By CLTure
December 9, 2025
Monday, December 8
Pop Warner National Championship Week at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex (December 6-13)
Tickets: $25 plus
The Pop Warner National Championships are in town this week for the first time, taking place at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews from December 6-13. The event features 88 football teams from eight regions competing across six age-based divisions (9U–14U) and two levels of play, with each team required to win both its League and Regional Championships to qualify for a guaranteed two-game run and a shot at a national title. The National Cheer & Dance Championships will also be held at the Charlotte Convention Center from December 7-11, featuring more than 550 cheer and dance squads competing across multiple team sizes and nine YCADA divisions, including Show Cheer, Pom, and Hip Hop. The event represents one of the few true national title formats in youth football, with more than 70 games scheduled alongside four days of cheer and dance competition throughout the eight-day event in Charlotte.
Belmont Festival of Trees at Stowe Park (December 1-30)
Tickets: Free
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard (November 28 – December 30)
Tickets: $10 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.
Ice Skating at The Bowl at The Amp Ballantyne (November 22 to January 4)
Tickets: $20.03 plus (adults) / $13.73 (children 5 and under)
Tuesday, December 9
Charlotte Checkers vs. Cleveland Monsters at Bojangles Coliseum (December 9-10)
Tickets: $29.12 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.
Sammy Obeid at The Comedy Zone (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
Ice Skating at Whitewater Center (November – February)
Tickets: $25 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.
The Mike Strauss Trio with Reeve Coobs and Dan Hood at VisArt Video (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10.00
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.
Wednesday, December 10
Jimmy Pearls Pop-Up at Common Market Plaza Midwood (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (Food Sold Separately)
Trixx at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $29.16 plus
Raekwon and Mobb Deep at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $53 plus
New York rap legends Raekwon and Mobb Deep’s Havoc are marking the 30th anniversary of two of hip-hop’s most iconic albums — Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… and Mobb Deep’s The Infamous — with a winter tour, stopping in Charlotte at The Fillmore this week. Both released in 1995, a landmark year for New York hip-hop, The Infamous cemented Mobb Deep as one of Queens’ defining acts, featuring enduring street anthems like “Shook Ones, Part II” and “Survival of the Fittest.” Raekwon’s debut, nicknamed the “Purple Tape,” delivered a cinematic mafioso narrative with Ghostface Killah and contributions from Wu-Tang Clan members, produced entirely by RZA. Mobb Deep last performed in Charlotte as a duo in 2016 (Prodigy passed away in 2017), while Raekwon performed in 2022 as part of the Wu-Tang and Nas NY State of Mind Tour and previously with Ghostface Killah in 2019 at The Fillmore. Raekwon released his eighth studio album, The Emperor’s New Clothes, in July, and Mobb Deep released a new album, Infinite, on October 10.
The Gaming Lounge Video Game Pop-Up at Divine Barrel Brewing (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Jazz Classics with Bryan Patterson and Javier Pizarro at The Gantt (6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Conservancy (December 10-14)
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.
JD’s Holiday Show with Bri Gallagher, Jon Hildreth, Brandon Stevens, and Gena Chambers at Middle C Jazz (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $40.40 plus
Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony at Ovens Auditorium (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $54.15 plus
Kelsey Cook (Comedian) at The Comedy Zone (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $30.76 plus
Thursday, December 11
Dollar Signs, Andy The Doorbum, Saintlogic, and Alexa Jenson at The Milestone
Tickets: $28.25
Charlotte punk rockers Dollar Signs are set to play their final shows with a sold-out three-night run at The Milestone this week. On the first night, they’ll celebrate their 2015 album Yikes, 2017 EP Life is Ruff, and 2014 album Death of the Party, joined by Andy the Doorbum, Saintlogic, and Alexa Jenson. Night two will pay tribute to their 2018 album This Will Haunt Me and 2021’s Hearts of Gold, with Atlanta emo band Micheal Cera Palin, The Eradicator, and Late Bloomer joining the lineup. On the final night, December 13, they will perform a more open-format set, with Peach Rings, Te’Jani, and Bad Idols supporting. Dollar Signs announced earlier this year that they would be disbanding at the end of 2025 after 16 years together. Their most recent album, Legend Tripping, was released in 2023.
Killers of Kill Tony at Ovens Auditorium (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $55.90 plus
Robert Lester Folsom with opener Lily Seabird at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $27 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.
Malik Elassal at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (December 11-13)
Tickets: $23.55 plus
Jake Xerxes Fussell with opener Twain at Visulite Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 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.
M143, Andy Guy Lowe, and Radio Hill at Petra’s (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $9.98
Friday, December 12
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls at Spectrum Center (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 plus
Xavier Omär with opener Alex Vaughn at Amos’ Southend (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $36.40 plus
Coming off the release of his latest album, HunnyMoon Mountain, in May, R&B crooner Xavier Omär will perform at Amos’ on Friday night alongside the talented Alex Vaughn. Omär, best known for his 2018 track “Blind Man,” first gained attention with his 2015 collaborative project Hours Spent Loving You with producer Sango of the Soulection collective. He’ll be joined by Maryland native Alex Vaughn, who is best known for her song “So Be It” from her 2022 album The Hurtbook.
