45+ Fun Things to Do in Charlotte NC in Winter & Events

Looking for Things to Do in Charlotte NC in Winter?

Winter isn’t always the perfect time to head out because it can be cold and rainy. However, if you are feeling cooped up this winter and looking for places to go, Charlotte, North Carolina, should be at the top of your list.

Charlotte is a major city in North Carolina. In fact, Charlotte is the largest populated city in North Carolina, reaching close to one million residents. Charlotte holds a special place in the state, not only for being a commercial hub but also for having a rich and fascinating history that ties North Carolina together. 

Since Charlotte is full of so much life, then you probably guessed that there is a TON of exciting, fascinating, and unique activities to enjoy even when the weather is looking a little bleak. 

Whether you are looking for a place full of holiday activities or you just want to get the kids out of the house for the day, Charlotte has your back.

Short on Time… here’s our top pick for hotels in Charlotte.

Things to Do in Charlotte NC in Winter

In the article below, we’ve collected a fabulous list of all the enchanting activities to get you and the family through the winter season. We have all the holiday-themed events and more for you to enjoy.

1. US National Whitewater Center Ice Skating

Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214

The US National Whitewater Center is one of Charlotte’s most exciting and beloved activity centers that draw in thousands of visitors each year. 

The Whitewater Center is an outdoor center with over 30 recreational activities, including 50 miles of hiking trails, whitewater rafting, climbing, deep water soloing, mountain biking, and more. 

During the holiday season, the Whitewater Center turns into a magical place. The upper pond gets transformed into a fantastic, large ice skating rink that is open to everyone of all ages and all experience levels. 

The pond includes two ice trails and two free skate zones, all adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. The ice skating rink is open from mid-November through mid-February. 

Check out our entire list of options for Ice Skating in Charlotte NC.  

2. Southern Christmas Show | Nov 14-24, 2024

Address: The Park Expo & Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205

The Southern Christmas Show at the Park Expo and Conference Center is the largest in North America. There will be hundreds of vendors displaying everything from trinkets and collectibles to home goods, jewelry, art, and so much more. 

3. Winterfest at Carowinds 

Address: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273

Winterfest at Carowinds Amusement Park is arguably one of the most exciting holiday events in the Charlotte area and possibly in all of North Carolina! Winterfest is a fully immersive holiday spectacular that will take you on a journey into a Christmas village. 

There are millions of twinkling lights, Christmas decorations/displays, ice skating, live entertainment, holiday food and drink, gift shops, rides and coasters, and the exciting nightly Christmas parade. 

Winterfest is open on select nights starting November 15, 2024, and goes until January 4, 2025. 

4. Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas

Address: 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027

Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas is an enchanting drive-thru Christmas light display at Charlotte Motor Speedway. You will drive 3.75 miles, including on the track itself, and see over four million twinkling Christmas lights and decorations, accompanied by festive tunes. 

Afterward, sit around fire pits and enjoy hot cocoa and smores. There is also a chance to meet Santa inside, see holiday movies, and have food. Dates from November 22, 2024, through January 5, 2025, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.

5. Light the Knights Festival & Market | November 27, 2024- January 3, 2025 

Address: Truist Field, 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Light the Knights Festival is a fun, family event that takes place at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights minor league baseball team, running from mid-November through January 1.

The whole stadium gets transformed into an entire Christmas town with tons of lights and activities like ice skating and snow tubing, available for all ages. 

6. Nutcracker with the Charlotte Ballet | December 6-22 2024

Address: Belk Theater, 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Nutcracker is a beloved Christmas tradition that families across the world get together to enjoy. The Charlotte Ballet puts on an absolutely beautiful Nutcracker performance that they practice for months on end. The show will be performed daily from December 3-23. 

7. Holiday at the Gardens | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Address: 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens is a place you don’t want to miss this holiday season. From the end of November through December, the gardens transform into a magical winter wonderland. 

There are beautiful lights, holiday decor, fire pits, smores, hot cocoa, and music. Food trucks also attend Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens during this time. Dates this year are November 29 through December 29, 2024.

Check out our full article here on the Holiday at the Gardens.

