Winter Break Family Fun in Charlotte: December 27 – January 5
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.
Featured events for Winter Break include Buzz City Kids Day, Elf the Musical and all the New Years Eve Family Friendly events.
Friday, December 27, 2024
- Craft & Cinema: Grinch Slime
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 2:00pm–4:00pm
Details: Make Grinch-themed slime while watching a holiday movie.
More info
- Story Explorers: Stained-Glass Windows
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 2:00pm–3:00pm
Details: Learn about stained-glass windows and create your own.
More info
- Elf the Musical - CLTMAMA for 25% off Family Four Pack
Location: Blumenthal Performing Arts
Times: 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Details: A holiday Broadway production.
Tickets and details
- CLARA'S TRIP: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story (Children's Show)
Location: Booth Playhouse
Time: 3:00 PM
Details: A family-friendly show.
Tickets here
- Mufasa - Playing at IMAX at Discovery Place Science
Location: IMAX at Discovery Place Science, 168 W. 6TH Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 3:00pm & 6:00pm Showings
Details: Experience the incredible journey of Mufasa, from his early days to becoming King of the Pride Lands. Purchase tickets here.
Saturday, December 28, 2024
- CLARA'S TRIP: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story (Children's Show)
Location: Booth Playhouse
Times: 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Details: A festive 70-minute performance.
Tickets here
- Elf the Musical - CLTMAMA for 25% off Family Four Pack
Location: Blumenthal Performing Arts
Times: 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Details: Buddy’s hilarious Christmas journey.
Tickets and details
- LNP: Evergreen Nature Crafts
Location: Quest Nature Center, 6345 Sample Rd, Huntersville
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Details: Craft activities using evergreen materials.
No registration required.
- Mufasa - Playing at IMAX at Discovery Place Science
Location: IMAX at Discovery Place Science, 168 W. 6TH Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 3:00pm & 6:00pm Showings
Details: Experience the incredible journey of Mufasa, from his early days to becoming King of the Pride Lands. Purchase tickets here.
- Charlotte Hornets Home Game
Location: Spectrum Center
Time: 6:00 PM
Details: Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder.
Tickets here
Sunday, December 29, 2024
- CLARA'S TRIP: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story (Children's Show)
Location: Booth Playhouse
Time: 11:00 AM
Details: Enjoy a family-friendly Nutcracker show.
Tickets here
- Elf the Musical - CLTMAMA for 25% off Family Four Pack
Location: Blumenthal Performing Arts
Times: 1:30 PM & 7:00 PM
Details: Buddy’s North Pole adventure continues.
Tickets and details
- Turtle Encounters at Latta Nature Preserve
Location: Latta Nature Preserve
Times: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM & 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Details: Meet live turtles and learn about their habits.
Free registration
- Mufasa - Playing at IMAX at Discovery Place Science
Location: IMAX at Discovery Place Science, 168 W. 6TH Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 3:00pm & 6:00pm Showings
Details: Experience the incredible journey of Mufasa, from his early days to becoming King of the Pride Lands. Purchase tickets here.
- Animal Ambassador Meet n' Greet
Location: McDowell Nature Center
Time: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Details: A hands-on animal encounter.
Free registration
Monday, December 30, 2024
- Family Storytime
Location: Pineville Library
Time: 10:00am–10:30am
Details: Storytime for families with songs and movement activities.
Space is limited.
More info
- Winter Break Afternoon Fun at Stevens Creek Nature Center
Location: Stevens Creek Nature Center, 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Details: Bring the whole family—kids, pets, and everyone in between—to Stevens Creek Nature Center for fun, free drop-in activities during winter break! Explore the exhibits, walk the trails, and enjoy nature all afternoon. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn something new in a relaxing, family-friendly setting. No registration required, just drop in and enjoy!
- Mufasa - Playing at IMAX at Discovery Place Science
Location: IMAX at Discovery Place Science, 168 W. 6TH Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 3:00pm & 6:00pm Showings
Details: Experience the incredible journey of Mufasa, from his early days to becoming King of the Pride Lands. Purchase tickets here.
- Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls
Location: Spectrum Center
Time: 7:00 PM
Tickets here
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 (New Year's Eve)
- Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Discovery Place Kids
Location: Discovery Place Kids
Time: 9:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Details: Countdown to noon with crafts and activities.
Get tickets here
- Storytime at The Island: Goodbye 2024!
Location: Mountain Island Library
Time: 10:00am–11:00am
Details: Celebrate 2024 with stories and activities.
More info
- Noon Year’s Eve Celebration: Goodbye 2024!
Location: SouthPark Library
Time: 11:30am–12:15pm
Details: Celebrate 2024 with stories and activities.
More info
- Rockin' Noon Year's Eve
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 11:15am–12:00pm
Details: Countdown to noon with live music and a balloon drop.
More info
- Noon Year's Eve Party at Seoul Food & Urban District Market
Location: Seoul Food (Mill District) and Urban District Market
Time: Noon – 4:00 PM
Details: A family-friendly celebration with DJ, face painting, and more.
Get tickets here
- Funtown Noon Year's Eve Party
Location: Funtown, Lake Wylie
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am
Details: Balloon Countdown at 11am – Ring in the New Year with a special balloon countdown! Enjoy snacks, playtime, a photo booth, and party hat making with your ticket.Get tickets here
- Mufasa - Playing at IMAX at Discovery Place Science
Location: IMAX at Discovery Place Science, 168 W. 6TH Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 3:00pm & 6:00pm Showings
Details: Experience the incredible journey of Mufasa, from his early days to becoming King of the Pride Lands. Purchase tickets here.
