By CLTure
December 1, 2025
Monday, December 1
Snowy Days: Winter Experience at Discovery Place Science (November 22 – February 1)
Tickets: $23.95 (adults) $18.95 (children 2-13)
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard (November 28 – December 30)
Tickets: $10 plus
The Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular returns to Ballantyne’s Backyard for the fourth year, transforming the 100-acre park into a winter wonderland with more than a million lights, family-friendly attractions, and all-new entertainment. New for this year is the Winter Wonderland Carnival, featuring the Sooper Jet kiddie coaster, Bear Affair spinning ride, rapid slide, and a classic Ferris wheel. Attendees will also enjoy an expanded half-mile walking trail with 40% more light displays, a walk-through Ice Castle, Princess Carriage, Frosty’s Fun Land with artificial snow, life-sized snow globes, and ballerina performances. Santa Claus will make nightly visits through December 23, while the Holiday Village offers local boutiques, food trucks, and seasonal treats.
Belmont Festival of Trees at Stowe Park (December 1-30)
Tickets: Free
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.
Ice Skating at Whitewater Center (November – February)
Tickets: $25 plus
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.
PartyOf2 with opener Detahjae at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $29.70 plus
Tuesday, December 2
Glokk40Spaz at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $45.65 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.
Charlotte 49ers vs NC A&T Aggies (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $8 plus
Liam St. John with opener Tobacco Road at Amos’ Southend (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $26.85 plus
Carolina Independent Film Collective at Independent Picture House (6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
The Carolina Independent Film Collective, a monthly meet-up for filmmakers and film industry professionals held on the second Tuesday of each month, presents a 120-minute panel exploring the intersection of performance art and video installation. Artists Sarah Ingel, Dylan Gilbert, Megan Payne, and Toby Shearer will discuss how videography can extend the body, memory, and presence beyond the stage, sharing insights into their creative processes, collaboration, and the evolving relationship between live performance and recorded media. The event highlights a range of practices — from contemporary dance and experimental performance to music, video, and digital storytelling — and offers a unique opportunity to engage with Charlotte’s arts community.
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CapitalQ, FRSH Waters, VVG, and E-Dub at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
Wednesday, December 3
Wilde Green and Jackson Fig at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.00
CLT Video Vault Presents: 90’s Indie Rock at Petra’s (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
On Wednesday night, CLT Video Vault returns to Petra’s back patio for an evening of ’90s indie rock music videos, featuring MTV-era classics and underground gems from Pavement, Pixies, The Breeders, Sonic Youth, and more, while karaoke takes place inside.
Little Bird with Jay Hurtt VI at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.38
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.
Erica Rhodes at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $29.16 plus
Thursday, December 4
Happy Holidays – A Soulful Christmas with Jay D Jones (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $45.65 plus
Charlotte Invitational at Spectrum Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $53.10 plus
The Charlotte Invitational returns to Spectrum Center, bringing top-tier tennis back to the Queen City. In a double-header, Frances Tiafoe, a two-time U.S. Open semifinalist known for his athleticism and powerful baseline game, will face Taylor Fritz (currently ranked No. 6), the first American man in 15 years to reach a Grand Slam final, defeating Tiafoe in the 2024 U.S. Open semifinals. Madison Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion and the first woman in 20 years to beat both the No. 1 (Aryna Sabalenka) and No. 2 (Iga Swiatek) seeds at a major, will go up against tennis legend Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, 14-time doubles champion, and Olympic gold medalist.
Admiral Radio and Haunted Like Human at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.06
Yung Gravy with opener Pertinence at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $47.15 plus
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.
Josh Adam Meyers at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (December 4-6)
Tickets: $29.16 plus
Garrett Huffman, Lisa De Novo, and Anna Kimm at Petra’s (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $9.98
Mo Betta Thursdays at Bo’s on NoDa (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10.00
Mo’ Betta Thursdays is a weekly jazz experience curated by Braxton Bateman in collaboration with A-part[meant]. Hosted at Bo’s on NoDa, the series showcases some of Charlotte’s finest musicians, blending jazz, R&B, soul, and hip-hop through dynamic live improvisation and genre-bending grooves.
