Huntersville Town Tree Lighting
Huntersville- Fri, Dec 4, 2026 · 6:00–8:00 PM ET; tree lit 6:30 PM
- Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd
- Free
- Hosted by Town of Huntersville
Mecklenburg County
Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson anchor the lake-town season with the Town Tree Lighting and Holidays in Huntersville, Irving Berlin's White Christmas at the Cain Center, the Cornelius Christmas Parade, Christmas in Davidson and the North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade — capped by the Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade.
All Mecklenburg County events
Every verified 2026 holiday event across Mecklenburg County, grouped by what to do — parades & tree lightings lead the way. Prefer a single town? Jump to its page below.
Huntersville
7 eventsCornelius
5 eventsDavidson
8 eventsMint Hill
4 eventsPineville
2 eventsMatthews
1 eventCharlotte
36 eventsParades & tree lightings
7 verified events for 2026.
Tree Lighting
Cornelius Christmas Parade
Cornelius- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 10:00 AM ET
- Starts Mt. Zion Church; travels north on Hwy 115 to near Pecan St (Old Town); festivities at Cornelius Town Hall ~10 AM–2 PM
- Free spectators
- Hosted by Town of Cornelius
- Confirm on Town of Cornelius if posted.
15th Annual Light Up Cornelius
Cornelius- Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · 4:00 PM
- Cornelius
- Cost: check link
North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade
Davidson- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 1:00 PM ET
- Davidson; shorter route Main St & Griffith St to South St because of Hwy 115 construction
- Free spectators
- Hosted by Town of Davidson
Amanda's fave
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade (Charlotte)
Charlotte- Wed, Nov 25, 2026 · 5:30 PM step-off (live on WCCB at 6:00 PM)
- Uptown Charlotte along Tryon Street (9th Street → Good Samaritan Way)
- Free for spectators
- Hosted by Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
- The major Charlotte holiday parade, held Thanksgiving Eve (not Christmas Day).
Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Tree Lighting presented by Belk
Charlotte- Tue, Nov 17, 2026 · Gates 5:30 PM; ceremony 6:30 PM; tree lighting 7:00 PM; concourse festival 7:00–9:00 PM ET
- Bank of America Stadium. Check in at the Mint Street security screening near Lot 1 and the Residence Inn, 410 S. Mint St.
- Free; mobile tickets required for entry
- Hosted by Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC (presented by Belk)
- 13th annual. 50-foot Norway spruce.
UCity Lights Festival / University City Lights Winter Celebration
Charlotte- Sat, Nov 21, 2026 · 4:00–8:00 PM ET; tree lighting 7:00 PM
- The Shoppes at University Place, 8929 JK Keynes Drive
- Free
- Hosted by University City Partners
- Second-annual celebration — entirely free and open to everyone. Tree lighting by the lake.
Lights & house displays
9 verified events for 2026.
Light the Knights Festival
Charlotte- Nov 25, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 (28 selected dates) · Varies by date — check official ticket calendar
- Truist Field, 324 S Mint St
- Admission-only $14.37; admission + skating + tubing $44.40 (reported prices; verify live ticket total); ages 3 and under free per official FAQ
- Hosted by Charlotte Knights
- Advance tickets encouraged; limited All Activities capacity; valid selected date during its hours, no reentry. Includes lights and Truist Field Holiday Vendor Market. Ice skating and tubing require All Activities. Main entrance at S Mint/W MLK Blvd. Preferred paid parking at Mint Street Garage 410 S Mint, purchasable with tickets; nearby hourly parking varies. Cashless concessions. Closed Thanksgiving, Nov 30–Dec 2, Dec 7–9, 14–16, 24–25 — check the official calendar for updates.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
Charlotte- Select nights Nov 27–Dec 30, 2026 (27 nights; not nightly) · Gates 5:30 PM; last ticket 9:00 PM; close 9:30 PM ET. Christmas Eve: last ticket 7:30 PM, close 8:00 PM.
- Ballantyne's Backyard, 11611 N. Community House Rd (Wells Fargo building entrance only — no entrance from the Ballantyne Bowl side)
- General admission from $20; Twilight tickets from $10 on select nights after 8 PM; VIP from $49; Family Pack $99 (4 GA tickets). Children 2 and under free. Prices + taxes & fees; gate prices higher.
