2025 Winter Break Family Fun in Charlotte

Winter Break Family Fun in Charlotte: December 22, 2025– January 4, 2026

If you're looking for some festive, fun activities for the whole family in Charlotte, you're in luck! From holiday-themed musicals to educational adventures, there's something for every family member. Here’s your ultimate guide to family-friendly events in Charlotte over the next couple of weeks.

Monday, December 22, 2025

Winter at Whitewater
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Details: Ice skating, an illuminated winter trail, night activities, a Christmas tree lot, winter pop-up market, races, and seasonal events.
Purchase Tickets: Available on-site and online

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™
Location: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (Uptown)
Time: 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Details: A musical adaptation of the beloved holiday classic featuring favorite characters and songs. One-act show, approximately 60 minutes.
Purchase Tickets: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

Holidays at the Garden
Location: Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont, NC
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details: Glowing holiday lights and the magical Four Seasons Light Show across the Prairie Castle Playground.
Purchase Tickets: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Winter at Whitewater
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Details: Ice skating, illuminated trails, and festive winter fun for all ages.
Purchase Tickets: Available on-site and online

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™
Location: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (Uptown)
Time: 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM
Details: A heartwarming holiday musical celebrating kindness and individuality.
Purchase Tickets: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Selling Out Fast)
Location: Belk Theater, Uptown
Time: 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM
Details: The Broadway hit featuring iconic songs, dazzling sets, and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ illustrations.
Purchase Tickets: Blumenthal Performing Arts

Winter Movie Screening
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Details: Drop in for games, crafts, popcorn, and a marathon of feel-good holiday movies.
Purchase Tickets: Free / No tickets required

Now Showing: The Grinch (2018)
Location: SouthPark Regional Library
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Details: Holiday movie screening of the animated favorite. Rated PG.
Purchase Tickets: Free / No tickets required

Mario: A Celebration (Drop-In)
Location: Pineville Library
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Details: Crafts, activities, and a special screening celebrating Mario. Ages 4–12.
Purchase Tickets: Free / No tickets required

Holidays at the Garden
Location: Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont, NC
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details: A festive evening of lights and holiday magic.
Purchase Tickets: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve)

Santa at SouthPark
Location: SouthPark Mall
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Details: Last-minute Santa photos before Christmas Day.
Purchase Tickets:
https://whereissanta.com/mall/0116?hsLang=en

Winter at Whitewater
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Details: Ice skating, winter lights, and festive outdoor activities.
Purchase Tickets: Available on-site and online

Toy Theatre Performance: The Dot
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Details: A magical toy theatre experience using puppetry and artwork based on the book The Dot. Best for Pre-K and up.
Purchase Tickets: Free / No tickets required

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Selling Out Fast)
Location: Belk Theater, Uptown
Time: 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM
Details: The Broadway hit featuring iconic songs, dazzling sets, and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ illustrations.
Purchase Tickets: Blumenthal Performing Arts

Holidays at the Garden
Location: Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont, NC
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Details: Early evening holiday lights perfect for families with younger kids.
Purchase Tickets: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Thursday, December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day)

Winter at Whitewater
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center
Time: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details: Celebrate Christmas Day with skating, lights, and winter fun.
Purchase Tickets: Available on-site and online

Friday, December 26, 2025

Winter at Whitewater
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center
Time: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Details: A full day of winter break fun and outdoor activities.
Purchase Tickets: Available on-site and online

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Selling Out Fast)
Location: Belk Theater, Uptown
Time: 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM
Details: A must-see holiday musical for the entire family.
Purchase Tickets: Blumenthal Performing Arts

Light the Knights
Location: Truist Field, Uptown
Time: 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Details: Ice skating, snow tubing, shopping, holiday treats, and thousands of lights.
Purchase Tickets: Charlotte Knights

Speedway Christmas
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, NC
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details: Drive-thru holiday light show featuring over 5 million lights synchronized to music.
Purchase Tickets: Charlotte Motor Speedway

Holidays at the Garden
Location: Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont, NC
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details: Lights, train rides, Santa visits, live music, and festive fun.
Purchase Tickets: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Saturday, December 27, 2025

Winter at Whitewater
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Details: Extended hours with skating, trails, and nighttime festivities.
Purchase Tickets: Available on-site and online

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Location: Belk Theater, Uptown
Time: 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Details: A family-friendly Broadway holiday favorite.
Purchase Tickets: Blumenthal Performing Arts

Strum & Go! Ukulele Drop-In Jam
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Details: A relaxed ukulele experience for kids ages 9–12. Registration required.
Purchase Tickets: Free / Registration required

Story Explorers: Happy New Year!
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Details: Interactive stories, games, and a New Year’s craft.
Purchase Tickets: Free / No tickets required

Light the Knights
Location: Truist Field, Uptown
Time: 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Details: Holiday lights, skating, and snow tubing.
Purchase Tickets: Charlotte Knights

Speedway Christmas
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details: A festive drive-thru light experience to end the night.
Purchase Tickets: Charlotte Motor Speedway

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Goodyear House Brunch – Kids Eat Free
Location: Goodyear House, NoDa
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Details: Kids 10 and under eat free with a qualifying adult brunch purchase.
Purchase Tickets: Reservations recommended

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Location: Belk Theater, Uptown
Time: 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Details: Final weekend performances of the holiday hit.
Purchase Tickets: Blumenthal Performing Arts

Winter at Whitewater
Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center
Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details: Ice skating and winter activities throughout the day.
Purchase Tickets: Available on-site and online

Light the Knights
Location: Truist Field, Uptown
Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Details: Ice skating, snow tubing, and festive displays.
Purchase Tickets: Charlotte Knights

Suffolk Punch – Kids Eat Free
Location: SouthPark
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Details: Kids eat free with a qualifying adult purchase.
Purchase Tickets: No tickets required, walk in availability 

Speedway Christmas
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details: End the weekend with millions of holiday lights.
Purchase Tickets: Charlotte Motor Speedway