Pleasure House, Cervix, The Disgusting, I.E.D., and Septix at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.35
Friday, December 5
Jazz Room Holiday Edition: Preservation Hall All-Stars (A New Orleans Christmas) at Booth Playhouse (December 5-6)
Tickets: $46.58 plus
Charlotte Symphony: Handel’s Messiah at Knight Theater (December 5-7)
Tickets: $36.37 plus
Jazzy Gala 2025: Passport Through the Arts at The Gantt (5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $145.03 plus
A night of music, art, and culture at the Harvey B. Gantt Center, the Jazzy Gala 2025 will feature jazz performances, arts exhibitions, and interactive experiences inspired by cities like New York, New Orleans, Hollywood, and Charlotte. VIPs can indulge in a first-class seated dinner curated by award-winning chefs, while roaming reception attendees can join a NOLA brass second line, explore contemporary art galleries, and enjoy an open bar. The evening culminates with the Dancing + Dessert After-Glo on the rooftop terrace, featuring a live DJ, signature cocktails, and decadent desserts.
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Alabama with opener Jamey Johnson at Spectrum Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $37.90 plus
Mint 2 Move Cultural Dance Night at Mint Museum (7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15 plus
Hunnid Dollar Art Fair at Camp North End (December 5-6)
Tickets: $2.00 / VIP ($100)
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, distinctive work from more than 80 local artists. This artist-led, commission-free market — where creators keep 100% of their sales — runs December 5, 6, 13, and 20, offering collectors access to high-quality pieces at accessible prices while highlighting a diverse range of Charlotte talent. The VIP opening experience takes place Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Saturday, “A Hunnid Reasons to Party” will celebrate the opening weekend with a dance party featuring local DJs.
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Ariel Posen with opener Wendlo at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
Charlotte Checkers vs. Rochester Americans at Bojangles Coliseum (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $29.12 plus
Mark Curry at Headliners Uptown (December 5-6)
Tickets: $34.60 plus
Comedian and actor Mark Curry, best known for his ’90s ABC sitcom Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, will perform multiple comedy sets at Headliners Uptown this weekend. The Oakland native was one of television’s biggest comedy stars throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, with memorable guest appearances on Living Single, Martin, and The Jamie Foxx Show, along with a recurring role on The Drew Carey Show.
Long Strange Deal 4th Annual Grateful XMas Jam at Visulite Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10 plus
Willis with opener Hotel Fiction at Amos’ Southend (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $32 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.
Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas with Maggie O’Connor at Carolina Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $40.70 plus
Little Heart Machine, Mandako, and PTSD Radio at Petra’s (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $9.98
Belis, Mvnch, Kenzie Katlyn, Florecienta, and DJ Jovo at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $18.00
Charlotte native hyper-pop artist Belis will headline Snug Harbor on Friday night, joined by Nigerian indie experimental pop artist MVNCH from Winston-Salem, who released the album Sweet Nostalgia earlier this year. Also performing are indie pop artist Kenzie Katlyn, who released her new single “Seeing Stars!” last month, and Latin artist Florecienta.
Camila at Ovens Auditorium (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $96.98 plus
TroyBoi at Blackbox Theater (10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $49.74 plus
Saturday, December 6
Virginia vs. Dayton at Spectrum Center (1:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $59 plus
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 entire campus into a vibrant winter village filled with shopping, treats, music, and family-friendly fun. Explore Mount Jolly for kids’ activities like Santa letter writing and holiday storytime, wander down Candy Keswick Lane for seasonal sweets and hot cocoa, and take in the Tower of Lights — complete with live music, local makers, and creative programming. The festivities continue in the Kinship Winter Village, where residents deck out their live/work studios in full holiday flair. Enjoy food and drinks from all three districts, settle into a Camp North Pole igloo, warm up by a fire pit, browse Vintage Charlotte’s curated market vendors, and snap festive photos surrounded by Studio Cultivate’s holiday décor.
NoDa Holiday Bizarre (12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Charlotte Checkers vs. Rochester Americans at Bojangles Coliseum (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $29.12 plus
ASÉ Wrestling (Two Anniversary Show) at Piedmont Open IB Middle School (6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $26.22 (adults) 13.35 (children)
ASÉ Wrestling celebrates its two-year anniversary with its 13th and final event of the year, showcasing the best of the Charlotte-based, Black-owned pro-wrestling brand. Founded and curated by independent professional wrestler “The Revolutionary” Darius Lockhart, ASÉ has built a loyal following through events that fuse high-energy wrestling, music, and culture. The anniversary show takes place at Piedmont Open IB Middle School from 6-9:30 p.m., featuring a stacked lineup that includes the ASÉ Men’s Championship, ASÉ Women’s Championship, and the Pan Afrikan World Diaspora Championship. DJ Steel Wheel will keep the energy high with music throughout the night, rounding out a celebration worthy of ASÉ’s milestone year.
