Charlotte Holiday Activities for Kids: Best Family-Friendly Events & Lights Shows

Choosing how to spend the holiday season in Charlotte with kids can be overwhelming. To help you maximize your time and make every outing worth it, I’ve rounded up my favorite family-friendly holiday events. From dazzling light displays and festive ice skating to live theater and holiday markets, these top picks offer a mix of fun, excitement, and cozy moments for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick evening escape or a full day of holiday magic, this guide will help you plan the perfect festive adventures with kids in Charlotte, NC.

Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center
Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Season: Winter season (typically late November–February)
Tickets: Winter Trail is free plus $13; purchase online in advance recommended for ice skating, zip lining, Wildwoods
Reel link: Winter at Whitewater 

Activities & Features:
• Outdoor ice skating rink
• Holiday lights throughout the facility
• Fire pits and s’mores
• Live music and seasonal events
• Winter trail activities and dining options

🌟 My Take: One of our favorite budget-friendly holiday activities is walking the winter trail at Whitewater. Parking is just $13, and the half-mile trail takes you over two suspension bridges and through kid-friendly zones with swings, balance obstacles and slides. You can pay extra for ice skating or Wildwoods, but my pro tip is to skip the add-ons and enjoy the trail. It is magical on its own!

2. Light the Knights (Charlotte, NC)

Location: Truist Field
Address: 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Season: November–January 4th, 2026 
Tickets: All access pass $45
Reel link: Light the Knights

Activities & Features:
• Massive holiday light display throughout the baseball stadium including the iconic CLT letter display 
• Snow tubing and Ice skating on the field
• Santa appearances and photo opportunities
• Christmas market and kids’ activities
• Holiday treats and drinks available for purchase drinks

🌟My take: This is likely one of the more popular events in Charlotte, so expect large crowds on weekends and during peak travel weeks. I highly recommend visiting during the week if you’re local to avoid long lines. Two years ago, I visited during Christmas week and waited over 45 minutes to go down the tube just once. Last year, they implemented caps when certain things were at capacity, so get those tickets early! One great night to visit is Thursday, December 4th, during the week of the ACC Championship game, as you might spot some mascots sliding down the tubes.

3. Speedway Christmas (Concord, NC)

Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Address: 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027
Dates: Friday, November 21, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026
Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (rain or shine)
Tickets: $58 per car | Express Lane: $93
Reel link: Speedway Christmas 

What to Expect:
Speedway Christmas is the Southeast’s largest drive-thru holiday light show, featuring more than 5 million lights along a four-mile course that winds around the iconic oval, pit road, and infield road course. Lights are synchronized to music on 101.3 FM, and guests can also enjoy drive-in holiday movies shown on the giant Speedway TV.

 🌟 My Take: This is a great option for cold nights when you don’t want to walk around. We love grabbing hot cocoa at Starbucks beforehand and stopping for a potty break before entering. It’s very popular, so weekday visits are best—and Thursday is the best night for the Christmas Village

4. Holidays at the Garden (Belmont, NC)

Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Address: 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012
Dates: Friday, November 28 – Saturday, December 27
Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Reel link: Holidays at the Garden
Tickets (Pre-Purchase Recommended): Flex Tickets (any night): Adult $33 | Senior (60+) $30 | Child (2–12) $25. General Tickets (specific date): Adult $28 | Senior $25 | Child $20 Value Nights (Mon–Thurs): Adult $24 | Senior $22 | Child $18

What to Expect:
Holidays at the Garden features dazzling light displays, sparkling fountains, and festive décor throughout the botanical garden. Guests can stroll illuminated pathways, explore a model Christmas village indoors, and ride the trackless train included with admission. Food and drinks are available throughout the garden, including hot cocoa, coffee, cider, and s’mores kits. Fire pits are located near the Dining Pavilion, Piedmont Prairie, and the water feature. Adult beverages and on-site food, including the Prairie Canteen near the playground, are also offered.

Helpful Tip:
Be careful around the water feature—it can get slippery, and the jets may spray unexpectedly.

🌟 My Take: This is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable holiday events we’ve attended. The scavenger hunt for hidden fairy gems kept the girls entertained, and the illuminated Prairie playground was such a fun bonus.

