Christmas in Charlotte is a bright and festive occasion made extra special by the impressive light displays all over town. You can drive around to see the shimmering spectacle or spare a few nights to roam around the lit-up venues that come alive as soon as the sun goes down. Here is our list of places to see the Christmas lights in Charlotte NC.
McAdenville Christmas Town
One of the best Christmas lights in Charlotte NC, McAdenville Christmastown has been included amongst the 10 Best Public Holiday Lights Display for two consecutive years by USA Today in a nationwide poll. With Christmas trees, nativity scenes and homes decorated so brightly that Santa can see them from the North Pole, it’s no wonder the voters loved what they saw. Don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony on December 1 and the Yule Log Ceremony on December 15.
Light The Knights
The Charlotte Christmas Village is an absolute wonderland inside the Light the Knights Christmas Festival. With shopping, special events and European-style food and drink, you will be entertained for hours. Enjoy some bratwursts and hot chocolate, buy some gifts and grab some cheese and cherry strudel from the bakery to take home. The Charlotte Knights stadium is lit up as part of the festival and you can walk around the ball park to see an amazing display of lights and xmassy decorations.
See our Instagram Reels on Light The Knights below:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClU6XQbgGtp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Whitewater Center
Take a festive stroll along the walking trails at the Whitewater Center and see one of the most unique light shows in the state, then go ice skating to warm up.
Carowinds Winterfest
Carowinds Winterfest has joy for the whole family with ice skating, live entertainment, shopping and an area to write letters to Santa with Christmas Carollers singing in the background before the parade.
Billy Graham’s Library Christmas
Billy Graham Library Christmas has a real-life nativity scene with a camel, lambs, donkey and other animals. Baby Jesus and the shepherds are there too for the free event every day except Sunday from 5 pm.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Always beautiful, but perhaps never more than during the festive season, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens has lights, decorations and an outdoor fire blazing, complete with Smores and a food truck. This is arguably the number 1 Christmas light show in Charlotte NC for our staff! It is a must-see!
Tanglewood
The Tanglewood Festival Of Lights is always popular with locals and visitors alike. Carriage and hay rides, high-tech light displays and a magic atmosphere are all part of the experience.
Light Up Cornelius
The annual Light Up Cornelius event has been wowing visitors for over a decade with its gorgeous lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, and entertainment and Santa and Mrs. Claus are always there too. This, along with neighboring Huntersville community have to have some of the best neighborhood Christmas lights in Charlotte NC.
Kannapolis Christmas
See awe-inspiring lights, Santa, and more at Kannapolis Christmas at Village Park. TheKannapolis Christmas Parade is on December 10. What a good night to see the thousands of glowing lights, ride the carousel or train and soak up the festive vibes.
Festival Of Trees
Catch the Belmont Festival Of Trees at Stowe Park and Historic Downtown Belmont. A special display of “Oh Starry Night” will run throughout the month to honor, support and remember loved ones who are fighting cancer or who may have sadly passed away from the disease. You can purchase a luminary bag with proceeds going towards the pediatric cancer support group Strong Like AK.
Mistletoe Market
Mistletoe Market is open on December 4th, 11th and 18th from 4 pm to 8 pm this year. The outdoor market has all kinds of surprises in store. They have dogs in sweaters, marshmallows by the fire, live music and lights all over the place.
Boat Parade
The Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade sets sail from Blythe Landing and heads to Ramsey Creek Park and the Duke Energy Explorium on December 17.
Carolina Holiday Spectacular
The Carolina Holiday Spectacular in Ballantyne is last but not least on our long list of Charlotte Christmas light venues. From December 12 to 31st, you can enjoy snow globes, walking trails, and food and drink. The decorated trees in this event that will warm your heart.
If you are looking for our top Christmas activities of the season and what to do for Christmas in Charlotte NC, well you’re in luck! Click here.