- Hosted by Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
- Closed Nov 30, Dec 1–2, Dec 7–9, Dec 25, and Dec 31. Open Thu–Sun the first two weeks, then nightly through Dec 30 except Christmas Day. Parking always free. Select nights only — not nightly Nov 27–Dec 30; check the official calendar for updates.
Out of area
Pirates Christmas at High Seas Miniature Golf
Indian Land, SC- Confirm — 2026–27 start and end dates are not published on the official Pirates Christmas page as of Nov 10, 2026 · 5:00–10:00 PM ET every night during the holiday season (course closes 4–5 PM for light setup; guests may wait at Castaways)
- High Seas Miniature Golf / Castaways, 10001 Charlotte Highway, Indian Land, SC 29707
- $19 adults; $14 kids/seniors; $12 lights-only (no golf); free for active military, veterans, police, and firefighters
- Hosted by High Seas Miniature Golf
- OUT OF AREA — Lancaster County, SC. 2026–27 dates are not yet confirmed on the official page as of Nov 10, 2026; confirm before going. If temperatures fall below 45°F, call first.
Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade
Lake Norman- Sat, Dec 19, 2026 · 5:00–7:30 PM
- Blythe Landing to EnergyExplorium, Lake Norman
- Free to watch
- Hosted by Town of Davidson
Lights on the Lake / Annual Boat Parade
Lake Wylie- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 6:30 PM
- Papa Doc's Shore Club, 3990 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie, SC
- Free to watch; boat entry $25/$30
- Hosted by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce
- Nearby lakes — just across the state line on Lake Wylie.
15707 Foreleigh
Huntersville- 2026 season
- 15707 Foreleigh, Huntersville
- Cost: check link
- Hosted by Tacky Light Tour
- Verify hours on Facebook before driving (2026 Tacky Light map).
Jones Family Christmas Lights
Huntersville- 2026 season
- 12623 Hollyhock Ln, Huntersville
- Cost: check link
- Hosted by Tacky Light Tour
- Verify hours on Facebook before driving (2026 Tacky Light map).
Arndt Christmas Lights
Huntersville- 2026 season
- Carbert Ln / Macaulay, Huntersville
- Cost: check link
- Hosted by Tacky Light Tour
- Verify hours on Facebook before driving (2026 Tacky Light map).
Zimnowski Light Show
Huntersville- 2026 season
- Hugh McAuley Rd, Huntersville
- Cost: check link
- Hosted by Tacky Light Tour
- Verify hours on Facebook before driving (2026 Tacky Light map).
Markets & shopping
11 verified events for 2026.
Christmas Open House
Huntersville- Sat, Nov 14, 2026 · 10:00 AM
- Huntersville
- Cost: check link
Christmas in the Country
Huntersville- Sat, Nov 14, 2026 · 10:00 AM
- Huntersville
- Cost: check link
Holiday Sea Glass Art Workshop
Huntersville- Mon, Dec 14, 2026 · 6:30 PM
- Huntersville
- Cost: check link
Holiday Market
Davidson- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 11:00 AM
- Davidson
- Cost: check link
Blair Road UMC Christmas Marketplace
Mint Hill- Sat, Nov 7, 2026 · 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Mint Hill
- Cost: check link
Totes and Tinsel/DIY Christmas Bag workshop
Mint Hill- Thu, Nov 13, 2026 · 6:00 PM
- Mint Hill
- Cost: check link
OMB Christmas Market 2026 — LoSo
Charlotte- Nov 27–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13, 18–20, 2026 · Nov 27 Fri 11 AM–9 PM; other Fridays noon–9 PM; Saturdays noon–9 PM; Sundays noon–7 PM ET
- The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery — LoSo, 4150 Yancey Road
- Free admission; purchases extra
- Hosted by The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
- Santa visits both locations Saturdays Nov 28, Dec 5, 12, 19, 2–5 PM; bring a camera. All ages welcome. Parking fees not published — check the venue before going.
OMB Christmas Market 2026 — Ballantyne
Charlotte- Nov 27–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13, 18–20, 2026 · Nov 27 Fri 11 AM–9 PM; other Fridays noon–9 PM; Saturdays noon–9 PM; Sundays noon–7 PM ET
- The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery — Ballantyne, 15025 Bowl Street
- Free admission; purchases extra
- Hosted by The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
- Santa visits both locations Saturdays Nov 28, Dec 5, 12, 19, 2–5 PM; bring a camera. All ages welcome. Parking fees not published — check the venue before going.