8. German Christmas Market at OMB

Address: 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

The German Christmas Market is a fun Christmas tradition that comes to the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten each year. The market includes local holiday vendors, shopping, cozy fire pits, lots of warm Christmas decorations and lights, music, and more. 

The Christmas Market at OMB takes place every weekend, and Santa will be at the Christmas Market on Saturday, November 30th, from 2 pm to 5 pm, for photos!

Weekend 1: November 29th – December 1st
Weekend 2: December 6th- December 8th
Weekend 3: December 13th – December 15th
Weekend 4: December 20th – December 22nd

9. Christmas Town USA | December 2-26, 2024 

Address: McAdenville, NC

McAdenville is a small town just 25 minutes from Charlotte. This town is famous for completely transforming into a Christmas village during the holiday season. 

Decorated in millions of twinkling lights, each night is a stunning Christmas light show complete with holiday decorations and music. 

The Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 2 to mark the start of the beloved Christmas tradition, and December 12 is the Yule Log Parade, a tradition that began in 1949.  

10. Gingerbread Lane at Ballantyne Hotel | December 15 – 28, 2024 

Address: 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277

The Ballantyne Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel with a full spa, gorgeous rooms, and lots of events. This winter, join Ballantyne Hotel for a trip down Gingerbread Lane. Gingerbread Lane is a magical holiday display of gingerbread creations created by both novice and professional bakers. Attendees can vote on their favorite display and enjoy gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate. 

Gingerbread Lane will be open daily, December 15-28, 2024, from 9 am to 6 pm. 

11. Birkdale Village | Birkdale on Ice

Address: Birkdale Commons Pkwy & Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville, NC, 28078

Birkdale on Ice is a fun, family-friendly outdoor skating rink in The Plaza, in the center of Birkdale Village. Skate rentals will be available. 

November 23 – January 26, 2024, in The Plaza.

12. Mint Museum Uptown

Address: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Mint Museum is one of Charlotte’s most famous museums. The museum was founded in 1936 as Charlotte’s first art museum and has a fascinating variety of art and design from around the world. 

The museum takes about two and a half hours to walk through and costs $15.00 for adults to enter. During the holiday season, there are lots of handmade Christmas gifts and decor available for purchase. 

13. Museum of Illusions 

Address: 601 S Tryon St, Suite 138, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Museum of Illusions is a museum like no other, with tons of interactive exhibits. There are immersive perspective-changing rooms, mind-bending exhibits, optical illusions, and more. This is a great way to spend a cold winter day. 

14. Optimist Hall

Address: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206

Optimist Hall is a modern meeting site with food vendors, full bars, a live stage, and cozy indoor seating to stay warm in the winter. 

During the holiday season, food vendors share meals to celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah, and there are also delicious holiday-themed coffee drinks and baked goods.

Special events include Hot Cocoa with Santa on December 7, 2024, and Deck the Hall on December 13, 2024.

15. Camp North End 

Address: 400 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206

Camp North End is a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor creative hub and eatery in Charlotte’s North End neighborhood. It is a great place to get warm winter meals and drinks and enjoy some holiday shopping. 

During the first few days of December, Camp North End hosts the Mistletoe Market, a pop-up vendor market with festive meals, decorations, a fire pit, and local artists. Mistletoe Market 2024 returns the first three Saturdays of December from 3-8 pm. 

Camp North End will also be offering ice skating for the first time at their “Camp North Pole.“ Starts November 22, 2024, and be available through January 5, 2025. Open seven days a week except if there is inclement weather.

16. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Address: 420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a large museum that holds works of art mainly from the mid-20th century. Apart from being an extremely fascinating building architecturally, the wonderful permanent and rotating exhibits spark the imagination and show guests a unique side of art. 

17. SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord 

Address: 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027

Sea Life Charlotte is an interactive aquarium with ten main exhibits, including rescued turtles, sharks, jellyfish, and over 5,000 other sea creatures. 

The museum also has large interactive touch pools and North Carolina’s only 180-degree ocean tunnel. During the holiday season, Sea Life lights up with the Sea of Lights, a holiday light show display, Christmas trees, and more. And seeing as it’s located within the Concord Mills mall, there are plenty of Christmas shopping opportunities available as well. 