Christmas Market at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (December 5-7)
Tickets: Free
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Brooklyn FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium (2:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $18 plus
ACC Football Championship Game Fan Fest with Rick Ross at Romare Bearden Park (5:45 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Rapper Rick Ross will take the stage at Fan Fest on Saturday at 5:45 p.m., ahead of the 2025 ACC Football Championship Game. Fan Fest, a free event open to the public, will also feature appearances by all 17 ACC football mascots, ACC Network personalities, participating school bands, and live broadcasts of games on LED screens. Attendees will also enjoy football activities including the QB Challenge, Field Goal Kick, Football Pong, tailgate games, giveaways, and photo opportunities, along with food trucks and a beer garden.
Krampus Krawl 2025 at The Evening Muse and The Chamber by Wooden Robot (5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Ms. Pat at The Comedy Zone (December 5-6)
Tickets: $42.88 plus
Modern Moxie, Cassettiquette, Noir Noir, Family Video, and Little Mountain Kart Club at Snug Harbor (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $14.00
Charlotte indie rock bands Modern Moxie, Cassettiquette, Noir Noir, Family Video, and Little Mountain Kart Club will play Snug Harbor on Saturday night for Y’alltide Fest, a fundraiser benefiting Do Greater Charlotte — a nonprofit that provides kids in underserved communities with access to creative spaces, technology, design, entrepreneurship, and digital media training — and ourBRIDGE for KIDS, an organization that supports immigrant children and their families.
Virginia vs. Duke (ACC Football Championship Game) at Bank of America Stadium (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $75.45 plus
Kirk Whalum at Middle C Jazz (December 5-6)
Tickets: $61.65 plus
Franklin Presents: My Christmas at Carolina Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $91.25 plus
Experience the holiday season like never before with the world premiere of Franklin Presents: My Christmas at the Carolina Theatre. Presented by Sol Kitchen and Black Notes Project, this original, genre-blending reimagining of A Charlie Brown Christmas fuses soulful interpretations, contemporary jazz, and funk-infused arrangements to honor Vince Guaraldi’s iconic 60-year-old album. The show celebrates the legacy of Franklin, the trailblazing Black Peanuts character, while highlighting Charlotte’s next generation of musicians, including performers from the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra and Opera Carolina’s Youth Choir. Atlanta’s Renaissance Orchestra, led by Tyrone “OG” Bowie, Abiye Fubara, and Dionne Davis, will perform alongside Charlotte-based music director Tim Scott Jr.
Of Good Nature, Joe May, and Emanuel Wynter at Visulite Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.00
ANTiSEEN, Kelsey Rae Copeland, and Jason Moss & The Hosses at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.65
Sunday, December 7
Charlotte Comicon at Hilton Charlotte Airport (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $5.00 adults / Free (kids and 12 and under)
Charlotte Book Fair at Triple C Brewing Company (12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Front Page Media’s largest book fair yet is coming to Triple C Brewing on Sunday, featuring 150 vendors and authors — perfect for finding personal, thoughtful, and local gifts for everyone on your list, from books to handmade goods. Local nonprofit Books on the House will be collecting new and gently used book donations, and Billies Buddies will bring adoptable pups ready to meet their potential new owners. The event also includes an author talk with Mollie Goins, along with a signed copy of her new sports romance novel, Pitcher Us. This outdoor fair blends the excitement of a childhood book fair with local authors, handmade treasures, and a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere.
Charlotte 49ers vs. Utah State at Halton Arena (2:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10 plus
Max Manticof at The Comedy Zone (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $24.24 plus
Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets at Spectrum Center (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $28 plus
The Hornets return home after a three-game road trip to take on the Denver Nuggets, led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokić. It will be the Nuggets’ first and only visit to Charlotte this season, coinciding with the team’s Pride Night celebration. The Hornets’ core lineup of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Kon Knueppel has been back on the court recently, although Ball and Miller have been managing their minutes due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Last week, Charlotte won back-to-back games for the first time this season, including a thrilling overtime victory against the Raptors on Sunday.
Holiday Fundraiser Music Show at The Evening Muse (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $14.85
Steve Hofstetter & Friends at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $35.76 plus
Its’s a Wonderful Life (1946) at Carolina Theatre (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $9.90 plus
Celebrate the season with the timeless holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life at Charlotte’s historic Carolina Theatre. Frank Capra’s 1946 masterpiece stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a compassionate small-town banker who, after a mistaken case of bank fraud, begins to doubt the impact of his life — until a wise angel helps him see just how meaningful his presence has been. The Carolina Theatre, a crown jewel of Charlotte’s performing arts scene since 1927, recently restored and reopened, provides the ideal setting to experience this beloved film.
Noel and Maria: A Jazz Celebration of the Holidays at Booth Playhouse (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $52.14 plus
Off Book (The Improvised Musical) at Neighborhood Theatre (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $39.83 plus
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