In the Piedmont, we don’t often get to enjoy the same hallmarks of winter as our mountain kin: snow-capped roofs, frosty windows, icy ponds. However, that doesn’t stop Charlotte from leaning into the season with an array of wintry and festive activities. Although our ice may be manufactured, our seasonal spirit is authentic. Check out these many ways to celebrate winter in Charlotte NC.
Curling
The Charlotte Curling Association is a not-for-profit organization that was founded during the 2010 Winter Olympics in order to promote the sport of curling in the Charlotte area. In service of that mission, they host a monthly Cocktails & Curling event during the winter months where newcomers to the sport can learn basic techniques, spend some time on the ice, and participate in a mini match. It’s the perfect way to access a whimsical winter activity in a city with a not-so-wintry climate.
Ice Skating During Winter in Charlotte NC
For more fun on the ice, visit any one of Charlotte’s many outdoor ice skating rinks, most of which are open through early- to mid-January. Spend an evening skating in the light of uptown’s skyscrapers at the Holiday on Ice rink located in front of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Visit the US National Whitewater Center to slice a path along ice trails or weave between two free skate areas. Or, visit Camp North End for a modest, kid-friendly rink erected next to their pop-up holiday market.
Holiday Markets
There is no shortage of winter markets in Charlotte, where holiday shoppers can find the perfect, locally-made gift for anyone on their list. Breweries like Lenny Boy, Gilde, Resident Culture, Heist, Protagonist, and Olde Mecklenburg Brewery host large-scale weekend popups. Or, stop by any number of the small towns surrounding Charlotte, like Davidson, Cornelius, and Belmont on select weekends to wander their holiday markets.
Light the Knights Festival
Although Truist Field is home to the Knights baseball team in summer months, in the wintertime this open-air venue in the heart of uptown transforms into a wintry wonderland. A regulation-sized ice skating rink and snow tubing course tempt the adventurous among us. Meanwhile, a lights display, holiday market, and spread of treats appeal to young thrill seekers and older chaperones alike.
Nutcracker
Every year, the Charlotte Ballet takes patrons on a whimsical holiday journey in their annual production of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s dramatic score, this classic delights all ages.
BackStage Lounge
In the spirit of the Prohibition Era, Southbound’s speakeasy is not easy to find. Follow a long hallway to the back of Southbound’s building. Step into a phone booth. And then speak the code phrase (posted on Instagram) into the mouthpiece to gain entry to BackStage Lounge. From now until New Year’s, you’ll then step into a space that is exploding with Christmas. Floor-to-ceiling decorations, themed cocktail menus, and a soundtrack of familiar holiday favorites gets the holiday spirit flowing.
discoverthecarolinas.com
@Discoverthecarolinas
