The holiday season is almost here, and Charlotte has plenty of ways to celebrate. From drag performances and holiday concerts to dazzling light displays, theater productions and family-friendly traditions, the Queen City’s calendar is filling up with seasonal festivities.
LGBTQ+ favorites Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme return with their signature holiday mischief, while the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte and One Voice Chorus bring their voices to the season. Meanwhile, local stages welcome everything from “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol” to Motown classics, jazz and Hanukkah celebrations.
Whether you’re looking for a festive night out, a family-friendly outing or an opportunity to celebrate with friends and chosen family, here are some of the highlights happening around Charlotte this holiday season.
Happening throughout the holiday season
Charlotte’s seasonal traditions begin in November with the Southern Christmas Show, returning to The Park Expo and Conference Center Nov. 11–22 with hundreds of exhibitors offering holiday decorations, handmade gifts, specialty foods and seasonal entertainment.
Speedway Christmas transforms Charlotte Motor Speedway into a drive-through holiday light attraction Nov. 20–Jan. 3, featuring millions of lights and elaborate displays.
Outdoor ice skating returns to The Bowl at Ballantyne Nov. 21–Jan. 10, while the seventh annual Light the Knights Festival takes over Truist Field Nov. 25–Jan. 3 with ice skating, snow tubing, holiday shopping and tens of thousands of lights. Activity tickets are recommended in advance because skating and tubing have limited capacity.
In nearby McAdenville, Christmas Town USA illuminates homes, trees and streets throughout the community Dec. 1–26, welcoming visitors to explore the displays by car or on foot.
November 6–8
“The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show”
Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme bring their annual holiday spectacular to Booth Playhouse, blending original comedy, music, camp and plenty of festive mischief. The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” favorites have made their holiday show an annual tradition, combining theatrical storytelling, elaborate costumes and their signature comedic chemistry.
November 21
The Bowl at Ballantyne kicks off the holiday season with “Jingle Bowl,” a family-friendly celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring selfies with Santa, a live DJ, appearances by “Frozen” princesses and crafts. Visitors can also make reservations to enjoy the outdoor ice rink during or after the festivities.
“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical”
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents the beloved holiday musical for the first time at McColl Family Theatre. Featuring the Grinch, Max, Cindy Lou Who and familiar songs including “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” the 75-minute production explores kindness, community and the true meaning of the holidays.
November 22
Blumenthal Arts brings a holiday-themed cirque production to Belk Theater, combining acrobatics, aerial performances, music and theatrical spectacle in a family-friendly celebration of the season. The production offers an alternative to traditional holiday theater, with athletic artistry and circus-style entertainment taking center stage.
November 25
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
Charlotte’s annual Thanksgiving Eve Parade returns to Uptown with marching bands, floats, performances and holiday festivities, bringing the community together for a longstanding Queen City tradition. The parade offers an opportunity to kick off Thanksgiving celebrations while enjoying entertainment along the Uptown route.
November 27
“A Motown Christmas” brings classic holiday favorites and the sounds of Motown together at Knight Theater, featuring soulful vocals, choreography and nostalgic hits inspired by the legendary record label. The production blends the familiar sounds of the holiday season with the rhythm and energy of Motown.
November 28
Lisa Morman-Patterson Presents: “A Christmas Carol”
Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale returns in a production presented by Lisa Morman-Patterson at Booth Playhouse, following Ebenezer Scrooge’s encounters with the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. The timeless story explores generosity, compassion and the possibility of personal transformation.
December 3–5
JOY! Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte Holiday Concert
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte celebrates the season with JOY!, blending beautiful harmonies, humor and heartfelt moments at the Galilee Center. The program features music ranging from Dolly Parton’s Hard Candy Christmas and Randy Rainbow’s Hey Gurl, It’s Christmas! to gospel selections, traditional favorites and unexpected surprises.
December 4
Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
Charlotte Ballet brings the beloved holiday ballet to Belk Theater, featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, elaborate costumes and the magical journey of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. The production follows Clara into a fantastical world of dancing snowflakes, colorful characters and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
December 4–6
Charlotte Symphony: “Handel’s Messiah”
The Charlotte Symphony presents “Handel’s Messiah” at Knight Theater, bringing the composer’s celebrated oratorio and its iconic Hallelujah chorus to Charlotte audiences for the holiday season. First performed in 1742, the work remains one of the most recognizable compositions in classical choral music.
Charlotte drag duo Robyn O’Ladies and Charlotte Douglas celebrate 10 years of “Yule, Y’all!” at Neighborhood Theatre in NoDa. The annual holiday variety show features original songs, live singing, sketch comedy, Christmas classics and plenty of Southern humor, with new material and audience favorites from the past decade.
December 10
Charlotte Symphony: “Festival of Lights, A Hanukkah Concert”
The Charlotte Symphony celebrates Hanukkah with “Festival of Lights,” a concert at Knight Theater honoring the Jewish holiday through music and seasonal traditions. The evening brings together voices from Charlotte’s Jewish communities and includes a sing-along featuring familiar Hanukkah songs.
December 11–13
Caroline Calouche & Co. presents “The Three Spirits” at Booth Playhouse, reimagining Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” through contemporary dance, circus arts and music. The new production follows a cold-hearted character visited by three extraordinary spirits, combining theatrical storytelling with acrobatics and movement.
December 11–20
Theatre Charlotte presents its annual production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” following Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey through Christmas past, present and future in the classic story of redemption and generosity. The production brings the familiar characters and enduring themes of Dickens’ holiday tale to the local stage.
December 12
One Voice Chorus: “Winter’s Promise”
One Voice Chorus celebrates the winter season with “Winter’s Promise” at First United Methodist Church, bringing the LGBTQ+ and allied choral ensemble together for an evening of music and community. The concert continues the organization’s tradition of using choral music to bring people together across differences and celebrate belonging.
Christmas in Pajamas Charity Drag Brunch
DRAGO Charities brings holiday-themed drag entertainment to Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, from 3–5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear festive pajamas for an afternoon of performances, brunch and fundraising supporting DRAGO’s year-round community programming and outreach.
December 18–20
Charlotte Symphony: “Holiday Pops”
The Charlotte Symphony celebrates the season with “Holiday Pops” at Knight Theater, featuring festive orchestral arrangements and familiar holiday favorites. The annual concert offers audiences an opportunity to experience seasonal music performed by one of the region’s leading professional orchestras.
December 29–January 3
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” brings a contemporary twist to the holiday classic at Knight Theater, blending Tchaikovsky’s music with hip-hop dance, modern choreography and a fresh take on the traditional story.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