- CLT NYE Party at Truist Field
Location: Truist Field
Time: 10:00 PM
Details: Ice skating, fireworks, and more.
Get tickets here
- Winterfest at Carowinds
Location: Truist Field
Time: 5:00 PM - 1:00AM
Details: Guests with early bedtimes can enjoy an authentic New Year’s Eve experience with several early-evening countdowns, and other New Year’s activities.
Get tickets here
Thursday, January 2, 2025
- Drop-in Playtime: Lego
Location: South County Regional Library
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm
Details: Build with Lego and explore math concepts.
More info
- Frozen Movie Event
Location: North County Regional Library
Time: 2:00pm–4:00pm
Details: Family movie event showing Frozen.
Register here
- Create, Dream, Explore - Harold and the Purple Crayon Movie & Vision Board
Location: Sugar Creek Library
Time: 2:00pm–3:30pm
Details: Watch a movie and create a vision board.
Register here
- Winter Break Afternoon Fun at Stevens Creek Nature Center
Location: Stevens Creek Nature Center, 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Details: Bring the whole family—kids, pets, and everyone in between—to Stevens Creek Nature Center for fun, free drop-in activities during winter break! Explore the exhibits, walk the trails, and enjoy nature all afternoon. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn something new in a relaxing, family-friendly setting. No registration required, just drop in and enjoy!
- Mufasa - Playing at IMAX at Discovery Place Science
Location: IMAX at Discovery Place Science, 168 W. 6TH Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 3:00pm & 6:00pm Showings
Details: Experience the incredible journey of Mufasa, from his early days to becoming King of the Pride Lands. Purchase tickets here.
Friday, January 3, 2025
- Drop-in Playtime: Puzzles and Games
Location: South County Regional Library
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm
Details: Play educational puzzles and games.
More info
- Little Critters Storytime
Location: Quest Nature Center, 6345 Sample Rd, Huntersville
Time: 10:30am–11:15am
Details: Explore nature through stories and activities.
Enroll here
- Winter Break Afternoon Fun at Stevens Creek Nature Center
Location: Stevens Creek Nature Center, 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Details: Bring the whole family—kids, pets, and everyone in between—to Stevens Creek Nature Center for fun, free drop-in activities during winter break! Explore the exhibits, walk the trails, and enjoy nature all afternoon. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn something new in a relaxing, family-friendly setting. No registration required, just drop in and enjoy!
- Duke Mayo Bowl & Free Fan Fest
Location: Bank of America Stadium
Time: 1:00pm – 7:00 PM Free Fan Central outside Stadium. Game 7:30 PM. Game Tickets here.
Details:
Bring the whole family and join the fun on game day at the FanFest celebration, where college football and Duke’s Mayo take center stage! Held outside Bank of America Stadium, the event opens at 1 PM and offers a day full of entertainment, food, and activities for all ages.
FanFest includes:
- Live music
- Food and drinks
- Kids Zone
- Partner activations
- Duke’s Mayo and Southern Sauces!
Saturday, January 4, 2025
- Baby Storytime
Location: Imaginon
Time: 9:30am – 10:00am
Engage your little one with books, songs, and rhymes that promote brain stimulation through language and socialization. Perfect for babies (0-2). No registration required.
- Family Storytime
Location: Mint Hill Library
Time: 9:30am – 10:00am
Enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities designed to support early literacy and foster a love of books and reading. For babies to preschoolers (0-5). No registration required.
- Family Storytime
Location: Matthews Library
Time: 9:30am – 10:00am
Participate in stories, songs, and movement activities that encourage early literacy and book love in children (0-5). No registration required.
- Paws to Read
Location: Mountain Island Library
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Boost reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a therapy dog in this first-come, first-served program for children. No registration required.
- Puzzle and Game Swap
Location: Davidson Library
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Bring gently used puzzles and games to swap, and pick out something new to enjoy! No registration required.
- Family Storytime
Location: Imaginon
Time: 10:30am – 11:00am
Enjoy more stories, songs, and movement activities that encourage early literacy and a love of reading for kids (0-5). No registration required.
- The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 11:00am & 3:00pm
Details: In this hilarious parody of The Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf stands trial for his alleged crimes. With his own version of events, the audience becomes the jury, deciding his fate: guilty or not guilty. Based on John Scieszka’s popular book, this courtroom-farce-meets-musical is a must-see—it's a crime to miss it!
More info
- Cultural Exploration: Three Kings Day
Location: Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Celebrate Three Kings Day by learning about the traditional holiday and trying Rosca de Reyes, a popular dish. No registration required.
- Drop-in Water Colors
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 12:00pm–3:00pm
Details: Explore watercolor painting techniques and celebrate the season by creating colorful snowflake paintings. Registration is not required, but space is limited.
More info
Sunday, January 5, 2025
- Drop-in Playtime: Puzzles and Games
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 12:00pm–3:00pm
Details: Explore watercolor painting techniques and celebrate the season by creating colorful snowflake paintings. Registration is not required, but space is limited.
More info
- The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
Location: ImaginOn
Time: 2:00pm & 4:00pm
Details: In this hilarious parody of The Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf stands trial for his alleged crimes. With his own version of events, the audience becomes the jury, deciding his fate: guilty or not guilty. Based on John Scieszka’s popular book, this courtroom-farce-meets-musical is a must-see—it's a crime to miss it!
More info