Mistletoe Market at Camp North End
Charlotte- Dec 5, 12, 19, 2026 · 2:00–7:00 PM ET
- Ford Factory, 400 Camp Rd, Camp North End
- Cost: check link
- Hosted by Camp North End / VTGCLT
- 25 vendors inside Ford Factory. Free ADA surface parking at 1776 Statesville Ave and 1801 N Graham St; garage 120 Razades Way — first 2 hours free, then $4/additional hour. Admission price not listed — check before going. Reindog Parade Dec 12 at 4 PM in Keswick District, free for spectators.
Southern Christmas Show
Charlotte- Nov 11–22, 2026 · Wed, Nov 11 (Veterans Day) 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; Thu–Sat 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sun–Wed 10:00 AM–6:00 PM ET. Early Bird VIP Sat, Nov 14, 8:00–10:00 AM.
- The Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road
- Adult weekday (ages 13+) $22 ($20 online through Nov 10); Adult weekend $25 ($23 online through Nov 10; weekend tickets may be used on any general-admission show day); Child ages 6–12 $12; ages 5 and under free on general admission weekday and weekend tickets. Early Bird VIP (Nov 14, 8–10 AM, includes that day's general admission) $28, all ages. $1 service fee per ticket. A valid admission ticket is required for everyone on Nov 11.
- Hosted by Marketplace Events / Southern Christmas Show
- Official ticket site: southernchristmasshowcharlotte.mpetickets.com. A valid admission ticket is required for everyone on Nov 11.
VTGCLT Pop (Vintage Charlotte)
Charlotte- Opens Nov 13, 2026; through Dec 23, 2026 · Nov 13–Dec 8: Fri–Sun 10:00 AM–7:00 PM ET (closed Mon–Thu). Dec 9–23: daily 10:00 AM–7:00 PM ET.
- Camp North End, 1701 N Graham, Suite 110 (next to You Vs Yourself and Glitch Tattoo, across from the food stalls)
- Cost: check link
- Hosted by VTGCLT
- Now located at Camp North End — not Elizabeth on Seventh. Distinct from Mistletoe Market at the Ford Factory (Dec 5, 12, 19 only). Admission is not priced on the official page; check before going.
Shows & theater
15 verified events for 2026.
The Wonder of Christmas - Huntersville
Huntersville- Sun, Dec 6, 2026 · 3:00 PM
- Huntersville United Methodist Church
- Cost: check link
Irving Berlin's White Christmas (Cain Center)
Cornelius- Dec 3–6 & Dec 10–13, 2026 · Evenings doors 6:30 / show 7:30 PM; Sundays doors 2:00 / show 3:00 PM ET
- Cain Center for the Arts, 21348 Catawba Ave
- Paid (cainarts.org)
- Hosted by Cain Center for the Arts
The Wonder of Christmas - Davidson
Davidson- Mon, Nov 30, 2026 · 7:00 PM
- Davidson College Presbyterian Church
- Cost: check link
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Charlotte- Sun, Nov 22, 2026 · 3:00 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
A Motown Christmas
Charlotte- Fri, Nov 27, 2026 · 7:30 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
A Christmas Carol" Evening Show
Charlotte- Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · 8:00 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Jim Brickman: A Christmas Celebration
Charlotte- Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · 7:30 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas
Charlotte- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 8:00 PM
- Downtown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Noel & Maria: Christmas in a New Key
Charlotte- Sun, Dec 6, 2026 · 6:00 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve Tour
Charlotte- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 9:30 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Tosco Music Holiday Party
Charlotte- Mon, Dec 14, 2026 · 7:30 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Holiday Pops
Charlotte- Fri, Dec 18, 2026 · 7:30 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Charlotte- Tue, Dec 29, 2026 · 7:00 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Charlotte Ballet: Nutcracker
Charlotte- Dec 4–23, 2026 (19 performances; not daily) · Varies by date — 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM, or 7:30 PM ET. Dec 4 7:30 PM; Dec 5 2 PM & 7 PM; Dec 6 2 PM; Dec 11 7:30 PM; Dec 12 2 PM & 7 PM; Dec 13 2 PM & 7 PM; Dec 17 7:30 PM; Dec 18 7:30 PM; Dec 19 2 PM & 7 PM; Dec 20 2 PM & 7 PM; Dec 22 2 PM & 7 PM; Dec 23 2 PM & 7 PM. Check the official calendar for the latest schedule.
- Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St
- Tickets starting at $35 (Blumenthal Arts official event page)
- Hosted by Charlotte Ballet (live orchestra: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra)
- Distinct from The Hip Hop Nutcracker (Dec 29). VIP add-on on select performances only.
Christmas at the Carolina
Charlotte- Series, not a daily festival: Nov 28; Dec 5, 13, 18, 19, 20 and 23, 2026 · Varies by performance (official: Nov 28, 8 PM; Dec 5, 8 PM; Dec 13, 7 PM; Dec 18, 7 PM; Dec 19, 8 PM; Dec 20, 6 PM; Dec 23, 7 PM ET)
- Carolina Theatre at Belk Place, 230 N. Tryon St
- Cost: check link
- Hosted by Carolina Theatre
- Lineup: Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite (Nov 28); Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas (Dec 5); It's a Wonderful Life (Dec 13); The Holiday (Dec 18); Sainted Trap Choir Presents: This Christmas (Dec 19); Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Dec 20); Elf (Dec 23). Tickets via Ticketmaster; cost not yet published — check the official page.
Kids & family
24 verified events for 2026.
Holidays in Huntersville
Huntersville- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 3:00–8:00 PM ET
- Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd
- Free (rides/vendors may charge)
- Hosted by Town of Huntersville
- No separate Huntersville Christmas parade found for 2026; North Meck parade is in Davidson.
Christmas Music Bingo
Cornelius- Sat, Nov 21, 2026 · 6:00 PM
- Cornelius
- Cost: check link
Santa comes to Cornelius! December 6 2026
Cornelius- Sun, Dec 6, 2026 · 9:00 AM
- Cornelius
- Cost: check link
Christmas in Davidson
Davidson- Dec 3–5, 2026 · 6:00–9:00 PM nightly; tree lighting Thu Dec 3 at 6 PM at the Town Green
- Town Green, Davidson, NC
- Free
- Hosted by Town of Davidson
QCG will be singing: Christmas in Davidson
Davidson- Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · 6:00 PM
- Downtown Davidson
- Cost: check link
QCG Sings: Christmas in Davidson
Davidson- Fri, Dec 4, 2026 · 6:00 PM
- Downtown Davidson
- Cost: check link
Queen City Groove a cappella sings for Christmas in Davidson
Davidson- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 6:00 PM
- Downtown Davidson
- Cost: check link
Christmas Vespers
Davidson- Sun, Dec 6, 2026 · 7:00 PM
- Davidson College Presbyterian Church
- Cost: check link
Blue Christmas Worship Service
Mint Hill- Sun, Dec 13, 2026 · 3:00 PM
- Mint Hill
- Cost: check link
A Christmas Night of Worship
Mint Hill- Wed, Dec 16, 2026 · 6:30 PM
- Mint Hill
- Cost: check link
Make Holiday Music with Queen Charlotte Chorus!
Pineville- Tue, Nov 10, 2026 · 6:15 PM
- Pineville
- Cost: check link
Festival of Trees
Pineville- Sat, Dec 5, 2026
- The Hut, Pineville
- Cost: check link
Christmas Dinner Show
Matthews- Thu, Dec 17, 2026 · 7:30 PM
- Santé, Matthews
- Cost: check link
A Charlie Brown Christmas" featuring Lovell Bradford and Tyra Scott
Charlotte- Wed, Dec 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Jingle Jazz Tour featuring BK Jackson, Amaye Love & Gino Rosaria
Charlotte- Sat, Dec 19, 2026 · 6:00 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Soulful Noel 2026!
Charlotte- Tue, Dec 22, 2026 · 7:00 PM
- Uptown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Kwanzaa Charlotte Family Workshop
Charlotte- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 10:30 AM–12:00 PM ET
- Allegra Westbrooks Regional
- Free
- Hosted by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
- Check event page.
Allegra Westbrooks Community Christmas Celebration
Charlotte- Sun, Dec 13, 2026 · 1:30 PM–4:00 PM ET
- Allegra Westbrooks Regional
- Free
- Hosted by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
- Free / open to the public.
