WinterFest
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC
November 24 – December 10, See website for schedule, All ages, $25+
Summary: WinterFest is packed with all the sights, sounds, food and experiences of the holiday season. The state line will shine bright with over 5 million shimmering lights, a 70-foot tree and lavish displays. Live shows and strolling performers will be delighting guests and spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear. Festive fun and hands-on holiday activities will be located throughout the park, and sweet aromas from special holiday dishes and desserts will fill the midways. Plus, there will be up to 16 rides open to complete your night of memory making.
The Sound Of Music
Belk Theater
130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC
November 24-26, See website for schedule, $25 and up
Summary: The Hills Are Alive! A brand new production of The Sound of Music is coming to Charlotte. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.
Charlotte Christmas Village and Christkindlmarkt
Romare Bearden Park
300 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC
November 23 – December 24, See website for schedule, All ages, Free
Summary: The aromas of specialty foods will drift across the village, from classic Austrian strudels, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, and glazed nuts. Visitors can also enjoy hot mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate and alcoholic-free Glühwein in a souvenir village mug!
The Ice Park
The Speedpark at Concord Mills
8461 Concord Mills Blvd., Charlotte, NC
November 17 – January 15, See website for schedule, All ages, $12 for ice time and skate rentals
Summary: The Speedpark at Concord Mills offers Go-karting, junior karts, two seaters, single seaters, 4 tracks, Newly renovated 18 hole miniature golf, Bungee jump, 110 for fun slide, game room, spider web & ice skating ring.
Light Up Cornelius
Cornelius Town Hall
21445 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC
November 25, 4:00pm – 7:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Festivities will include holiday songs by local performers, children’s activities, carriage rides, train display, refreshments, and a visit from Santa!
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Village Park
700 West C. Street, Kannapolis, NC
November 25, 6:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Kannapolis with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music and entertainment, kids activities, Santa, fireworks and of course, the Winterland Express & Carousel.
Holiday On Ice
NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza
400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC
November 17 – January 7, See website for schedule, All ages, $10 admission, $4 skate rental
Summary: We’re Charlotte, North Carolina’s only outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of uptown. Whether you’re looking for a family friendly activity, a romantic night with a loved one, a unique experience or a holiday tradition, Holiday On Ice is sure to have something for everyone.
The Polar Express Train Ride
North Carolina Transportation Museum
411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC
November 17 – December 22, See website for schedule and prices, All ages
Summary: Inspired by the run-away hit movie, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express.
Winter Wonderland South Park
Symphony Park
4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC
November 17 – January 7, See website for schedule, All ages, $12 for admission, $5 for skate rental
Summary: Relish the magic of the season at SouthPark’s own Winter Wonderland, Charlotte’s newest open-air ice skating rink and ultimate holiday destination. Winter Wonderland’s ice skating rink features fun for the entire family including holiday lights and decor as well as attractions, such as Santa’s Pub.
Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy, Concord, NC
November 19 – December 31, See website for schedule, All ages, $25-$30 per car
Summary: Speedway Christmas is returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway and is even bigger and better in its eighth year. Speedway Christmas will have over 3,000,000 lights with a new and greatly improved lights-to-music drive-thru section along the 3.5-mile course!
Carolina Panthers
Bank of American Stadium
800 S. Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
2017 Schedule
Charlotte Hornets
Spectrum Center
333 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC
2017-2018 Schedule
Food Truck Friday Dilworth
Dilworth
1324 East Blvd. (Corner of Scott Ave & East Blvd.), Charlotte, NC
Summary: Every Friday, 6:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free admission, Rain or Shine.
Free Wednesday Evenings At The Mint Museum
The Mint Museum – Randolph
2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC
The Mint Museum – Uptown
500 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Every Wednesday from 5:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages
Summary:Enjoy free access to both Mint Museum locations every Wednesday night.
First Thursday Downtown Matthews Crawl
Downtown Matthews
230 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC
Occurs monthly on the first Thursday of March – December, All ages, Free
Summary: Local business will be offering amazing food specials, drink specials, entertainment and art on the streets and in the businesses throughout the downtown district! The fun and festivities will start at 5 p.m. and continue through the evening until closing.
Sensory Sensitive Sundays At Chuck E. Cheese
Charlotte and Concord locations (click here for a map of locations).
The first Sunday of every month July – December, 9:00am – 11:00am, All ages, Free
Summary: Chuck E. Cheese’s is proud to support families who have children with autism and special needs. We now offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month. Our trained and caring staff is there to make sure each guest has a fun filled visit.
Bank of America’s Museums On Us Day
Various locations around Charlotte
The first Sunday and Saturday of every month, All ages, Free
Summary: Now in its 20th year, this distinctive program offers Bank of America and Merrill Lynch credit and debit card holders the opportunity to visit more than 150 of the most popular cultural institutions in the United States free of charge on the first full weekend of every month.
YMCA of Greater Charlotte Event Calendar
19 Locations throughout the Greater Charlotte Area
Summary: Most people know their neighborhood “Y” because of its incredible sports, camps and fitness programs but the “Y” has so much more to offer. Spend some time (it will take a while) on the website and learn about all the opportunities the “Y” provides. I promise, you will be amazed.
Child Safety Seat Inspection Station
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
4150 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Occurs the first and third Wednesday of April-December, 9:30am – 11:30am, Free
Summary: Certified technicians will check and help families properly install carseats. No appointment necessary.
Child Safety Seat Inspection Station
Matthews Police Department
1201 Crews Road, Matthews, NC
Occurs the first and third Wednesday of April-December, 9:30am – 11:30am, Free
Summary: Certified technicians will check and help families properly install carseats. No appointment necessary.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands on activities that let you explore more. Plan your visit today. Click on the links below for detailed information on special events, featured exhibitions, featured shows and IMAX.
Featured Exhibitions: For information on all exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: For information on all featured shows click here.
IMAX: For information on all featured movies and showtimes click here.
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Explore the theme of I CAN at Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and offer the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things. The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.
Theme Areas: For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete listing of all featured shows click here.
Current and Upcoming Events: For all current and upcoming events click here.
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Bring little ones for just an hour or the whole day and experience wildlife through live animal exhibits and interactive education programs. The Museum is easy to navigate with fun surprises around every corner. Kids can roam The Great Hall and visit Beginnings, an area filled with young animals and information on their lifecycles.
Featured Exhibitions: For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete schedule of show times click here.
ImaginON: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 416-4630
See website for hours of operation
Summary: This collaborative effort between the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is a 102,000-square-foot facility recently ranked by Livability.com as the No. 1 children’s library in the United States. ImaginOn features two state-of-the-art theaters, a dedicated library space for kids 11 and under, four multi-use classrooms, a teen-only library, a multimedia production studio, and interactive exhibit space.
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
Summary: Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. As a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CRC relies on public financial support to fulfill our mission. Supporters can release a raptor, adopt a bird, make a charitable donation, purchase a membership or sponsor a capital improvement project. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year. Our Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Visit our calendar page for event times or just come and enjoy our nicely maintained trails and see all the amazing birds of prey.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
1500 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC (704) 866-6900
Summary: The natural wonders of North America and North Carolina coupled with the rich history of our region are all reflected in The Schiele’s exceptional exhibitions and diverse programming. Whether you’re indoors or out, with the kids or your colleagues, by bringing you a lot closer to nature, The Schiele will bring you a little closer to yourself.
Featured Exhibits: For a complete listing click here
Planetarium: For a complete schedule click here
Events Calendar: For all events click here
