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Kids' Directory Charlotte October 2026 cover - read it online

Holiday Lights, Santa & Polar Express 2026

Where to see the lights, meet Santa, ride a holiday train and watch the tree lightings and parades around Charlotte this season - from McAdenville's Christmas Town USA and the Speedway lights in Concord to Monroe, Indian Land, Lake Norman and Rock Hill. I checked every event on its own website, so the dates here are this year's.

Last checked: October 28, 2026. Times and prices can change, and some events sell out, so check the event's site before you go.

Show me events near:

Light Shows & Christmas Towns

Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health (opens in a new tab)

Concord · Concord & Cabarrus

Drive a four-mile route of more than 5 million lights around the speedway with music on your radio, then stop at the infield village on Thursday-Sunday nights for Santa photos, s'mores, a tubing hill and holiday movies on the giant screen (Fri/Sat nights in December are busiest - Thursday or Sunday means a shorter wait).

Friday, Nov. 20, 2026 - Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027 (closed Christmas Eve, Dec. 24)
6-10 p.m. nightly, rain or shine; infield Christmas Village open Thursday-Sunday nights

Priced per vehicle (one carload, up to 15 people); nightly rate depends on Value Night vs. Village Night on the speedway ticket calendar. Regular season pass $120 + fees. Tubing hill $15 (bought on site).

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Kannapolis Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express Train (opens in a new tab)

Kannapolis · Concord & Cabarrus

Stroll Village Park's light displays, ride the little Winterland Express train and the lighted carousel, visit Santa for a free photo, roast s'mores and catch the Singing Bears' carol show (online train reservations are for Sunday-Thursday; Friday, Saturday and Christmas week are walk-up only). The nighttime Kannapolis Christmas Parade runs downtown Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.

Nov. 13 - Dec. 30, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Free admission, lights and Santa photos; tickets required for the train and the carousel · Book ahead

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Christmas Town USA Lights (opens in a new tab)

McAdenville · Gaston County

The whole mill village glows red, green and white every night in December, and many families park early and walk the loop around the lake to skip the long car line.

December 1-26, 2026
Nightly 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (lights go off right at 10)

Free to walk or drive through

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McAdenville Yule Log Parade (opens in a new tab)

McAdenville · Gaston County

A small, old-fashioned tradition dating to 1949 where families sing carols as the Yule Log on its vintage sled makes its way through town.

Thursday, December 10, 2026
Gather early at 100 Main Street near the Yule Log; singing starts 5:30 PM

Free

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Holidays at the Garden (opens in a new tab)

Belmont · Gaston County

More than a million lights fill the gardens at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, with dancing fountains, Santa on December weekends and a trackless train on select Fridays; buy ahead because dates can sell out at the door.

November 28 - December 30, 2026 (members-only preview Monday, Nov. 23)
5 PM - 10 PM; last entry 9 PM. Santa visits Sat-Sun Dec 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, 6-8 PM; trackless train Fridays Dec 4, 11 and 18, 6-9 PM

General: adults $28, kids 2-12 $25; Value Nights (Mon-Thu): adults $24, kids $18; Any Night flex ticket $33; under 2 free; members 15% off; optional paid VIP parking on Fri/Sat and Christmas week · Book ahead

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Winter at Whitewater (Ice Skating & Winter Trail) (opens in a new tab)

Charlotte (U.S. National Whitewater Center) · West Charlotte

Skate the largest outdoor rink in the Southeast, with ice trails and free-skate zones, then walk the illuminated Winter Trail across two suspension bridges.

2026 dates not posted yet - check their site

Ice skating: $25 single activity pass (skates included) or All Access pass; Winter Trail: no pass or reservation needed; parking fee not verified

Event details Map

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne's Backyard (opens in a new tab)

Charlotte (Ballantyne) · South Charlotte

Stroll a trail of 40-plus glowing scenes with free live performers and free photos with Santa, plus add-ons like carnival rides and magic snowflake wands.

