By CLTure
December 22, 2025
Monday, December 22
Soulful Noel at Booth Playhouse (December 22-23)
Tickets: $50.30 p.m.
A Charlotte holiday tradition returns for its 13th year as OnQ presents Soulful Noel. Directed by Quentin Talley with musical direction by Tim Scott Jr., the original musical holiday revue reimagines the timeless story of Christmas through a contemporary lens. Featuring soulful takes on classics like “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and “What Do the Lonely Do,” Soulful Noel blends R&B, funk, gospel, and soul into a festive, feel-good celebration that’s become a Queen City favorite.
The Silver Haze Band at Visulite Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 plus
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) at Carolina Theatre
Tickets: Sold Out
Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Conservancy (December 22-27)
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.
Tuesday, December 23
Ice Skating at Whitewater Center (November – February)
Tickets: $25 plus
Charlotte Hornets vs. Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 plus
The Hornets play their only home game of Christmas week against the Washington Wizards, looking to win their third game in the last five, though they are coming off back-to-back losses to Detroit and Cleveland. Kon Knueppel became the fastest rookie in NBA history to reach 100 three-pointers on Monday night against the Cavaliers, doing so in just 29 games and surpassing the previous marks of 41 (Lauri Markkanen) and 42 (Luka Doncic, Keegan Murray). Knueppel is currently second in the league in threes made — behind Donovan Mitchell and ahead of Steph Curry — and is on pace for 297, which would shatter the rookie record of 200 set by Murray. The Hornets’ core four — LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Knueppel — have all been back on the court for the last three games and are expected to play against the Wizards. Charlotte will also celebrate its Holiday Hoopla, featuring holiday-themed promotions and giveaways.
5th & York at Middle C Jazz (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $41.45 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.
Elf at Carolina Theatre (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Belk Theater (December 23-28)
Tickets: $52.77 plus
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, the stage adaptation of the 1957 Dr. Seuss book, returns as a must-see holiday favorite featuring the classic songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” The musical follows the mischievous Grinch — narrated by Max the Dog — as he attempts to steal Christmas from the joyful Whos of Whoville. Spectacular sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations transport audiences into a whimsical world, while the music and book by Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe fresh energy into this timeless story of redemption and holiday spirit. The 2025 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard, based on the original work created by four-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien.
Wednesday, December 24
Ice Skating at The Bowl at The Amp Ballantyne (November 22 – January 4)
Tickets: $20.03 plus (adults) / $13.73 (children 5 and under)
It’s a Wonderful Life at Independent Picture House (December 24-25)
Tickets: $11.75
The 1946 American classic It’s a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, will play on the big screen at Charlotte’s Independent Picture House this week. Directed by Frank Capra, the film tells the story of George Bailey, a man who sacrifices his own dreams to help others, only to question his worth when financial ruin seems inevitable. On Christmas Eve, an angel named Clarence shows George what the world would be like had he never existed, revealing the profound impact of his everyday kindness and ultimately restoring his faith in life. Though initially a modest success upon its release in 1946, the film grew into an American cultural cornerstone and one of the most beloved holiday movies of all time.
Ice Skating at Camp North Pole (November 20 – January 4)
Tickets: $20.03 (adults) / $16.88 (children 5 and under)
Thursday, December 25
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.
Mo Betta Thursdays One-Year Anniversary at Bo’s on NoDa (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.00
Mo’ Betta Thursdays, a weekly jazz experience curated by Braxton Bateman in collaboration with A-part[meant], celebrates its one-year anniversary. Hosted at Bo’s on NoDa, the series spotlights some of Charlotte’s finest musicians, blending jazz, R&B, soul, and hip-hop through dynamic live improvisation and genre-bending grooves.