18. Blumenthal Performing Arts | Oven Auditorium | Belk Theater | Knight Theater

Address: 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is a gorgeous non-profit arts stage that opened in 1992. Artists, actors, dancers, and more from around the world come to Blumenthal to perform and celebrate art. 

19. ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center 

Address: 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 

ImaginOn is an immersive youth center designed to allow kids from ages 0-17 to have a safe space to explore, learn, and play. The center has two libraries for kids and teens, two state-of-the-art theaters, and four multi-use classrooms. ImaginOn is the number one children’s library in the United States. 

20. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte 

Address: 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 

The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is the top children’s performing arts center in the Charlotte area. They have wonderful theater programs for kids ages 2-18 and allow children the chance to learn the ropes of performing, acting, and singing on stage for live audiences. There are several wonderful shows the theater plays during the winter season. 

21. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture 

Address: 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Harvey B. Gantt Center celebrates the African-American community through history, music, art, and dance, as well as serving as a hub for community education and creative exploration. The center holds lots of different events, classes, and shows that will help keep your brain stimulated during the winter.

22. Discovery Place Science

Address: 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Discovery Place Science will soon be your kids’ favorite museum and maybe even your favorite as well. The Discovery Place is a fully immersive, hands-on science and technology museum suited for kids of all ages. 

They have everything from reptile and nature exhibits to building exhibits, hands-on LED light displays, a KidScience center (directed for ages 0-7), and the amazing iMAX theater. 

23. Shopping at SouthPark Mall 

Address: 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

The SouthPark Mall is a large indoor shopping center located in the SouthPark neighborhood of Charlotte. The mall has over 150 stores, including all your favorite designer brands, luxury brands, and a large selection of dining options. The SouthPark Mall is a great place to get any holiday shopping done. 

24. Topgolf 

Address: 9110 Drivers Way, Charlotte, NC 28262 
Address: 8024 Savoy Corporate Dr, Charlotte, NC 28273

Topgolf is a huge entertainment center and place of the future. The facility has three floors with over 100 private bays, over 200 HDTV screens, a full bar and restaurant, and the means to provide guests with endless entertainment. 

Whether you are looking to throw a holiday party or get together with friends this season, Topgolf is an excellent place to enjoy.

25. Cooking Class with Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen

Address: 4001 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

If you are feeling uninspired and cooped up this winter, joining a cooking class is a great activity to participate in. Cooking classes with Chef Alyssa are private events for adults and teens that are fully hands-on and totally fun. All meals are approachable and healthy and a great kick-start into the fine-dining world. 

26. The Market at 7th Street

Address: 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Market at 7th Street is a non-profit meeting place, food hall, and retail space. There are 12 friendly vendors with hot food, coffee, books and apparel, alcohol, cheese, pizza, and more. 

This is a great, cozy place to come to during cold winter days to fill on yummy food and do some light shopping. This is also an event place, so check back to see when their holiday events are released. 

27. Escape Tactic Escape Room

Address: 130 Southside Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217

Escape Tactic Escape Room is a unique escape room experience that has amazing decor and professionally designed rooms, including a room where you can go face-to-face with your opponents.

28. Levine Museum of the New South

Address: 401 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Levine Museum of the New South is a history museum that focuses on life in the south during and after the American Civil War. Through interactive exhibits, they explore the changes Charlotte went through socially, economically, and culturally, including the impacts of industrialization, immigration, civil rights movements, and urbanization. The museum holds many learning programs for people of all ages, as well as free family days and virtual events. 

Check back with the Levine Museum of the New South for more winter exhibits and events.  

29. Victory Lane Indoor Karting

Address: 2330 Tipton Dr, Charlotte, NC 28206

The whole family can have fun this winter at Victory Lane Indoor Karting, an indoor go-kart facility with a quarter-mile track, a full restaurant, a bowling lane, an arcade, a virtual reality arena, and axe throwing. This entertainment hub will keep everyone engaged and happy for hours. 