Select nights November 27 - December 30, 2026
5:30-9:30 p.m.; live entertainment 6-9 p.m.; Santa nightly through Dec. 23

General admission from $20; Twilight ticket (after 8 p.m., select nights) from $10; Anytime ticket $30; VIP from $49 early bird; ages 2 and under free; plus taxes and fees; prices rise at the gate · Book ahead

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Tanglewood Festival of Lights (opens in a new tab)

Clemmons · Day trip

Drive miles of storybook and holiday scenes lit by more than a million LED lights, then stop at the Gift Village to roast marshmallows at S'moresville.

November 13, 2026 - January 1, 2027
Daily 6:00-11:00 p.m.

Family vehicle: Mon-Thu $20 cash / $23 card; Fri-Sun $25 cash / $28 card; discount nights Nov. 16, 17, 23 and 24 are $10 cash / $13 card

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Christmas at Biltmore & Candlelight Christmas Evenings (opens in a new tab)

Asheville · Day trip

See the Vanderbilt mansion and Antler Hill Village dressed in wreaths, garland and glittering trees, or book a candlelit evening tour for extra sparkle.

November 3, 2026 - January 10, 2027 (Candlelight evenings on select nights; not available Nov. 17, Nov. 26 or Dec. 24)
Daytime and evening visits by reserved ticket

Biltmore House daytime admission starts at $110 this fall (discount ages 16 and under, ages 9 and under free); Candlelight tickets priced by date · Book ahead

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Holiday Train Rides

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at the N.C. Transportation Museum (opens in a new tab)

Spencer · Day trip

Kids in pajamas watch a live stage show from the story, then board the train for hot cocoa, a cookie, singing and a silver sleigh bell.

November 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29 and December 4-6 & 10-23, 2026
Multiple departures daily on Train A and Train B; times on the museum's ticket pages (2:30 and 3:15 trains are not peak priced)

Varies by class (Standard, Deluxe, First Class, Parlor) and date, with peak pricing on some times; 15% off Nov. 6-8 & 13-15 with promo code BELIEVE26 (valid 10/26-11/15); everyone 2 and up needs a ticket · Book ahead

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Tweetsie Christmas (opens in a new tab)

Blowing Rock · Day trip

A Wild West holiday night in the mountains with a reserved open-air Christmas train ride, amusement rides, Santa's Gingerbread House and live shows.

Select evenings November 27-29; December 4-6, 11-13, 18-23 and 26-30, 2026
5:00-9:30 p.m.

$65 ages 13 and up; $45 ages 3-12; free ages 2 and under · Book ahead

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Visit Santa

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops Concord Mills (opens in a new tab)

Concord · Concord & Cabarrus

Bass Pro's nationwide Santa's Wonderland includes the Concord Mills store, with a free photo with Santa, kids' crafts and a letter-to-Santa mailbox - free reservations open seven days ahead, and walk-ins are taken as time allows.

Santa arrives Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at 5 p.m.; free photos Sunday, Nov. 8 - Dec. 24, 2026; Christmas Tales story time Tuesdays Nov. 10 - Dec. 22 at 5 p.m.
Arrival party 5 p.m. Nov. 7; photo times by reservation (store hours)

Free 4x6 photo and video with Santa; extra photo packages for sale · Book ahead

Event details Map Add Santa arrives (Nov 7) to my calendar Add Free Santa photos (Nov 8 - Dec 24) to my calendar

Merry Morning Breakfast with Santa at Bass Pro Shops Concord Mills (opens in a new tab)

Concord · Concord & Cabarrus

A free holiday breakfast with Santa and his helpers at Bass Pro Shops, limited to four people per family and only by separate reservation.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026 (reservations open Nov. 28)
9 a.m.

Free (each family gets a Santa hat cup and 4x6 photo) · Book ahead

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Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Concord (opens in a new tab)

Concord · Concord & Cabarrus

The indoor waterpark resort turns into a winter wonderland with lobby snow, Santa visits, story time, crafts and family dance parties for guests.