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Friday, December 26
Paint Fumes, Lil Skritt, Fixations, and DJ Fat Richards at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
Above and Beyond at Discovery Place (October 18 – April 19)
Tickets: $23.95 (adults) $18.95 (children 2-13)
Take flight and explore the wonders of aviation and space travel in Above and Beyond, an interactive aerospace exhibition that celebrates the innovations that have shaped flight. From the earliest dreams of the Wright brothers to today’s space exploration and tomorrow’s cutting-edge technologies, the experience brings the past, present, and future of aerospace to life. The adventure begins in a wraparound theater before expanding into five themed galleries filled with interactive stations. Visitors can design and test-fly a supersonic jet, pilot a drone through the eye of a hurricane, experience the sensation of flying like a bird or futuristic wing-flapping aircraft, and even take an elevator ride to the edge of space. With hands-on design challenges, simulations, storytelling, and an expansive multitouch timeline, Above and Beyond invites visitors of all ages to explore the frontiers of flight.
Snowy Days: Winter Experience at Discovery Place Science (November 22 – February 1)
Tickets: $23.95 (adults) $18.95 (children 2-13)
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.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard (November 28 – December 30)
Tickets: $10 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.
Timmy No Brakes at The Comedy Zone (December 26-28)
Tickets: $36.35 plus
FZXXX, DJ Adverb, DJ RPG, B2B, Leish, and Girl Brutal at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $7.05
Saturday, December 27
Kwanzaa at The Gantt (12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (with registration)
Celebrate Kwanzaa at The Gantt with a vibrant, family-friendly event honoring the principle of Kujichagulia (self-determination). Enjoy a full day of activities, including a presentation by Kwanzaa Charlotte on the holiday’s history and traditions, arts and crafts, family photos, and live performances by SHAE Movement African Arts. Guests can also browse a holiday marketplace featuring local entrepreneurs and small businesses, sample baked goods, and experience From Tryon St. to Broadway, celebrating the legacy of Black Broadway musicals and local playwrights.
Gerald Veasley & Karen Briggs Jazz Fusion Duo at Middle C Jazz (5:15 p.m. + 7:45 p.m.)
Tickets: $49.65 plus
Aaron Burnett Quartet at Eighty Eights (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15.00
Congress the Band with openers High June and John Wood at Carolina Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $35 plus
Fast-rising five‑piece indie pop/rock band Congress the Band will headline The Fillmore on Saturday night, joined by eastern North Carolina alternative rockers High June and Wilmington singer-songwriter John Wood. Led by William Bennett and guitarist Thomas “Thos” Spratt — who began jamming together on Congress Street, the band’s namesake –Congress the Band later expanded to include drummer Jett Seawell, guitarist Daniel Guy, and bassist Robert Farmer. The group released their debut single, “Out the Door,” in August 2024 and has since built a solid regional following.
Harvey Street and Weekend Friend at Amos’ Southend (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $23.85 plus
Bonnie X Clyde at Trio (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15 plus
Off The Wall Presents Scenario In Shaolin Vol. 1 at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
Off The Wall, one of the city’s longest-running hip-hop parties, presents an evening of songs showcasing the impact of the Wu-Tang Clan and Native Tongues — primarily A Tribe Called Quest. The tribute honors two of New York City’s most influential rap groups of all time, with Chief Rocka Aking and DJ Justice curating the sounds.
Nghtmre at Blackbox Theater (10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $57.63 plus
Sunday, December 28
Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium (1:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $109.48 plus
Coming off a pivotal division win against the Buccaneers, the Panthers have a chance to clinch the NFC South for the first time since 2017 with a victory over Seattle and a Buccaneers loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Seahawks (12–3) are coming off a thrilling overtime win against the Rams last Thursday night and boast one of the league’s top defenses. Seattle leads the NFL in rush defense, allowing just 3.7 yards per carry, gives up only 6.3 yards per pass, and ranks second in points allowed per game at 18.6. Led by quarterback Sam Darnold—the second former Panther Carolina will face in as many weeks—along with running back Kenneth Walker III and receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, Seattle’s high-powered offense averages 354.9 yards per game, ranking seventh in the NFL.
Sub Focus at Blackbox Theatre (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $60.75 plus
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.
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