By CLTure
December 16, 2025
Monday, December 15
Belmont Festival of Trees at Stowe Park (December 1-30)
Tickets: Free
Ice Skating at The Bowl at The Amp Ballantyne (November 22 – January 4)
Tickets: $20.03 plus (adults) / $13.73 (children 5 and under)
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights Winterland Express at Village Park (November 15 – December 30)
Tickets: Free / $2.50 (train ride) / $2.00 (carousel)
Kick off the holiday season at Village Park with the Kannapolis Celebration of Lights, running nightly from November 15 through December 30. Stroll through thousands of sparkling lights, ride the Winterland Express train to spot all 12 Days of Christmas, and enjoy the beautifully crafted Village Park Carousel, featuring 1,800 lights and hand-painted Venetian murals. Kids can visit Santa for free photos, make holiday crafts, and watch performances by the beloved Kannapolis Singing Bears, while adults can enjoy food trucks, local artisans on weekends, s’mores, and other festive fun. Admission is free for park entry and light displays, but train and carousel rides require tickets, which may be reserved online or purchased onsite if available. Free parking is also provided at Village Park.
Tuesday, December 16
One Tree Holiday: Tyler Hilton & Kate Voegele at The Underground (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $37.10 plus
Ice Skating at Whitewater Center (November – February)
Tickets: $25 plus
Holiday Pop-Up Market at Upcycle Arts (December 2-23)
Tickets: Free
Upcycle Arts, Charlotte’s first creative reuse center, will host its Holiday Pop-Up Art Market from December 2-23, offering a festive, local arts shopping experience. The pop-up will feature finished craft kits, curated gift baskets, and original work from more than 20 local artists, giving shoppers an opportunity to buy local and secondhand this holiday season. It’s a great place to find unique, handmade gifts for loved ones while supporting Charlotte’s creative community. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the market will showcase artists including Stencilspray, Mattan, Ellison Moore, Zainab Elrahal, Glitching Icarus, Brache James, Asher Shepherd, Lindsay Medler, Trish Boyles, Damalis Caraballo, Heidi Nisbett, Lauren Wright, Maggie Morvay, Sarah Wagner, Bryan Payment, Elizabeth Ouzts, Jennifer Bennett, JoAnn Bennett, Heidi Baggott, Susan Vandyke, Eva Gordon, Theresa Mount, Elizabeth Benton, Melody Ng, Joyce Weaver, Tina Uemura, Kristen Quinn, and CRAFT CLT.
Aterciopelados at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $47.58 plus
Eyehategod, D. Sablu, and Crooked Cult at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $30.00
Wednesday, December 17
Charlotte 49ers vs. Winthrop Eagles (Women’s Basketball) at Halton Arena (11:00 a.m.)
Tickets: Free
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” featuring Lovell Bradford and Tyra Scott at Middle C Jazz (December 17-18)
Tickets: $46.55 plus
The Magicians Table at Blume Studios (November 19 – February 15)
Tickets: $79.99 plus
The Magicians Table brings an unforgettable magic show experience to Blume Studios. Enjoy two hours of up-close magic, live theatre, and music that will leave you astonished and spellbound. Arrive early for an exclusive pre-show featuring breathtaking sleight-of-hand and mind-bending illusions, and during the main event, some of the world’s finest magicians will perform right at your table, each showcasing their own unique style.
The Gaming Lounge Video Game Pop-Up at Divine Barrel Brewing (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Yarn with opener Cruz Contreras at Neighborhood Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $25.88 plus
Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker at Belk Theater (December 5-21)
Tickets: $45 plus
Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to the Belk Theater for a magical holiday celebration. On Christmas Eve, young Clara embarks on an enchanting journey with the Nutcracker Prince, traveling from sparkling winter landscapes to the dazzling Land of Sweets. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony and brought to life through Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s breathtaking choreography, this beloved production is a festive tradition for audiences of all ages.
Die Hard at Independent Picture House (7:15 p.m.)
Tickets: $11.25
Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $29.12 plus
A Fundraiser for Lynsea featuring Ivory Layne, Mariah Van Kleef, and Little Heart Machine at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
A fundraiser for Charlotte-based artist Lynsea (who is recovering from a car accident in late September) featuring Nashville indie-pop artist Ivory Layne, Charlotte indie-rock outfit Little Heart Machine, and experimental folk singer-songwriter Mariah Van Kleef. Layne released a new single, “Everest,” in October, while Van Kleef dropped “Little Tulip” in August.
