It’s a power packed December. Here’s your list of 18 top events.
Charlotte Christmas Village
Now through Dec. 24 | Corner of 7th Street and North Tryon| 11 a.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: There will be plenty of treats to buy, Gluhwein to drink and holiday spirit to soak in. Expect live performances throughout the month and visits from Santa and kids crafts on the weekends.
WinterFest
Now through Dec. 31 | Carowinds | 5-10 p.m. | $26+ | Details
Why you should go: Expect more than 5 million lights, a 70-foot Christmas tree, live shows, performers, festive foods and more. You can also skate on Flake Lake for an additional cost or ride some of the 16 open rides.
Holidays in the Garden
Now through Jan. 6 | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | 5-9 p.m. | Varies | Details
Why you should go: It includes about a mile of lights – some synchronized with music – a Christmas village display, visits from Santa and more. Explore the gardens and then sit by a fire pit to roast marshmallows and sip on something warm.
Speedway Christmas
Now through Dec. 31 | Charlotte Motor Speedway | 6-10 p.m. | $25-$30 per car | Details
Why you should go: The 3.75-mile course will be decked out with more than 3.5 million lights. There’s also a 50-foot ferris wheel, family friendly Christmas movies projected on a big screen, fire pits for marshmallow roasting and more.
McAdenville
Nov.30 through Dec. 26 | Charlotte Motor Speedway | 5:30 p.m. | $25-$30 per car | Details
Why you should go: You can drive or walk around the area which has more than 160 decorated and decked-out homes, 265 evergreen trees with 500,000 lights. There’s also going to be a Christmas Town Festival Dec. 13 with music, a parade and hot chocolate and kettle corn.
Poptopia Holidays: A Pop-Up Shop
Dec. 1 | Foundation for the Carolinas | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: A ton of local vendors will be there selling a curated selection of jewelry, clothing and more. Admission is free, so you can peruse shops and stay tuned for special surprises.
Dr Pepper ACC Championship Football Game
Dec. 1 | Bank of America Stadium | 8 p.m. | $27+ | Details
Why you should go: Watch Pitt and Clemson compete for the title of Atlantic Coast Conference champions.
Charlotte’s 250th Anniversary Celebration
Dec. 3 | Uptown | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: There will be plenty of free activities and cake to go around to celebrate our Queen City’s Birthday.
A Christmas Story, The Musical
Dec. 4-9 | Ovens Auditorium | Varies | $25+ | Details
Why you should go: Sure it’s on TV for 24 hours straight starting Christmas Eve, but the musical brings this classic to life. You can expect to see the iconic leg lamp, bunny pajamas and more.
Gingerbread Lane
Dec. 6-26 | The Ballantyne | All day | Free | Details
Why you should go: Walk through rows of homemade gingerbread houses and donate at least $1 if you want to vote on your favorite. It’ll be magical.
The gingerbread houses at The Ballantyne’s Gingerbread Lane are legit
“Nutcracker”
Dec. 7-23 | Belk Theater | Varies | $25+ | Tickets
Why you should go: A show people of all ages can love, “The Nutcracker” ballet follows the original story, and the dancing, costumes and music are all incredible. Plus, there will be sensory friendly showing at 1 p.m. on Dec. 13.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Dec. 8 | Belk Theater | 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | $47+ | Details
Why you should go: The group has been touring for 20 years and visiting 65 cities this year, including Charlotte, for their annual Christmas performance. You’re going to want to make going an annual holiday tradition.
Plaza Midwood “Running of the Balls” 5K
Dec. 14 | Resident Culture Brewing Company | 7-8 p.m. | Free | Details
Why you should go: A festive and fit event, you’ll run through the neighborhood under trees decked out in Christmas light balls. Loop back around to the brewery for a post-race mixer. You can also purchase a shirt for $20 to commemorate the event and as a contribution to charity.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Dec. 15 | Spectrum Center | 7 p.m. | $108+ | Details
Why you should go: The Lakers (and Lebron James) will visit the Hornets.
Santa at OMB
Dec. 15 | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | 10 a.m. & noon | $20-$25 | Details
Why you should go: Visit with Santa, take photos and enjoy some of OMB’s special holiday releases. There will also be 45-plus vendors and more.
Charlotte Holiday Girl Tribe Pop Up
Dec. 15-16 | Girl Tribe Laboratory | 2 p.m. | $Free | Details
Why you should go: Support local female entrepreneurs (more than 90 will be there), get some holiday shopping done, and enjoy some snacks and cocktails. Plus, there will be holiday surprises and VIPs get a fun bag and other treats.
Monday Night Football Panthers vs Saints
Dec. 17 | Bank of America Stadium | 2 p.m. | $67+ | Details
Why you should go: Cheer on the Panthers as they take on the Saints.
The Avett Brothers
Dec. 30 | Bojangles Coliseum | 8:15 p.m. | $49.50+ | Details
Why you should go: Treat yourself to some tickets and spend the second to last day in 2018 doing something really cool.
