We’re just on the cusp of the holiday season and Charlotte is already aglow with lights, laughter and celebration. From Halloween thrills and Thanksgiving gatherings to Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve, this time of year reminds us of everything that connects us to each other.
It’s the season to come together, sing a little louder, laugh a little longer, and share warmth wherever we go. Whether you’re gliding across an ice rink, taking in a concert, or soaking up the glow of holiday lights, there’s something magical waiting for everyone this year in the Queen City. Some events are free, some are ticketed and there’s definitely plenty to keep you entertained!
Nov. 12 -13
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show: An Intimate Preview
Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Arts Center, 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte
Beloved drag icons Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme return with their witty, heartfelt and delightfully campy holiday spectacle. Expect hilarious storytelling, original songs, and plenty of queer holiday cheer. A must-see for fans of comedy and community. 8 p.m. blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/the-jinkx-dela-holiday-show
Nov. 13-23
Southern Christmas Show
Park Expo & Conference Center, 800 Briarcreek Rd, Charlotte
A Charlotte classic where holiday dreams meet local craftsmanship. Explore hundreds of vendors, themed designer rooms, Christmas Tree Lane and live performances that will keep you in the spirit all day long. https://www.southernchristmasshow.com/
Nov. 21 – Jan. 4
Speedway Christmas Drive-Through and Village
Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord
Cruise through four miles of dazzling lights synchronized to music, then stop by the infield Christmas Village for rides, cocoa and Santa sightings. It’s one of the Southeast’s largest holiday light displays.
charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/speedway-christmas
Nov. 22 – Dec. 23
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E Seventh St
Musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” Features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. More info at https://ctcharlotte.org/.
Nov. 22 – Jan. 4
Ice Skating at The Bowl
The Bowl at Ballantyne, Charlotte
The Bowl’s open-air concert venue transforms into a glittering outdoor ice rink for the holiday season. Enjoy skating beneath twinkling lights with family and friends, plus festive concessions, warm beverages and cozy fire pits. It’s a fresh alternative to the city’s larger attractions. Monday – Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 12-9 p.m. https://thebowlnc.com/
Nov. 26 – Jan. 4
Light the Knights Festival
Truist Field, 324 S Mint St
Charlotte’s uptown baseball stadium transforms into a holiday playground with sparkling lights, Christmas Village pop-ups, an ice rink and snow tubing lanes. Visit Santa’s Workshop, sip cocoa under the skyline and take in the twinkling city views. It’s one of Charlotte’s most festive outdoor experiences. More details at milb.com/charlotte-knights/ballpark/christmas.
Nov. 26
Charlotte Annual Thanksgiving Parade
Uptown Center City on Tryon St, Charlotte
Annual parade to usher in the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season is held the night before Thanksgiving and features lights, music, marching bands, floats, beauty queens, local elected officials in convertibles and more. 5:30 p.m. Additional information available at https://www.novanthealththanksgivingparade.com/.
Dec. 1 – Jan. 1
McAdenville Annual Christmas Town Lights
All streets of McAdenville, Gaston County
Once a tiny mill village, this Charlotte metro town has been getting dressed up with holiday lights for the Christmas season every year since 1956. Visitors come from miles around to make the winding drive back and forth through town streets for miles of lights and holiday music. Make sure your car is in good running order and brace yourself for the traffic. Lights are usually on from 5:30 through 10 p.m. https://townofmcadenville.org/visitors/christmas-town-usa/
Dec. 1
A Motown Christmas
Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte
Get ready for smooth harmonies and soulful holiday grooves. Legendary Motown performers bring beloved hits and Christmas classics to life in a show full of rhythm, sparkle and spirit. 7 p.m. More information available at blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/a-motown-christmas.
Dec. 2
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Belk Theater, Blumenthal Arts Center, Charlotte
The signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller fills the hall with soaring arrangements, symphonic beats and pure Christmas nostalgia. This concert delivers holiday magic in full surround sound. More info at blumenthalarts.org/celebrate-the-holidays-with-bpa and https://www.mannheimsteamroller.com/.
Dec. 4-6
Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte: JOY!
Galilee Center, 3601 Central Ave, Charlotte
The GMCC fills the season with powerful harmonies, laughter and heartfelt moments. Their concert blends classic carols, pop favorites and uplifting messages of inclusion and hope. You’ll leave smiling from ear to ear. For more info visit gmccharlotte.org/joy2025.
Dec. 5-21
Charlotte Ballet: The Nutcracker
Belk Theater, Blumenthal Arts Center, Charlotte
A dazzling holiday tradition returns with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, a full live orchestra and stunning choreography. Experience the wonder of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Land of Sweets in this must-see performance. https://charlotteballet.org/nutcracker-2025/
Dec. 5-14
Theatre Charlotte: A Christmas Carol
501 Queens Rd, Charlotte
Join Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Ghosts of Christmas for this heartwarming local favorite. Theatre Charlotte’s production captures the spirit of redemption and generosity with humor and heart. theatrecharlotte.org/christmas-carol-2025
Dec. 13-14
One Voice Chorus: Pride & Joy
First United Methodist Church, 501 N Tryon St, Charlotte
Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ and allied chorus delivers an inspiring performance celebrating unity, love and the magic of the holidays. Expect soaring vocals, inclusive energy and plenty of cheer to fill your heart. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. https://onevoicechorus.com/event/ovcs-holiday-concert-2025-pride-joy/
Dec. 14
Charlotte Pride Band Holiday Concert: Tuba Christmas
NoDa Bizarre Market at Johnston YMCA
3025 N Davidson St, Charlotte
The Charlotte Pride Band celebrates the season with a joyful brass performance featuring holiday favorites and community pride. This inclusive event combines music, friendship and festive spirit in perfect harmony. 2 p.m. More details at https://www.charlotteprideband.org/tubachristmas.
Dec. 18
Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert
Knight Theater
430 S Tryon St, Charlotte
Join the Charlotte symphony for a concert featuring local cantors and choirs, along with a sing along of favorite Hanukkah songs. 7:30 p.m. More details at https://www.charlottesymphony.org.