2026 dates not posted yet - check their site

Activities included with a lodge stay · Book ahead

Event details Map

Morning with Santa at Stowe (opens in a new tab)

Belmont · Gaston County

A grab-and-go breakfast with a letter-writing table and time on Santa's lap, held in the garden's festive Great Hall.

Saturday, December 19, 2026
10 AM - 12 PM, Great Hall at Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Ticketed; price shown on the Conservancy's ticket page · Book ahead

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Breakfast with Santa (Gastonia) (opens in a new tab)

Gastonia · Gaston County

Gastonia Parks and Recreation serves a waffle-and-grits breakfast at the lake clubhouse with Santa, so bring your own camera; last year's tickets sold out.

Saturday, December 5, 2026 (register by Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026)
8 AM - 9 AM, Rankin Lake Clubhouse, 1750 Rankin Lake Rd.

$9 per ticket plus fees; everyone eating needs a ticket, and kids 16 and under get a small gift · Book ahead

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Santa in the Grand Hall (opens in a new tab)

Mount Holly · Gaston County

A relaxed weekday drop-in to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and snap photos, with after-school and after-work hours.

Wednesday, December 9, 2026
2:30 PM - 7:30 PM, The Grand Hall, 400 E. Central Ave.

Free

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Winterfest at Chestnut Square Park (opens in a new tab)

Indian Trail · Monroe & Indian Trail

After the parade, families head to Chestnut Square Park for free hot chocolate, photos with Santa and holiday activities.

Saturday, December 5, 2026
6 PM - 9 PM

Not listed; town says the hot chocolate is free

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Breakfast with Santa (Indian Trail) (opens in a new tab)

Indian Trail · Monroe & Indian Trail

Santa stops at every table during this town breakfast, and each child gets a turn to share a wish list and pose for photos.

Saturday, December 12, 2026
8 AM - 12 PM at VFW Post 2423, 100 VFW Lane

$7 per person (everyone older than 1.5 years must register) · Book ahead

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Matthews Photos with Santa Claus (opens in a new tab)

Matthews · East Charlotte

Town staff take the photos for you and each family gets two edited pictures with Santa in an online gallery; a separate Santa Paws session is offered for pets.

December 12, 2026 (tickets go on sale Monday, November 2)
Session times not listed on the town page

Ticketed; price not listed on the town page · Book ahead

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Santa Photo Experience at SouthPark (opens in a new tab)

Charlotte (SouthPark mall) · South Charlotte

Visit Santa inside SouthPark mall (near the West Plaza entrance) for the classic holiday photo with your kids.

Expected to open November 6, 2026
2026 hours not posted yet (checked Oct 28, 2026)

Not posted yet

Event details Map

Santa's Village at American Legion Post 321 (opens in a new tab)

Huntersville · Lake Norman

Kids take a pretend flight and a walk through a North Pole setting inside the American Legion building to meet Santa - the town will open reservations closer to the date, with walk-ups fitted in between.

Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 10-12, 2026
5-8 p.m.

Free (part of the town's free holiday events) · Book ahead

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Santa at Birkdale Village (opens in a new tab)

Huntersville · Lake Norman

Santa takes photos at a North Pole-style cottage in Birkdale Village, and booking an appointment is the only way to guarantee a spot since walk-ups are taken only if time allows.

2026 dates not posted yet - check their site

Not posted · Book ahead

Event details Map

Whimsical Character Breakfast at ChristmasVille (opens in a new tab)

Rock Hill · York County SC

Young kids eat breakfast with Grant the Gnome, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf and friends, with storytime, meet-and-greets and a holiday dance party.

Saturday, December 5, 2026
9 AM - 10:30 AM at The Gathering Space (enter from the White St / Caldwell St lot)

Ticketed; price not shown on the event page · Book ahead

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Sensory Sensitive Santa at ChristmasVille (opens in a new tab)

Rock Hill · York County SC

A calm, private Santa visit with soft lights, quiet music and sensory activities for kids who find crowds overwhelming; appointments fill fast, so sign up the day registration opens.