Thursday, December 18
Drunk Journaling with Good Postage at Camp North End (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Cristina Mariani at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (December 18-20)
Tickets: $23.55
Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field (November 26 – January 4)
Tickets: $14.37 plus
The 6th Annual Light the Knights Festival returns to Truist Field this week, transforming the ballpark into a winter wonderland filled with lights, activities, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy the 10-lane snow tubing hill with its 150-foot slope, along with an NHL-sized outdoor ice rink where guests can skate under the Uptown skyline. Attendees can also explore the festival’s Holiday Light Show, which features themed zones such as Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, Winter Wonderland, and Santa’s Workshop. Plus, visitors can shop at The Market along the outfield concourse, where local vendors offer handmade goods, baked treats, clothing, crafts, and more.
Charlotte 49ers vs. Lafayette (Men’s Basketball) at Halton Arena (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10 plus
The Bergamot: A South Shore Christmas Concert at Carolina Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $28.40 plus
Owen and The Smokes and The Band Solstice at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.38
Coming off the release of two EPs this year — Morning Light and 5 More Songs — Winston-Salem’s Owen and The Smokes play The Evening Muse on Thursday night alongside Knoxville-based quintet The Band Solstice. Best known for their 2024 single
“Mile Drive,” The Band Solstice released their debut EP, Petrichor, in March.
Davidson vs. Louisville (Men’s Basketball) at John Belk Arena (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $21.34 plus
Dillon Fence with opener Cravin Melon at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $28.47 plus
Friday, December 19
Mavi and Reuben’s Day of Giving Toy & Food Drive at Archive CLT (1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (bring an unwrapped toy and nonperishable food items.)
Charlotte rappers Mavi and Reuben Vincent are hosting a toy and food drive at Archive CLT in partnership with local nonprofit My Brother’s Keeper. Mavi is coming off a tour with Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist and recently released his new project, The Pilot, on November 25, while Vincent dropped his latest full-length album, Welcome Home, in October.
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Alyssa Edwards – A Very Mary Christmas at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $59.50 plus
Christmas Market at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (December 19-21)
Tickets: Free
A Sainted Christmas Carol at Carolina Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
After a whirlwind year of high-profile performances with Sainted Trap Choir, Fannie Mae steps into a new role as writer and director for her playwright debut, A Sainted Christmas Carol, a trap-soul reimagining of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. Co-created with Sainted Trap Choir co-founder, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist Dennis Reed Jr., the production features a powerhouse cast of choir members and community actors. The show reimagines Ebenezer Scrooge as “Ice,” a cold-hearted music mogul whose obsession with money has frozen his heart, and unfolds through a traditional musical structure with an opening number, character introductions, and high-energy performances led by a live band under music director Josh Isaac, with choreography by Frenchie Corpening and James Alsop.
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Ramona and the Holy Smokes at Tipsy Burro (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Karla Davis Holiday Show at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
Charlotte Symphony: Cirque de Noel at Knight Theater (December 19-21)
Tickets: $33.91 plus
The magic of the holidays comes alive with Cirque de Noel at Knight Theater, where aerialists soar above the orchestra and acrobats perform jaw-dropping feats set to beloved holiday music. Featuring both thrilling new acts and fan favorites, this annual event promises wonder and festive cheer. Conductors Christopher James Lees (Friday and Saturday) and Ian Passmore (Sunday) lead the live orchestra, Cirque de la Symphonie, in bringing this spectacular holiday experience to life.
A DOAP Holiday Party at Crown Station (7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 plus
Barcerado with opener Oof at Visulite Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15 plus
Futurebirds at Neighborhood Theatre (December 19-20)
Tickets: $46.30 plus
Athens, Georgia folk-rockers Futurebirds will play two nights at Neighborhood Theatre this weekend as part of their fall tour, fresh off the release of their fifth studio album, Easy Company, which features contributions from Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee) and Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers). Known for their blend of psychedelic folk, Americana, and rock, the band has cultivated a dedicated grassroots fanbase, affectionately known as “Birdfam,” fostering a strong sense of community around their music.
