Library
Mint Hill Library
- Dec18FriChristmas
Fri, Dec 18 · 6:00 PM
An Ivory Christmas Celebration
Ivory/Baker Recreation Center
Free
- Dec18FriNutcracker and shows
Fri, Dec 18 · 7:00 PM
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at Ovens Auditorium
Ovens Auditorium
Paid
Christmas breakSat, Dec 19 – Fri, Jan 1
- Dec19SatMarkets and festivals
Sat, Dec 19 · 9:30 AM
Southview Winter Wonderland
Southview Recreation Center
FreeAges 2+
- Dec19SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 19 · 10:00 AM
Morning with Santa at Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Daniel Stowe Conservancy – Great Hall
From $30All ages
- Dec19SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 19 · 10:30 AM
Harris YMCA 24th Annual Nutcracker Ballet
Dale F. Halton Theater, Central Piedmont Community College
From $18.19All ages
- Dec19SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 19 · 11:00 AM
Charlotte Symphony Family Series: Holiday Pops Family
Knight Theater
Paid
- Dec19SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 19 · 11:30 AM
Celebra Christmas Show at Methodist Home Recreation Center
Methodist Home Recreation Center
FreeAges 1+
- Dec19SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 19 · 2:00 PM
Bilingual Holiday Concert / Concierto de Navidad Bilingüe
Pineville Library
FreeAll ages
- Dec21MonMarkets and festivals
Mon, Dec 21 · 11:30 AM
Winter Wonderland Family Hike at Stevens Creek
Stevens Creek Nature Center and Preserve
FreeAges 4+
- Dec21MonChristmas
Mon, Dec 21 · 2:00 PM
Family Nature Hour - Winter Solstice Celebration
Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve
Free
- Dec21MonCrafts and cookies
Mon, Dec 21 · 2:00 PM
Holiday Cookie Decorating — North County Regional Library
North County Regional Library
- Dec21MonCrafts and cookies
Mon, Dec 21 · 5:30 PM
Solstice Crafty Campfire
Quest Nature Center at Latta Nature Preserve
All ages
- Dec21MonMarkets and festivals
Mon, Dec 21 · 5:30 PM
Winter Wonderland Festival at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center
Sugaw Creek Recreation Center
Free
- Dec23WedSanta visits
Wed, Dec 23 · 11:00 AM
Beyond the Sleigh: The Real World of Reindeer
Museum of York County
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 10:00 AM
Sprouts PLAY - New Year Celebration
Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve
FreeAges 3–6
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 11:00 AM
Noon Year's Eve Nature Celebration at Quest
Quest Nature Center at Latta Nature Preserve
Up to 9
- Dec31ThuLight displays
Thu, Dec 31 · 5:00 PM
New Year's Eve Luminary Walk and Campfire at Stevens Creek
Stevens Creek Nature Center and Preserve
All ages
All seasonLight displays, Santa visits, shows and exhibits that run for weeks. Check the organizer’s page for open nights and times.
- Nov15SunCrafts and cookies
Through Dec 2
ChristmasVille Gingerbread House Contest
Center for the Arts
From $10All ages
- Nov15SunChristmas
Through Dec 2
ChristmasVille LEGO Build Contest
Center for the Arts
From $10All ages
- Nov20FriChristmas
Through Jan 1
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway
From $46All ages
- Nov27FriMarkets and festivals
Through Jan 1
WinterFest at Carowinds
Carowinds
With admissionAll ages
- Dec1TueChristmas
Through Dec 23
Christmas at the Billy Graham Library
Billy Graham Library
FreeAll ages
- Dec1TueLight displays
Through Dec 26
Christmas Town U.S.A. Light Display
Downtown McAdenville
- Dec1TueCrafts and cookies
Through Dec 15
Family Gingerbread House Contest: Intergenerational Activity
North County Regional Library
All ages
- Dec1TueSanta visits
Through Dec 18
Santa's Mailbox at Mint Hill Town Hall
Mint Hill Town Hall
- Dec4FriNutcracker and shows
Through Dec 23
Charlotte Ballet: The Nutcracker
Belk Theater, Blumenthal Arts Center
Paid
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For organizers
Hosting a tree lighting, Santa visit or holiday show in Charlotte?
List it on Grassy Knees and it can show up on this Christmas page, in the metro’s weekend picks and in the app. Free to post until Oct 31.
How this list works
Tree lightings, Santa visits, light displays, Nutcrackers, menorah lightings and Noon Year’s Eve parties, beyond your own block. This page collects every event and program in our Charlotte listings whose title names Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Santa, holiday lights, the New Year or the like, dated between November 15 and January 1. 86 are still ahead. Each one opens its listing page, which links to the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. Dates are in Eastern Time.