30. The Comedy Zone in AvidXchange Music Factory

Address: 900 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd B3, Charlotte, NC 28206

The Comedy Zone is a cozy event center found in the AvidXchange, a large entertainment complex with concert venues, bar areas, and restaurants. The Comedy Zones hosts tons of live comedians every weekend, so you can laugh away some of that winter blues. 

31. Charlotte Checkers Hockey Game

Address: Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205

One of the best ways to pass the winter days is by seeing the hockey games at the Bojangles Coliseum. The Bojangles Coliseum is home to the Charlotte Checkers, a minor-league professional hockey team. Their schedule starts in mid-October and goes until the beginning of April. 

32. Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game at the Spectrum Center

Address: 333 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 

The Charlotte Hornets are an NBA professional basketball team that plays their home games at the Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte. You can come out to watch some of the best basketball players on the planet during their season, which runs from October until April. 

33. Carolina Panthers Game at Bank of America Stadium

Address: 800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Carolina Panthers are an NFL football team that plays their home games at Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. The Panthers had the #1 pick in the draft this year and took Bryce Young, who is set to be their starting quarterback this season.

To say that Panthers fans are excited about the future of their team would be an understatement.

34. Puttery

Address: 210 Rampart St, Charlotte, NC 28203

Mini-golf is usually pictured being outdoors. However, in the cold of winter or on rainy days, mini-golf usually isn’t an option until now. Puttery is Charlotte’s best, 21+, upscale indoor mini-golf venue. The atmosphere is similar to that of an elegant cocktail bar but with seven themed mini-golf courses. Reservations are encouraged for larger parties. Otherwise, it is first come, first served.

35. Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark

Address: 10175 Weddington Rd, Concord, NC 28027

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to miss water parks! The Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark is the largest indoor waterpark chain in the country and is stocked full of water park family fun. The park features 11 water slides, four pools, water games, tubes, and more. This is the ultimate way to bring summer vibes into a cold winter day.

36. Ray’s Splash Planet

Address: 215 N Sycamore St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Ray’s Splash Planet is another great indoor water park with tons of exciting water slides, a large pool, pool games, and chances to take swim lessons. While Ray’s Splash Planet is great for the whole family, it is the perfect place for young swimmers and those just getting used to swimming. 

37. Indoor Skydiving at iFLY

Address: 7840 Lyles Ln NW, Concord, NC 28027

Indoor skydiving at iFLY could be your next winter thrill! iFLY provides a safe, state-of-the-art facility for those who want to experience the feeling of skydiving. A team of highly trained professionals guides those who want to step foot into the vertical wind tunnel for an experience of a lifetime. 

38. Rock Climbing at Inner Peaks

Address: 2220 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203 

Rock climbing is a challenge to do during the winter months, but not at Inner Peaks! Inner Peaks is a premier rock climbing gym in the South End of Charlotte. The gym features 17,000 square feet of climbing with ten auto-belay stations and 35 top rope sections that people of all ages and all experience levels can enjoy. 

39. Bowlero Charlotte

Address: 210 E Trade St D-164, Charlotte, NC 28202

Bowling is a classic indoor activity that practically everyone loves. Bowlero has 18 pristine bowling lanes and combines classic bowling vibes with new-age designs. With plush lounge seats, black lights, and large video walls displaying scores and videos, you are sure to have a fantastic time. Bowlero also offers a sports bar packed with bites and drinks. You can also visit the arcade after a game.

40. Make a Candle at Paddywax Candle Bar

Address: 1930 Camden Rd #130, Charlotte, NC 28203

Candles are the cherry on top of holiday decor and always add that extra pop to any household during the winter. Instead of buying your candles this year, why don’t you go make your own at Paddywax Candle Bar? 

Visit Paddywax and choose from the hundreds of vessels, scents, and colors to custom-make your very own candle. Everyone of all ages is welcome, and you can BYOB. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the holiday season.

41. PlantHouse Workshops

Address: 2452 Park Rd Unit D, Charlotte, NC 28203

If you are feeding crafty this winter season, PlantHouse is a great place to head to. PlantHouse is a terrarium-building workshop center, plant bar, and gift shop. 