Sunday, December 6, 2026
9 AM - 12 PM at Knowledge Perk; registration opens November 9 at 9 AM

Free (registration required) · Book ahead

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Tree Lightings

Concord Tree Lighting Ceremony & Concord Christmas Parade (opens in a new tab)

Concord · Concord & Cabarrus

Downtown Concord kicks off the season with food trucks, a kids' zone, a snowy Santa Land on the Courthouse Plaza for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and fireworks, followed the next afternoon by one of the oldest Christmas parades in North Carolina.

29th Annual Tree Lighting: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026. 98th Concord Christmas Parade: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
Tree lighting 6-9 p.m.; parade begins 2:30 p.m.

Free

Event details Map Add Tree lighting (Nov 20) to my calendar Add Parade (Nov 21) to my calendar

Kannapolis Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (opens in a new tab)

Kannapolis · Concord & Cabarrus

Village Park lights its tree with live music and fireworks, opening night of the city's Celebration of Lights.

Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
6:30 p.m.; fireworks follow at about 6:45 p.m.

Free

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Harrisburg's Christmas Tree Lighting (opens in a new tab)

Harrisburg · Concord & Cabarrus

Harrisburg Park hosts a hometown evening with craft vendors, food trucks, live performances and a visit from Santa before the town tree glows.

Friday, Dec. 4, 2026
6-8:30 p.m.; tree lit shortly after 6 p.m.

Free

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Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting (opens in a new tab)

Mount Pleasant · Concord & Cabarrus

A small-town parade rolls through Mount Pleasant, then families gather at Town Hall for food, kids' games, a DJ and machine-made snow, and one lucky child can sign up to help light the tree.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026 (town holds it the first Saturday in December each year; Explore Cabarrus 2026 list also shows Dec. 5)
Parade 3:30 p.m.; tree lighting 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 8590 Park Drive

Free

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Christmas Town USA Tree Lighting Ceremony (opens in a new tab)

McAdenville · Gaston County

A local child flips the switch that turns on the entire town's light display, kicking off the season in McAdenville.

Tuesday, December 1, 2026
5:30 PM at Dynamo 31, 102 Main Street

Free

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Belmont Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade (opens in a new tab)

Belmont · Gaston County

Downtown Belmont lights its town tree with carols and treats, then hosts a hometown parade of floats, bands, vintage cars and Santa the next afternoon.

2026 dates not posted yet - check their site

Free

Event details Map

Christmas in the City (opens in a new tab)

Gastonia · Gaston County

Downtown Gastonia's big holiday night combines the Gaston County Jaycees Christmas Parade, the Keep Gastonia Beautiful tree lighting and free music and entertainment.

Sunday, December 6, 2026
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Rotary Centennial Pavilion and downtown Gastonia

Free

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Deck the Hall & Mount Holly Tree Lighting (opens in a new tab)

Mount Holly · Gaston County

An indoor-outdoor evening with the city tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music, local vendors, food trucks and kids' activities.

Friday, December 4, 2026 (separate downtown tree lighting Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 6 PM on Main Street)
5 PM - 8 PM at The Grand Hall, 400 E. Central Ave.; tree lighting 5:30 PM

Free

Event details Map Add Downtown tree lighting (Dec 1) to my calendar Add Deck the Hall (Dec 4) to my calendar

Monroe Christmas Tree Lighting (opens in a new tab)

Monroe · Monroe & Indian Trail

Downtown Monroe flips on its big tree the night before the parade, so families can make a full holiday weekend of it.

Saturday, November 21, 2026
Ceremony begins 6 PM; tree lights at 7 PM

Not listed on the official page

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Christmas in the Park (Stallings) (opens in a new tab)

Stallings · Monroe & Indian Trail

Stallings Municipal Park turns into a holiday playground with Santa selfies, ornament crafts, a reindeer food bar and a fake-snow zone, then lights the tree and shows a movie under the stars.

