Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

I am in shock that Thanksgiving is next week. November has flown by. But that means it’s almost time for Christmas! I can already hear the chiming of the jingle bells and Mariah Carey belting ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’. But you don’t even have to wait! In the Queen City and the surrounding area, Christmas events are already in full swing!  And there are tons of Christmas events this weekend, November 18-120th in the Charlotte North Carolina area. Attend a tree lighting or parade, try your hand at ice skaing, get some shopping done, or catch a show. As alwasy we are here to help you make plans to get everything done this holiday season.

If you’ve already decked your halls, or maybe you are looking for some inspiration. Find it this weekend at a tree lighting or parade, ice skating, shopping event, or Christmas show. All of these events offer a fun chance to get in the spirit of the season. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

View our Ultimate Holiday Events Guide here or find it at the end of this article.

Have an event you’d like included on this list? Email full info to [email protected].

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Events This Weekend In The Charlotte North Carolina Area November 18-20

 

  • Speedway Christmas

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CYM8Ux1PYxG/

    Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway Concord

    When: November 18th-January 8th

    What: Four million lights strewn across a four-mile course, with displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music and a Christmas Village with rides, animals, movies on the in-field, and more.

    Cost: $40 per car (up to 15 people) buses and express lane extra

    Get More Info

  • NC Transportation Museum THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

    Where: NC Transportation Museum Spencer

    When: November 11-12, 18-20, 25-27 and December 2-4, 8-11, 13-23

    What: Train ride to “the North Pole” set to the sounds of The Polar Express soundtrack, complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers are entertained by a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic, The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers deboard to watch Santa present the first gift of Christmas.

    Cost: Tickets range from $35 to $390 for VIP tables for 4 people

    Get More Info

  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

    Where: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Bryson City

    When: November 10th-December 31st

    What: A 1¼ hour round-trip train ride from the Bryson City depot through the quiet wilderness for a special visit to the North Pole. The train ride is set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, and guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. The train will arrive at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting who will board the train greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift silver sleigh bell.

    Cost: Ticket prices vary by train class, dates, and passenger ages

    Get More Info

  • Concord Christmas Parade

    Where: Downtown Concord

    When:  Saturday, November 19 beginning at 2:30 p.m

    What: The annual Concord Christmas Parade is one of the oldest and continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina. The TrueCare 94th Concord Christmas Parade route begins at the intersection of Church Street N and Lake Concord Road.

    Cost: Free

    Get More Info

  • Union County Christmas Parade

    Where: Monroe Downtown

    When: November 20th, 2022, from 2 to 4:30 p.m

    What: 69th Annual Christmas Parade

    Cost: Free to attend

    Get More Info

  • Birkdale On Ice

    Where: Birkdale Huntersville

    When: November 19 – January 16

    What: Outdoor ice rink that will be reservation only

    Cost: $18/person includes skates, children under 12 $14 including skates

    Get More Info

  • Founders Holiday Ice Rink

    Where: Old Town Rock Hill

    When: November 17th-January 16th

    What: Ice skating rink

    Cost: $15 covers skate rental & 90 minutes on the ice.

    Get More Info

  • Holiday Tree Lighting at Piedmont Town Center

    Where: Piedmont Town Center Charlotte

    When: November 18th 6-9pm

    What: Tree lighting, face painting, train rides, Santa, Mickey & Minne, and more.

    Cost: Free

    Get More Info

  • Holiday Magic at Rea Farms

    Where: Rea Farms Shopping Center Charlotte

    When: November 19th 4-8pm

    What: Tree lighting, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, train rides, Mickey, Minnie, Frozen Characters, and more.

    Cost: Free

    Get More Info

  • Waxhaw Downtown Holiday Lighting

    Where: Downtown Waxhaw

    When: November 18th 5-9pm

    What: Downtown holiday lighting, shopping, more info to be released later.

    Get More Info

  • 25th Annual Concord Christmas Tree Lighting

    Where: Downtown Concord

    When: November 18th, 6-8:30 pm

    What: Tree Lighting, Santa, fireworks, food trucks a kids’ zone featuring inflatables, a rock wall, a balloon artist, a kids’ train, and more.

    Cost: Free

    Get More Info

  • Kannapolis Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

    Where: Village Park Kannapolis

    When: November 19th at 6pm

    What: Celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Kannapolis with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music and entertainment. Fireworks will immediately follow the Tree Lighting Ceremony at approximately 6:15 p.m.

    Cost: Free

    Get More Info

  • Illusionists Magic of the Holidays

    Where: Belk Theater

    When: November 20th

    What: Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowingshowcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. 

    Cost: $29.50-$99.50 per ticket

    Get More Info

  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Musical

    Where: McColl Family Theatre Imaginon

    When: November 19th- December 22nd

    What: The Herdmans are ready to wreak havoc! What happens when the “worst kids in the history of the world” find out about free food at Sunday school? What if they decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant? This hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy, adapted from Barbara Robinson’s classic story, will have your family laughing and crying as we celebrate the holidays.

    Cost: $16-$26 per ticket

    Get More Info

  • Jazz At The Garden Holiday

    Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

    When: November 20th

    What: Get ready for an intimate performance with 2 time Grammy winner Paul Brown and our special way to begin your Holiday season! It’s Jazz at the Garden Holiday Sunday November 20th!

    Cost: $60 per ticket

    Get More Info

  • Southern Christmas Show

    Where: The Park Expo & Conference Center

    When: November 10th-20th

    What: Shopping, artisans and crafts, live entertainment, food and drink, designer decorated trees and rooms

    Cost: Advanced Adult (ages 13+): $16, Child (ages 6-12): $7

  • Besties Boutique Holiday Pop Up Market

    Where: Besties Boutique Indian Trail

    When: November 19th

    What: 30+ local vendors, food, music, drinks and the kick off to holiday shopping! Bring the whole family! Also a chance to win a gift basket!

    Cost: Free

    Get More Info

  • KKP Holiday Market

    Where: Hope Fellowship Church

    When: November 19th

    What: With a unique shopping experience, we hope our market will become part of your annual holiday traditions. From desserts for your Thanksgiving table to gifts for everyone on your list, the Holiday Market has something for everyone.

    Cost: Free

    Get More Info

  • Kannapolis Celebration of Lights

    Where: Village Park Kannapolis

    When: November 20th-December 30th

    What: Come to Village Park and enjoy all the beautiful lights and displays in celebration of the holidays. Area choirs and school groups will perform on select evenings between 6 and 8 pm (December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15). Bring your wish list for your visit with Santa – you are welcome to take your photo with him at no charge. Other activities include making a holiday craft, enjoying smore’s around the fire pit and much more. Local craft and artisans be on hand on the weekends so come prepared to do your Christmas shopping. Food trucks will have food and drinks for sale.

    Cost: Free

    Get More Info

Make Sure You're Signed Up For The Kiss & Tell Newsletter

Get the latest celebrity and music buzz find out what's happening in Charlotte, plus exclusive contests, and more!

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.