There are themed workshops that teach people of all ages how to build and get creative with succulent terrariums. There are classes for teens, kids and special 21+ workshops as well. 

Check their website for holiday-themed events coming soon. 

42. Super Abari Game Bar

Address: 1015 Seigle Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Super Abari Game Bar features over 50 classic arcade games and 35 pinball machines. They serve alcohol and are mostly a 21+ establishment but have all-ages hours between noon and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Winter Events in Charlotte, NC 

There are tons of holiday and winter activities to enjoy in Charlotte, and now here are some annual events you don’t want to miss either. 

✅ Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | December 5th – December 29th, 2024

Get ready for a holiday adventure that will light up your family’s world! Carolina’s Holiday Lights Spectacular is here to create magical memories that will last a lifetime. It’s taking place in the backyard of the Ballantyne Hotel; the address for the event is 11611 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277.

This enchanting journey is filled with millions of twinkling lights, amazing oversized snowglobes, gigantic holiday displays, and the beloved Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with their trusty Elves. And guess what? Countless candy canes and all the festive cheer you can imagine are waiting for you, too!

Step into a winter wonderland that’s packed with fun. There’s a gift shop for all your holiday shopping needs, delicious treats from food trucks, and even those picture-perfect “Instagrammable” moments that you won’t want to miss.

The lights come alive from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM and are available on most nights above, with a few exceptions. Details Here

✅ Charlotte SantaCon | December 14, 2024

Charlotte SantaCon is a large Santa bar crawl. Join in as hundreds wearing their best Santa impressions walk through Uptown Charlotte, visiting bars, singing merry tunes, and eating yummy food. Tickets are required and can be purchased online. This is a 21+ event. 

✅ The 70th Annual Singing Christmas Tree | December 14-15, 2024

For 70 years, the Singing Christmas Tree has been a beloved Charlotte holiday tradition. Listen to all your favorite holiday songs as they are sung by the MainStage Choir from the 32-foot specially designed Christmas tree. 

There will be twinkling lights, lots of theatrics, and dance performances by the Miller Street Dance Academy. This wondrous event is great for the whole family and the perfect thing to make your next family Christmas tradition. 

✅ The North Carolina Christmas Festival | December 21, 2024

The North Carolina Christmas Festival is a large free event at the Cabarrus Event Center. The event includes free pictures with Santa, a free toy giveaway for all children, free gift wrapping, Christmas-themed games and crafts, lots of holiday food, treats, drinks, and more. Ugly Christmas sweaters are highly encouraged! 

✅ Run Run Rudolph 5K/10K | December 21, 2024

The Run Run Rudolph race is a thrilling family event that takes place at the University Research Park. The event starts at 8 a.m. and will have a fully stocked hot chocolate and donut bar. Awards will be given to the best-dressed male and female, so make sure you wear your best Christmas-themed outfit! 

​​Where To Stay in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC: FAQs

📌 What is the winter like in Charlotte, North Carolina?
The winters in Charlotte are pretty mild. Temperatures range from around 30-50 degrees.

📌 Does Charlotte, NC, get a lot of snow?
Charlotte sees an average of around 3.5 inches of snow a year, many years, none at all. 

📌 Is December a good time to visit Charlotte, NC?
If you don’t mind some cold and possibly some rain/snow, December is a wonderful time to visit Charlotte. The city truly comes alive with the holiday spirit, and there are tons of fun winter-themed activities. 

📌 What is the coldest month in Charlotte, NC?
January is usually the coldest month in Charlotte. 

📌 What is Charlotte known for?
Charlotte is a bustling city in North Carolina that is known for its restaurants, its abundance of town parks and stadiums, and for being the home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 

📌 What is the snowiest month in Charlotte, NC?
Every year, it’s different, but Charlotte sees most of its snowfall between December and March. On average, the months of January and February traditionally see the most snow accumulation in Charlotte.

Final Thoughts

Just when you thought Charlotte couldn’t get any more exciting, you see all the holiday cheer and fun winter activities that truly bring the city together. Don’t let the cold get you down, and get out there to explore Charlotte, NC, this holiday season. 

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