Saturday, December 5, 2026
3 PM - 8:30 PM; tree lighting 5:45 PM; Santa selfies, face painting and balloon lines close 5:30 PM; crafts close 6 PM; movie (Candy Cane Lane) after the lighting

Free

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Waxhaw Tree Lighting (opens in a new tab)

Waxhaw · Monroe & Indian Trail

Downtown Waxhaw warms up the afternoon with Santa photos, character meet-and-greets and entertainment before the tree lights up at dusk.

Saturday, November 21, 2026
4 PM - 6 PM; official lighting 5:45 PM

Not listed on the official page

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Indian Land Christmas Tree Lighting (opens in a new tab)

Indian Land

Right after the parade, the community gathers by the intermediate school to light a 14-foot tree and cheer on the parade award winners; park in the middle, intermediate or elementary school lots.

Saturday, December 12, 2026
5:30 PM, in front of Indian Land Intermediate School on US 521 (after the parade)

Not listed on the official page

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Matthews Winter Wonderlights (opens in a new tab)

Matthews · East Charlotte

Kids can enjoy crafts, glitter tattoos, inflatables, balloon twisting and a Santa photo stop before the whole of Stumptown Park lights up.

Saturday, December 5, 2026
3:30-6:30 p.m. at Stumptown Park; park lighting ceremony about 5:30 p.m.; tree and park lit about 6:30 p.m.; Chamber holiday market 2:30-7:30 p.m.

Not listed on the town page (food trucks and market purchases extra)

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Mint Hill Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting (opens in a new tab)

Mint Hill · East Charlotte

Watch a lighted evening parade through downtown Mint Hill, then head to Town Hall for food trucks, entertainment, the tree lighting and a visit from Santa.

Saturday, December 5, 2026
5:30-9:00 p.m.; nighttime parade from Bain School down Matthews-Mint Hill Road, then tree lighting at Town Hall

Not listed on the event page

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UCity Lights Winter Celebration (opens in a new tab)

Charlotte (University City) · North Charlotte

A free evening by the lake with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ornament making, hot cocoa, a Polar Express ride and the lighting of a towering tree.

Saturday, November 21, 2026
4:00-8:00 p.m. at The Shoppes at University Place; tree lighting at 7:00 p.m.

Free (reserve a free spot online) · Book ahead

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Carolina Panthers & Charlotte FC Tree Lighting (opens in a new tab)

Charlotte (Bank of America Stadium) · Uptown

The Panthers and Charlotte FC light a giant tree outside the stadium with a stage show, cocoa and holiday activities for kids; last year (2025) free tickets were required.

2026 dates not posted yet - check their site

Last year (2025): free, but mobile tickets were required · Book ahead

Event details Map

Pineville Tree Lighting (opens in a new tab)

Pineville · South Charlotte

A hometown evening on the Town Hall lawn in downtown Pineville to kick off the season with the lighting of the town tree.

Friday, December 4, 2026
5:30-7:00 p.m., Town Hall, 505 Main Street

Not listed on the town page

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Huntersville Town Tree Lighting & Holidays in Huntersville (opens in a new tab)

Huntersville · Lake Norman

Downtown Huntersville lights its tree Friday night with music, rides and Santa's Workshop, then Saturday brings free kids' rides, ice sculptures, carolers, face painting, pictures with Santa and 50+ local vendors.

Tree Lighting: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026. Holidays in Huntersville festival: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
Friday 6-8 p.m. (tree lit at 6:30 p.m.); Saturday 3-8 p.m.; Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd.

Free (free children's rides Saturday)

Event details Map Add Tree lighting (Dec 4) to my calendar Add Holidays in Huntersville (Dec 5) to my calendar

The Lighting of Birkdale Village (opens in a new tab)

Huntersville · Lake Norman

Birkdale Village kicks off the season with face painting, magicians, letters to Santa, dance performances, a parade that brings Santa in, a countdown tree lighting and the opening of its outdoor ice rink.

