Your 2025 Guide to Holiday Events & Ice Skating in Charlotte

Charlotte is glowing for the holidays — and whether you’re planning festive family outings, a cozy date night, or a weekend packed with Christmas magic, this guide covers the best holiday events happening across the Queen City and surrounding areas. Here’s everything you need to know:

1. Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium

📅 Date: November 18
⏰ Time: Gates open at 5:30 PM, Tree Lighting at 6:30 PM, Festival runs 7:00–9:00 PM
💸 Cost: Free (mobile ticket required)

Kick off the season with live entertainment, hot cocoa, community performances, and the official lighting of the giant stadium tree in Uptown Charlotte.

2. Ice Skating at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

📅 Dates: Open now through mid-February
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
💸 Cost: $25 single-activity ice skating pass (includes skate rental)

The Whitewater Center turns into a winter wonderland with a massive 24,000 sq. ft. ice rink, skate trails, free-skate zones, and an on-ice Airstream serving hot drinks.

3. Birkdale on Ice + The Lighting of Birkdale Village

📅 Ice Skating Dates: November 22 – January 11
📅 Tree Lighting Event: November 22
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
💸 Cost: $18 adults / $14 kids (6 & under)

A classic holiday backdrop, Birkdale Village offers 75-minute skate sessions, festive music, and their annual tree-lighting celebration featuring performances and Santa’s arrival.

4. Light the Knights Festival – Truist Field

📅 Dates: November 26 – January 4
A Charlotte holiday staple featuring ice skating, snow tubing, Christmas lights, local vendors, and plenty of festive photo ops.

5. Carowinds WinterFest

📅 Dates: Select nights, November 28 – January 3
WinterFest transforms Carowinds with millions of lights, themed lands, shows, rides, holiday treats, and family-friendly entertainment.

6. Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular (Ballantyne’s Backyard)

📅 Dates: November 28 – December 30
Walk through larger-than-life light tunnels, glowing displays, rides, treats, and endless photo opportunities at this immersive lights experience.

7. Holidays at the Garden – Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

📅 Dates: November 28 – early January
Take a magical evening stroll through illuminated botanical displays, cozy fire pits, live holiday music, and glowing winter garden paths.

8. Southern Christmas Show

📅 Dates: November 13 – November 23
A Charlotte tradition featuring 400+ vendors, designer holiday rooms, entertainment, treats, and décor inspiration for the season.

9. Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll

📅 Dates: December 4 – December 6
Take a festive walk through historic Fourth Ward with decorated homes, holiday drinks, live music, and charming neighborhood energy.

10. Mistletoe Market at Camp North End

📅 Dates: December 6, 13, and 20
Shop local makers, artists, and vendors while enjoying food stalls, murals, and the lively holiday atmosphere at Camp North End.

11. Christmas Town U.S.A. (McAdenville)

📅 Dates: December 1 – December 26
This iconic small-town light display attracts visitors from across the Carolinas. Drive or stroll through glowing streets, classic décor, and family-friendly holiday charm. (stay tuned for a youtube video on @realizecharlotte coming in early December!) 

12. Ice Skating at Camp North End (“Camp North Pole”)

📅 Dates: November 20 – January 4
The industrial charm of Camp North End meets holiday magic with a seasonal ice rink, fire pits, vendors, and cozy spots for warm drinks and photos.

Charlotte does the holidays right — whether you’re looking for big shows, small-town charm, family adventures, or the best ice-skating spots in the city. Bookmark this guide, save your favorites, and get ready to make the most of the season.