10 Must-See Charlotte-Metro Communities during the Holidays
‘Tis the season to be festive. Why not celebrate in the Charlotte metro communities we love most during the 2024 Holiday season?
At HAVEN Creative®, we are all about creating community, and nothing feels more like a celebration of community than a holiday community-wide event. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite local holiday events hosted by some NC clients and community partners.
Here is our curated list of the Top Ten communities to visit this holiday season:
1. Downtown Waxhaw, NC
Waxhaw’s Christmas Parade will be held on Sunday, December 8, at 3 p.m. in downtown Waxhaw. It will feature local school marching bands, entries and floats by 70 businesses and members of the community and an appearance from a special guest from the North Pole! Announcers will cover the entire parade route to ensure that you hear all of the details surrounding the fun entries passing by.
2. Light the Nights at Truist Field (Charlotte)
Even during their off-season, the Knights don’t stop lighting up Charlotte. From fireworks to Christmas lights, don’t miss plenty of winter activities like ice skating, hockey, snow tubing, and even some shopping. This year kicks off on November 27th so make sure you don’t miss it.
3. McAdenville, NC
Christmas Town U.S.A – If you’ve never been, it’s an entire experience.
It’s like something you would see in a Hallmark movie. The whole town transforms into precisely what you’d expect Christmas Town U.S.A to look like. There will be some changes this year so check out this link before hopping in the car.
Traditionally, the annual count of visitors to McAdenville in December exceeds a half-million people.
4. Belmont, NC
Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. You can sing along to your wintertime favorites at the popular topiary display, take in the rolling lights of the Piedmont Prairie and stroll among the blossoming cherry trees.
While you are in Belmont, check out the Festival of Trees. We are adding it to our list!
5. Concord, NC
Speedway Christmas has returned to Charlotte Motor Speedway, and it’s bigger and better than ever! The 11th edition of Charlotte’s spectacular drive-through light show features more than 4 million lights over a remarkable, 3.75-mile course that includes most of the oval as well as the infield and the ROVAL™!
6. Ballantyne, NC
Head to the Bowl at Ballantyne for a festive evening at Jingle Bowl! On Friday, December 6 from 5 to 8 p.m., celebrate the holiday season with fun for everyone. Free Selfies with Santa—Make memories with Santa himself with a festive backdrop
7. Camp North End (Charlotte)
Camp North End will transform into a drive-in movie theater on Thursdays in December. You will be able to enjoy a socially distant cold-weather activity, a beautiful view of the Uptown skyline & the historic water tower, and a variety of food options from the food trucks.
8. Carowinds (Charlotte, NC)
On the North and South Carolina border, Carowinds will host Taste of the Season. You can purchase a Tasting Card to choose among 30 samples of holiday sweets and savories, see dazzling holiday décor, and wrap up your Christmas shopping. A few family rides are open too!
9. U.S. National Whitewater Center
Creating a community of its own, the U.S. National Whitewater Center has a lot to offer this season. The ice skating rink includes 17,000 square feet of ice and an on-ice Airstream trailer serving craft beer, hot chocolate, and coffee. After you finish skating, check out the LIGHTS installation. This isn’t your typical Christmas light display.
10. Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Another drive-thru experience sure to brighten your winter is the Tanglewood Festival of Lights. Complete with a gift shop, S’moresville, and horse-drawn carriage rides, soak in the lights in comfort and style.
While we enjoy the many festivities in North Carolina, you can also read more about Christmas traditions around the world here.
What community events should be added to our list? Leave us a comment below!