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026 (page shows Nov. 21 with no year; last year's lighting was Nov. 22, 2025)
2-7 p.m.; parade with Santa 4:30 p.m.; tree lighting 6 p.m.; Birkdale on Ice skating rink opens 2-10 p.m.

Free to attend (skating, food and drinks extra)

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Light Up Cornelius (opens in a new tab)

Cornelius · Lake Norman

Downtown Cornelius fills up for its tree lighting with sledding, inflatables, cookie decorating, a model train display, local performers and a visit from Santa.

Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026
4-7 p.m.; Santa arrives 4:30 p.m.; tree lighting 6:30 p.m.; Downtown Cornelius

Free

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Fort Mill Christmas Village & Lighting of the Tree (opens in a new tab)

Fort Mill · York County SC

Fort Mill lights its 50-foot tree with school choirs and dancers, plus trackless train rides, Santa photos, vendors and food trucks in the Christmas Village.

Thursday, December 3, 2026
5 PM - 8 PM; tree lighting ceremony 6 PM (Walter Y. Elisha Park Amphitheater, 345 N. White St.)

Free

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Parades, Markets & Festivals

Mount Holly Christmas Parade (opens in a new tab)

Mount Holly · Gaston County

A Saturday afternoon hometown parade through downtown Mount Holly, part of the city's free Yule Love Mount Holly series.

Saturday, December 5, 2026
3 PM; starts on W. Central Ave. near Ida Rankin Elementary, turns onto S. Main St. and ends near Oak Grove Rd.

Free

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Christmas in Cramerton (opens in a new tab)

Cramerton · Gaston County

An after-school holiday afternoon by the river with a North Pole letter-writing station, a parade down 8th Avenue and free photos with Santa.

Thursday, December 3, 2026
3 PM - 6 PM food trucks and treats at Centennial Center; parade 4 PM on 8th Avenue; free Santa photos 5-6 PM at Confluence

Free (food and treats extra)

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Monroe Christmas Parade (73rd annual) (opens in a new tab)

Monroe · Monroe & Indian Trail

One of the area's longest-running parades rolls down Main Street with floats, bands, horses and Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end, plus a new quieter sensory viewing area near Jefferson and N. Church Street.

Sunday, November 22, 2026
2 PM, rain or shine

Not listed (public street parade, no tickets mentioned)

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Indian Trail Christmas Parade (opens in a new tab)

Indian Trail · Monroe & Indian Trail

Floats, marching bands and a visit from Santa fill Indian Trail Road, and Winterfest at Chestnut Square starts right after.

Saturday, December 5, 2026
4 PM - 6 PM on Indian Trail Road

Not listed (public street parade, no tickets mentioned)

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Indian Land Christmas Parade and Christmas Village (opens in a new tab)

Indian Land

A full community day built around a Santa's Workshop parade, with a morning 5K, an indoor Christmas Village of local crafters run by the elementary school PTOs, and food vendors along the route.

Saturday, December 12, 2026
5K run 8 AM; Christmas Village 10 AM; parade lineup 3 PM; parade 4 PM (8063 River Rd, Indian Land school campus)

Not listed on the official page

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Mint Hill Holiday Mingle & Jingle (opens in a new tab)

Mint Hill · East Charlotte

Two days of holiday fun with a Christmas market of 30-plus local makers, food trucks, a big-screen showing of Arthur Christmas and a visit from Santa.

Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12, 2026
Fri 5:00-9:00 p.m.; Sat 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Mint Hill Community Center, 11524 Bain School Road

Not listed on the event page

Event details Map Add Dec 11 to my calendar Add Dec 12 to my calendar

Christmas at the Billy Graham Library (opens in a new tab)

Charlotte · West Charlotte

A faith-centered Christmas evening with a live nativity and animals, carriage rides, carolers, story time for kids and a sparkling light display.