5. Ice Skating at Camp North Pole (Charlotte, NC)

Location: Camp North Pole
Address: 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
Dates: November – January 4, 2026
Hours (Winter Break, Dec 21 – Jan 2): 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Reel link: Ice Skating at Camp North Pole
Tickets: General Admission $20 | Children 5 & under $16 (skate rental included)

What to Expect:
Guests can enjoy ice skating with skate helpers for first-time skaters, making it perfect for younger children. New for 2025, the Mistletoe Market inside the Ford Building offers drinks, a free ball pit, and indoor shopping on select Saturdays (Dec 6, 13, 20 from 2–7 PM). Nearby food options include Hex, La Caseta, and Coco Cabana (most stalls close at 8 PM). Visiting the lights, igloos, or market is free if you’re not skating.

Helpful Tip:
Sign the waiver online in advance for faster entry—each skater needs their own waiver.

🌟 My Take: This is an excellent choice for families with young kids. The skate helpers make it beginner-friendly, tickets are reasonably priced, and the free market and lights make it fun even if you don’t skate.

6. Ice Skating in Ballantyne (Charlotte, NC)

Location: The Bowl NC
Address: 11611 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Winter Break Hours: December 21, 2025 – January 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tickets: General Admission $20 | Children 5 & under $12 (Skate rental included; bring your own skates for $18)
Reel link: Ice Skating in Ballantyne

What to Expect:
Ice Skating at the Bowl features one-hour skating sessions with skate rental included. Sessions close briefly each hour for cleaning, and all skaters must sign a waiver (sign ahead of time for faster check-in). Parking is free for up to three hours in multiple lots, including Amp Lot, Side Way Street Lot, Retail Garage, and Aloft Retail Lot. Skate sizes range from toddler 7 to adult sizes.

🌟 My Take: Ice Skating at the Bowl is perfect for younger children because skate helpers are available for first-time skaters, making it easier and more enjoyable. It’s also a fun spot to pair with lunch or dinner before or after skating. The price is reasonable for Charlotte ice skating—slightly more than Camp North End and less than Whitewater.

7. NC Holiday Lights – Ballantyne (Charlotte, NC)

Location: Ballantyne Area
Dates: Thursday, December 7 – Sunday, December 29, 2024 | Open nightly
Tickets: VIP Admission ($39): Valid any night, includes a souvenir hot chocolate mug with bottomless hot chocolate, access to VIP Lodge & Bar, VIP restrooms, and special entrance line.

Reel link: 

What to Expect:
NC Holiday Lights features over a million lights and displays along a half-mile walking trail, including larger-than-life holiday scenes, oversized snow globes, and interactive wand elements. Highlights include the Alpine Avalanche snow tube slide, a holiday village with boutiques, shops, and rotating food trucks, a moon bounce, and Santa every night through December 23. Performers like ballerinas and pianists appear on select nights. Parking is free, and all pathways are now concrete, decked, or gravel, making the event stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.

Extra Fun:
The Alpine Avalanche bounce slide is unlimited for 15 minutes ($15, max 20 people). Santa is near the food trucks with an interactive tent featuring a sensory table, felt boards, and letters to Santa. Food trucks, including Cousins Maine Lobster, rotate throughout the event. Hot cocoa, coffee, cider, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available on-site. Don’t miss the free Candy Cane Chateau next to the Avalanche.

🌟 My Take: This is one of the most interactive holiday light shows in Charlotte. Kids will love the bounce slide, wand activities, and seeing Santa up close. The holiday village with food trucks is perfect for grabbing a bite, and the paved pathways make it easy to navigate with strollers. Weeknights are less crowded and ideal for families looking for a stress-free experience.