Southern Culture on the Skids with opener Truckstop Preachers at Visulite Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $20 plus
Kickback for a Cause featuring DJ Micki Blendz (Toy Drive) at Loyd Studios (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
A Conversation with Chevy Chase with a screening of Christmas Vacation at Ovens Auditorium (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $66.63 plus
Actor Chevy Chase will be in town for a special screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, followed by a live conversation and Q&A. Hear behind-the-scenes stories and personal memories from the making of this beloved holiday classic, along with insights into Chase’s career, including SNL, Caddyshack, and more. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, a cornerstone of holiday movie traditions, follows Clark Griswold as he navigates the trials and joys of hosting a family Christmas.
Die Hard at Independent Picture House (December 12-14)
Tickets: $11.25
DL Hughley at The Comedy Zone (December 12-14)
Tickets: $48.48 plus
Charlotte Symphony Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas at Knight Theater (December 12-14)
Tickets: $34.19 plus
Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas at Charlotte’s Knight Theater, features festive favorites, blended with traditional songs infused with bluegrass and blues. Conducted by Christopher James Lees and performed with the Charlotte Master Chorale, the show also features Wendy Hickman (vocals), DaShawn Hickman (steel guitar, vocals), April Verch (fiddle, vocals), Joe Newberry (banjo, guitar, vocals), Laurelyn Dossett (guitar, vocals), and Sequina DuBose (vocals). A special one-hour Family Matinee takes place Saturday, December 13 at 11:00 a.m.
Robert Earl Keen at Carolina Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $77.70 plus
Dollar Signs, Michael Cera Palin, The Eradicator, and Late Bloomer at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
Chatham County Line: Holiday Tour with openers Johnny Irion and Jay Brown at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $36 plus
Chatham County Line brings their 2025 Holiday Show to Charlotte this week, featuring special guest singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Johnny Irion and Jay Brown. Known for blending bluegrass, folk, and Americana, the Raleigh-based band has spent over 25 years touring the globe, evolving from their bluegrass roots into a more folk/country-rock style led by Dave Wilson. Expect a festive set featuring the band’s extensive catalog and their latest album, Hiyo (2024), with Dave Wilson on guitars and harmonica, John Teer on mandolin and fiddle, Greg Readling on standup bass and pedal steel, and Darren Jessee on percussion and synth.
Woody, Saving Escape, and Touchdown Jesus at Petra’s (9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $12.27
Dhemo, Kenzie Katlyn and Dazy Bea at The Evening Muse (10:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.06
Saturday, December 13
Nutrient Rich (Art Exhibit) at Goodyear Arts (1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Premium Sound and Substrate Present an All-Day Function Benefiting Carolina Migrant Network (1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
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, 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.
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Christmas Market at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (December 12-14)
Tickets: Free
The 71st Annual Singing Christmas Tree at Halton Arena (December 13-14)
Tickets: $27.86 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 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. The 8th Annual Reindog Parade will also take place at 4:00 p.m. — a fun, costumed walk for pups through Camp North End, free to watch and join, with raffle prizes awarded at the finish.
Holidays at the Plaza at Five Points Plaza (2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Trey Kennedy (Comedian) at Ovens Auditorium (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $42.05 plus
Baran Dance Tiny Dances: Remixed at Petra’s (December 13-14)
Tickets: $19.14
Baran Dance, a nonprofit professional contemporary dance company founded in 2012 by Audrey Baran, returns to Petra’s for Tiny Dances: Remixed, a two-night showcase reimagining past works through a fresh, contemporary lens. Now in its 14th season, the company brings back its beloved annual micro-performance series, featuring remixed solos, duets, and trios choreographed by Baran, Rahquelah Conyers, Mackenzie England, Jherrymiah Go, and Carolina Quirós Otárola, with special guest DJ Sweat Transfer performing both nights.
Broadway Rave at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $27.50 plus
Dollar Signs, Peach Rings, Te’Jani, and Bad Idols at The Milestone (8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Sold Out
Nashville Noel: A Country Christmas Spectacular at Carolina Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $28.40 plus
Magnolia Boulevard and Hustle Souls at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $20.38
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve at Spectrum Center (2:30 p.m. + 7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $69.90 plus
Sunday, December 14
Christmas Double Feature: A Muppet Christmas Carol and The Nightmare Before Christmas at Carolina Theatre (2:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $16.05
AAPI Cultural Holiday Festival at Eastway Regional Recreation Center (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
The AAPI Cultural Holiday Festival returns with a free, family-friendly celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Guests can explore traditional art forms and cultural performances, shop handcrafted holiday gifts from local AAPI vendors, and enjoy snacks and treats representing flavors from across East and South Asia. The festival also emphasizes community wellness with free health screenings, flu vaccinations, and guided yoga, tai chi, and meditation sessions led by experienced instructors.
Carter Anderson at The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s (6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $29.16 plus
Winter Wonderland Market at Monday Night Brewing (12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free
Adrian Crutchfield: For You at Christmas at Middle C Jazz (5:00 p.m. + 7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $41.45 plus
Saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield brings his soulful holiday show For You at Christmas… with Love & Jazz! to Middle C Jazz on Sunday. One of the last horn players to perform and record with Prince and the New Power Generation, Crutchfield has also collaborated with artists such as Lionel Richie, Bette Midler, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Brian Culbertson, and Branford Marsalis.
Chip McGee and Dane Page at The Evening Muse (6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.06
Dean Johnson with opener Esther Rose at Neighborhood Theatre (7:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $16.84 plus
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