December 1-23, 2026
Mon-Thu 5:30-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30-10:00 p.m.

Free admission and parking; reservations required; some activities have a fee · Book ahead

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Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade (opens in a new tab)

Charlotte (Uptown) · Uptown

Bring your own chairs and line Tryon Street for giant balloons, floats and marching bands at the biggest Thanksgiving parade in the Southeast.

Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Step-off 5:30 p.m. on Tryon Street; airs live on WCCB at 6:00 p.m.; rain or shine

Free (optional paid VIP seating)

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WinterFest at Carowinds (opens in a new tab)

Charlotte (Carowinds Blvd.) · South Charlotte

The theme park turns into a holiday village with lights, live Christmas shows, Santa visits, cookie decorating and select rides open for winter.

Select dates November 27, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Varies by date; see the park calendar

Included with park admission (food, drinks, cookie decorating and some holiday experiences cost extra)

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Christmas in Davidson & North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade (opens in a new tab)

Davidson · Lake Norman

Davidson's Main Street becomes a three-night holiday village with a light show, live nativity scenes, bubble snowflakes, roving performers, an artisan market and a children's craft area, plus a Saturday parade and a tricycle race on Main Street.

Christmas in Davidson: Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 3-5, 2026 (opening ceremony, Santa's arrival and tree lighting Thursday, Dec. 3). 44th North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
Festival 6-9 p.m. nightly; parade 1 p.m. (shorter alternate route this year)

Free

Event details Map Add Christmas in Davidson (Dec 3-5) to my calendar Add Parade (Dec 5) to my calendar

Mooresville Christmas Parade (opens in a new tab)

Mooresville · Lake Norman

The 82nd edition of this afternoon parade - held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving since 1944 - brings floats, marching bands, the Grinch and Santa down Main Street (wear green for the Grinch or red for Santa).

Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026
3 p.m. first-responder kickoff; main parade follows about 3:30 p.m. along Main Street

Free

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ChristmasVille (opens in a new tab)

Rock Hill · York County SC

Old Town Rock Hill's award-winning four-day festival packs in nearly 70 events - Santa's arrival, kids' craft and cookie stations on Main Street, a gnome scavenger hunt, storytime with Santa, Grinch shows, ice sculptures and horse-drawn carriage rides that sell out quickly.

Thursday-Sunday, December 3-6, 2026
Opening ceremony and Santa's arrival Thu Dec 3, 6 PM at Fountain Park; Santa's Main Street Workshop Sat Dec 5, 9 AM - 4 PM and Sun Dec 6, 12 - 4 PM; closing ceremony Sun Dec 6, 4 PM

Many events free (e.g. Storytime with Santa, Main Street Workshop); some ticketed - carriage rides, VIG Club, character breakfast · Book ahead

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Fort Mill Christmas Parade (79th annual) (opens in a new tab)

Fort Mill · York County SC

A morning parade of floats and marching bands through historic downtown Fort Mill, easy to pair with lunch on Main Street.

Saturday, December 5, 2026
11 AM, Historic Downtown Fort Mill

Not listed (public street parade, no tickets mentioned)

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Winter Holiday Market at Anne Springs Close Greenway (opens in a new tab)

Fort Mill · York County SC

More than 50 local makers, live music, a festive photo spot and fire pits with s'mores kits make this a cozy family shopping stop; the Greenway's Holiday Family Farm Day follows on Dec. 12 (9 AM - noon).

Saturday, December 5, 2026
12 PM - 5 PM

Not listed on the event page

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Planning a holiday party or shopping for gifts? My advertisers can help - browse Goods & Services, and pick up the December issue at 1,200+ spots around town.

Running a holiday event I'm missing? Tell me about it and I'll check it and add it.

Holiday Lights, Santa & Polar Express 2026

Light Shows & Christmas Towns

Holiday Train Rides

Visit Santa

Tree Lightings

Parades, Markets & Festivals

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