Rocky Dale Davis at The Comedy Zone (December 19-20)
Tickets: $30.76 plus
Tiny City, Family Video, and Oyster at Petra’s (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $13.42 plus
Saturday, December 20
Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Conservancy (December 15-21)
Tickets: $29.96 (adults) / $26.75 (senior) $21.40 (children 2-12)
Experience the magic of Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, where a wonderland of lights, fountains, flowers, plants, and holiday cheer fills every path. Warm up with family and friends around a glowing outdoor fire, sip hot drinks, enjoy seasonal bites, and browse Big Leaf Café for unique gifts. Don’t miss a photo by the dazzling Orchid Tree just outside the Great Hall, and enjoy rides on the holiday trackless train (Saturdays in December, 6-8 p.m.), visits with Santa (Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.), live music on select evenings, and an adults-only speakeasy with exclusive holiday cocktails.
Carolina Ascent FC vs. DC Power FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium (2:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $18 plus
Boileryard Brunch at Camp North End (2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway (November 21 – January 4)
Tickets: $46.41 plus
Speedway Christmas lights up Charlotte from Friday, November 21, through Sunday, January 4. The Southeast’s largest drive-thru holiday light show features more than five million lights along a four-mile course circling the iconic oval, pit road, and infield road course, synchronized to music on 101.3 FM. Guests can also enjoy drive-in movies on the massive Speedway TV on select dates (check out the schedule). Tickets include access to the festive Christmas Village featuring photos with Santa, a race car selfie station, Santa’s Workshop, an ice maze, food and merchandise vendors, a bar, and the lighted Tree Pathway.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard (November 28 – December 30)
Tickets: $10 plus
Bart’s Mart Krampus Krawl & Holiday Market (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Mistletoe Market at Camp North End (2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Mistletoe Market returns to Camp North End on December 6, 13, and 20, transforming the campus into a lively winter village filled with shopping, treats, music, and family-friendly festivities. Kids can dive into Mount Jolly for Santa letter writing and holiday storytime, stroll down Candy Keswick Lane for seasonal sweets and hot cocoa, and enjoy the sparkling Tower of Lights with live music, local makers, and creative programming. The celebration continues in the Kinship Winter Village, where residents deck out their live/work studios in festive flair. Enjoy food and drinks from all three districts, cozy up in a Camp North Pole igloo, warm up by a fire pit, explore Vintage Charlotte’s curated vendors, and snap photos amid Studio Cultivate’s vibrant holiday décor.
5th Annual CLT Black-Owned Holiday Marketplace at 1017 Beatties Ford Road (December 19-21)
Tickets: Free
Charlotte Checkers vs. Springfield Thunderbirds at Bojangles Coliseum (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 plus
Hunnid Dollar Art Fair at Camp North End (3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $2.00
BLKMRKT’s Hunnid Dollar Art Fair returns to Camp North End (Ford Building) as one of Charlotte’s premier art events of the year, showcasing affordable and distinctive work from over 80 local artists. This is the final weekend for the artist-led, commission-free market — where creators keep 100% of their sales — offering collectors access to high-quality pieces at accessible prices while highlighting a diverse range of Charlotte talent.
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Time Sawyer at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.38 plus
Sunday, December 21
Roaring Riot’s Tailgate featuring Petey Pablo at 520 Elliot Street (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (members) / $30 (guests)
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium (1:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $128 plus
The Panthers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a pivotal NFC South showdown Sunday at The Bank. Both teams enter the game at 7-7, eager to bounce back from gut-wrenching losses. The first of two matchups in three weeks, this game will heavily impact the division race. Baker Mayfield started the season hot but has struggled recently; however, the Bucs’ offense is now fully healthy, featuring receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Emeka Egbuka, along with running backs Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker. Carolina will need to lean on their ball-control running attack while staying opportunistic through the air, taking advantage of a Tampa Bay secondary that ranks among the league’s worst against the pass. The Panthers have thrived coming off a loss this season, going 5-1, and they’ll need every ounce of hometown energy for what is their first meaningful late-season game in several years.
Charlotte 49ers vs. University of Illinois Chicago (Men’s Basketball) at Halton Arena (2:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10 plus
Charlotte Checkers vs. Springfield Thunderbirds at Bojangles Coliseum (4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 plus
The Stanley Cup will be on display at the Charlotte Checkers game on Sunday before their matchup against the Springfield Thunderbirds. Fans with game tickets can take photos with the trophy at 1:30 p.m. in the East Charlotte Room of the Bojangles Entertainment Complex, ahead of the 4:00 p.m. puck drop.
Dylan Earl at Thirsty Beaver Saloon (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
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