Camp North Pole Ice Skating
Charlotte- Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027 · Mon–Thu 4–9 PM; Fri 4–10 PM; Sat 11 AM–10 PM; Sun 11 AM–9 PM ET. Thanksgiving break (Nov 25–27): 12 PM–10 PM daily. Winter break (Dec 20–Jan 2): 12 PM–10 PM Mon–Fri, 11 AM–10 PM Sat–Sun. Christmas Eve: 12–6 PM. Christmas Day: 3–10 PM.
- Ford Factory at Camp North End, 400 Camp Road
- General admission $18 per person; ages 10 and under $15; skate rental included
- Hosted by Camp North End
- Sessions are one hour, no re-entry. Distinct from Mistletoe Market and VTGCLT Pop at the same campus. Parking demand is especially high on Mistletoe Market Saturdays (Dec 5, 12, 19) — plan ahead.
Winter at Whitewater
Charlotte- Confirm exact open date — official page says mid-November 2026 through mid-February · Hours vary by day; check link
- U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte
- No ticket required to enter the property. Daily parking $13 per vehicle; oversized $25; annual parking pass $47 (Jan 1–Dec 31). Select activities require a pass — Cost: check link for activity prices. Official FAQ: the Winter Trail does not require an activity pass.
- Hosted by U.S. National Whitewater Center
- Confirm the exact open date (mid-November through mid-February). The rink is on the west side of the Whitewater Center. Free entry; the Winter Trail does not require an activity pass.
Christmas at the Library (Billy Graham Library)
Charlotte- Dec 1–23, 2026 (closed Sundays) · Evening activities Mon–Thu 5:30–9:00 PM; Fri–Sat 5:30–10:00 PM ET. Regular Library hours Mon–Sat 9:30 AM–5:00 PM.
- Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Drive
- Admission and parking free. Horse-drawn carriage rides: adults $12, children under 12 $6 (advance preferred)
- Hosted by Billy Graham Library / Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
- Regular Library hours Mon–Sat 9:30 AM–5 PM. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check the official page for reservations and Christmas dinner seatings.
WinterFest at Carowinds
Charlotte- Select dates Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 (not every day — check the official park calendar) · Select evenings; check link for hours
- Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd
- Live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides included with park admission; food, drink, merchandise and select holiday experiences require separate purchase
- Hosted by Carowinds / Six Flags
- The park straddles the NC/SC line; official address is Charlotte. Select dates only — check the official park calendar. Ticket price not published as of Nov 10, 2026; confirm before visiting.
Gingerbread Lane and Cocoa House at The Ballantyne
Charlotte- Dec 13–27, 2026 (Cocoa House closed Dec 25) · Gingerbread Lane daily 9:00 AM–6:00 PM ET. Cocoa House Mon–Thu 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Fri–Sun 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (excluding Dec 25).
- The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway
- Cost: check link
- Hosted by The Ballantyne
- Admission not priced on the official page — check before going. Complimentary parking validation with a $1+ Gingerbread Lane voting donation benefiting Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital. Distinct from the Omni Grove Park Inn gingerbread viewing in Asheville.
Out of area
ChristmasVille (Rock Hill, SC)
Rock Hill, SC- Dec 3–6, 2026 · Times vary by event; check link
- Old Town Rock Hill
- Many events are free to attend; some experiences require a ticket or registration. Cost: check link for ticketed events.
- Hosted by ChristmasVille
- OUT OF AREA — York County, SC. Opening ceremony includes Santa's arrival. Multi-event festival; individual event times vary — check the official event list.
Food & nightlife
3 verified events for 2026.
Winter Fest at Primal Huntersville
Huntersville- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 2:00 PM
- Huntersville
- Cost: check link
The Naughty List Bar Crawl - Charlotte
Charlotte- Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · 2:00 PM
- Downtown Charlotte
- Cost: check link
Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll + Optional Holiday Home Tours
Charlotte- Dec 3, 4 and 5, 2026 · 5:00–9:00 PM ET each night, rain or shine
- Historic Fourth Ward, Uptown Charlotte. Check in at the ticket booth, corner of W. 9th & N. Poplar Streets.
- Sip & Stroll only: $40 day-specific or $55 flex. Sip & Stroll + Holiday Home Tour (interiors of 3 Victorian homes): $75 day-specific or $100 flex.
- Hosted by Friends of Fourth Ward
- 50th anniversary. Tickets are non-refundable unless the organizer cancels. Children who cannot be carried require a ticket.