8. Gingerbread Lane and Tea – Ballantyne (Charlotte, NC)

Location: Ballantyne Hotel
Address: 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277
Reel link: Gingerbread Lane and Tea - Ballantyne

Dates & Hours: Holiday Tea: Tickets: Holiday Tea: $70 adults | $35 kids under 12. Thursday–Sunday in December through December 30 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (sold out, waitlist available)

Gingerbread Lane Display: December 11–28 | 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM daily

Ballantyne’s Chocolate Factory: December 11–28 | 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM daily. Chocolate drinks and treats sold on-site (Hot Chocolate $7, Adult Hot Chocolate $14, Hot Apple Cider $7, Adult Hot Apple Cider $14, Hot Coffee $4, Adult Hot Coffee $14, Cookie Bag $5

What to Expect:
Guests can enjoy a holiday tea with live harp music in the lobby, or stroll through Gingerbread Lane to view an enchanting display of gingerbread creations by novice and professional bakers. Visitors may vote on their favorite creations, with proceeds benefiting Levine Children’s Hospital. The life-size Ballantyne Chocolate Factory offers themed drinks, a cocoa hut experience, and chances to win a GOLDEN TICKET with cookie bag purchases. A toy drive runs through December 15 for those who wish to donate.

🌟 My Take: The final seating for holiday tea can feel a bit rushed, so I recommend reserving early or asking for an earlier seating for a leisurely experience. Gingerbread Lane is a perfect alternative for younger toddlers, especially with the nearby hot cocoa stand, making it easy to enjoy even if tea tickets are sold out.

9. Winterfest (Charlotte, NC)

Location: Multiple Locations / Charlotte Area
Dates: November–December (specific dates vary by venue)
Reel link: Winterfest

Tickets: Required; check event website for pricing

What to Expect:
Winterfest is a festive holiday celebration featuring dazzling lights, live entertainment, seasonal food, ice skating, and family-friendly winter activities. Guests can enjoy holiday shopping, interactive exhibits, and themed décor at multiple locations throughout Charlotte. The event atmosphere is designed for all ages, with plenty of photo opportunities and seasonal fun.

🌟 My Take: Winterfest can be a fun way to experience a full holiday celebration in one visit, especially on a weekday when crowds are smaller and kids can enjoy the activities at their own pace. The festive lights, food, and entertainment make it a family-friendly outing. That said, it’s not at the top of my list this year—ticket prices have remained the same while nightly hours and the number of lights have been reduced. I’m hoping the park takes feedback and makes improvements for next season.

10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ (Charlotte, NC)

Location: Charlotte Children's Theater 
Dates: November 22-  December 23rd, 2025 
Tickets: $25
Reel link: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™

What to Expect:
This live stage production brings the beloved classic story to life with music, colorful costumes, and family-friendly performances. Perfect for introducing children to theater and sharing a festive holiday experience.

🌟 My Take: Rudolph is magical for young kids, especially those seeing live theater for the first time. The show keeps children engaged with music, puppets, and interactive moments, making it a memorable holiday outing.

 11. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Charlotte, NC)

Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts 
Dates: December 23-28th, 2025
Tickets: Required
Reel link: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

What to Expect:
A theatrical adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic, this musical features catchy songs, colorful sets, and a lively cast. Families can enjoy a humorous and heartwarming story perfect for the season.

🌟 My Take: This musical is ideal for kids who love whimsical characters and lively performances. The Grinch’s antics and the show’s energetic songs make it a hit with both children and adults, offering a fun, festive experience for the whole family.

12. Village Park (Kannapolis, NC)

Location: Village Park
Address: 700 W C St, Kannapolis, NC 28081
Reel link: Day Trip to Kannapolis

Dates & Hours: December (check local listings for specific dates and times)
Tickets: Free to visit | Train & carousel rides $2 per person

What to Expect:
Village Park’s Celebration of Lights features thousands of twinkling holiday lights, a historic carousel, a train ride, Santa appearances, and singing holiday bears. It’s a classic, walkable holiday experience perfect for families looking for an easy evening getaway from Charlotte.

🌟 My Take: This is one of our favorite holiday outings each year! Downtown Kannapolis has so much charm, with great food options and a festive atmosphere. The Celebration of Lights is magical yet easy on the budget—visiting is free, and train and carousel rides are just $2 per person. It’s a must-do for families looking for a simple, fun holiday experience.

Looking for even more ways to make the season bright in Charlotte?

Check out our guides for Winter Break Activities in Charlotte by date, must-see tree lightings and festive parades, and indoor activities to keep the whole family entertained this winter break!